GamingPickz

Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality

24 games like Surviving Mars (2026)

Recomputed 19 October 2026 · Ordered by overlap, not by score · Free to read, nothing here is paid for

Every game below overlaps with Surviving Mars on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.

The games like Surviving Mars on a map

Compare the whole catalogue

The same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.

24 games have both

571004789Players →Popularity →

Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.

Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.

Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.

  • Nintendo
  • PC

Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.

How positions are decided

No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
  • Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
  • Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
  • No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
  • A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
  • Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.

The short version

  • Closest match: Planetbase, which both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy.
  • Surviving Mars is tagged Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival, Space, Base-Building, Mars, Simulation by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
  • 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.

Why players value Surviving Mars

The five things Steam players tag Surviving Mars with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.

  1. Colony Sim
  2. City Builder
  3. Strategy
  4. Survival
  5. Space
Surviving Mars at a glance
ReceptionVery Positive on Steam (80% of 28,730)
Watch-outsno widespread problems reported by players
PriceNot listed

Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.

How these were matched

Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.

Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.

All 24, closest first

  1. 1

    Planetbase

    Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 14 player tags including Colony Sim, City Builder and Base-Building; released around the same time (2015).

    Guide a group of space settlers trying to establish a base on a remote planet. Grow food, collect energy, mine resources, survive disasters and build a self-sufficient colony in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

    Planetbase at a glance
    Released2015StudioMadruga Works
    Player sentiment80% positive of 10,438Price$7.49

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (80% of 10,438)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 5 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival, Space

    Why players like it: Colony Sim, City Builder, Base-Building, Space, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:Colony SimCity BuilderBase-BuildingSpaceStrategySurvivalSimulationSci-fi

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  2. 2

    Oxygen Not Included

    Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 12 player tags including Colony Sim, Base-Building and Survival; released around the same time (2019).

    Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive.

    Oxygen Not Included at a glance
    Released2019StudioKlei Entertainment
    Player sentiment97% positive of 143,589Price$24.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.6/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 143,589)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, Strategy, Survival, Space

    Why players like it: Colony Sim, Base-Building, Survival, Resource Management, Building — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:Colony SimBase-BuildingSurvivalResource ManagementBuildingManagementSimulationSandbox

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  3. 3

    Kingdoms and Castles

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 12 player tags including City Builder, Colony Sim and Strategy; released around the same time (2017).

    Kingdoms and Castles is a city-building simulation game about growing a kingdom from a tiny hamlet to a sprawling city and imposing castle. Make trade agreements, alliance, and war with neighboring AI controlled kingdoms. Each villager and resource is individually simulated.

    Kingdoms and Castles at a glance
    Released2017StudioLion Shield, LLC
    Player sentiment94% positive of 31,404Price$19.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 31,404)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: City Builder, Colony Sim, Strategy, Medieval, Building — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:City BuilderColony SimStrategyBuildingSimulationSandboxResource ManagementBase-Building

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  4. 4

    Dyson Sphere Program

    Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 12 player tags including Space, Base-Building and Building; released around the same time (2021).

    Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire.

    Dyson Sphere Program at a glance
    Released2021StudioYouthcat Studio
    Player sentiment97% positive of 91,586Price$19.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.5/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 91,586)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — City Builder, Strategy, Space

    Why players like it: Automation, Space, Base-Building, Building, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:SpaceBase-BuildingBuildingResource ManagementSimulationSci-fiManagementSandbox

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  5. 5

    Jurassic World Evolution 2

    Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Building, Simulation and Management; released around the same time (2021).

    Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s highly successful Jurassic World Evolution. This bold new era in the Jurassic World Evolution game franchise builds upon the ground-breaking and immersive 2018 management simulation.

    Jurassic World Evolution 2 at a glance
    Released2021StudioFrontier Developments
    Player sentiment90% positive of 47,023Price$59.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 47,023)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Dinosaurs, Building, Simulation, Management, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:BuildingSimulationManagementSandboxStrategyCity BuilderResource ManagementSci-fi

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  6. 6

    Jurassic World Evolution

    Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Building, Simulation and Management; released around the same time (2018).

    Place yourself at the heart of the Jurassic franchise and build your own Jurassic World. Bioengineer dinosaurs that think, feel and react intelligently to the world around them and face threats posed by espionage, breakouts and devastating tropical storms in an uncertain world where life always finds a way.

    Jurassic World Evolution at a glance
    Released2018StudioFrontier Developments
    Player sentiment87% positive of 55,272Price$44.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: Very Positive (87% of 55,272)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Building, Dinosaurs, Simulation, Management, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:BuildingSimulationManagementStrategySandboxCity BuilderSci-fiResource Management

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  7. 7

    Against the Storm

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 12 player tags including Strategy, City Builder and Simulation.

    A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors.

    Against the Storm at a glance
    Released2023StudioEremite Games
    Player sentiment94% positive of 37,338Price$8.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: Very Positive (94% of 37,338)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Strategy, City Builder, Simulation, Base-Building, Colony Sim — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:StrategyCity BuilderSimulationBase-BuildingColony SimManagementBuildingResource Management

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  8. 8

    Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 12 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and City Builder.

    Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.

    Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic at a glance
    Released2024Studio3Division
    Player sentiment91% positive of 27,164Price$9.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 27,164)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Strategy, Simulation, City Builder, Base-Building, Management — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:StrategySimulationCity BuilderBase-BuildingManagementBuildingSandboxSurvival

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  9. 9

    Anno 2205

    Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 12 player tags including City Builder, Strategy and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).

    In Anno 2205™, you join humankind‘s next step into the future with the promise to build a better tomorrow. You conquer Earth, establishing rich, bustling cities and grand industrial complexes, but to secure the prosperity of your people, you must travel into space.

    Anno 2205 at a glance
    Released2015StudioBlue Byte
    Player sentiment70% positive of 6,335Price$39.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.4/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (70% of 6,335)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — City Builder, Strategy, Space

    Why players like it: City Builder, Strategy, Simulation, Futuristic, 4X — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:City BuilderStrategySimulationFuturisticSci-fiSpaceResource ManagementManagement

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  10. 10

    Dwarf Fortress

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 11 player tags including Colony Sim, Strategy and Simulation; released around the same time (2022).

    Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world. Keep your dwarves happy, grow their community and beware of digging too deeply. The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created.

    Dwarf Fortress at a glance
    Released2022StudioBay 12 Games
    Player sentiment95% positive of 31,446Price$29.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 31,446)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Dwarf, Colony Sim, Strategy, Simulation, Base-Building — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:Colony SimStrategySimulationBase-BuildingCity BuilderSandboxManagementBuilding

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  11. 11

    Foundation

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 11 player tags including City Builder, Simulation and Strategy.

    Foundation is a grid-less, laidback medieval city-building game with a focus on organic development, monument construction and resource management.

    Foundation at a glance
    Released2025StudioPolymorph Games
    Player sentiment87% positive of 24,163Price$23.44

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (87% of 24,163)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: City Builder, Simulation, Medieval, Strategy, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:City BuilderSimulationStrategySandboxResource ManagementManagementBuildingBase-Building

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  12. 12

    Manor Lords

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 11 player tags including Strategy, City Builder and Simulation.

    Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.

    Manor Lords at a glance
    Released2024StudioSlavic Magic
    Player sentiment84% positive of 90,905Price$25.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: Very Positive (84% of 90,905)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Strategy, City Builder, Simulation, Historical, Base-Building — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:StrategyCity BuilderSimulationBase-BuildingManagementBuildingResource ManagementSandbox

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  13. 13

    Factorio

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Base-Building, Resource Management and Sandbox; released around the same time (2016).

    Factorio is a game about building and creating automated factories to produce items of increasing complexity, within an infinite 2D world. Use your imagination to design your factory, combine simple elements into ingenious structures, and finally protect it from the creatures who don't really like you.

    Factorio at a glance
    Released2016StudioWube software
    Player sentiment98% positive of 233,978Price$35.00

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.6/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 233,978)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Automation, Base-Building, Resource Management, Sandbox, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:Base-BuildingResource ManagementSandboxStrategySurvivalManagementBuildingModdable

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  14. 14

    Going Medieval

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 11 player tags including City Builder, Colony Sim and Strategy.

    Build and manage your own castle settlement in a land reclaimed by wilderness. With detailed management, survival strategy, and a moddable sandbox world, Going Medieval challenges you to build the mightiest colony this side of the apocalypse.

    Going Medieval at a glance
    Released2026StudioFoxy Voxel
    Player sentiment89% positive of 21,362Price$22.49

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 21,362)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: RPG, Early Access, City Builder, Colony Sim, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:City BuilderColony SimStrategyModdableSandboxSimulationManagementSurvival

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  15. 15

    IXION

    Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 11 player tags including Space, City Builder and Strategy; released around the same time (2022).

    IXION is an unrelenting, city-building odyssey across the stars. As Administrator of the Tiqqun, DOLOS’ prototype space station, you are tasked with balancing preservation and exploration as you manage infrastructure, resources and crew. Can you keep the flame of humanity alight in the cold dark?

    IXION at a glance
    Released2022StudioBulwark Studios
    Player sentiment79% positive of 17,614Price$10.49

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (79% of 17,614)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 5 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival, Space

    Why players like it: Space, City Builder, Strategy, Survival, Resource Management — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:SpaceCity BuilderStrategySurvivalResource ManagementColony SimBase-BuildingBuilding

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  16. 16

    Empyrion - Galactic Survival

    Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Space and Survival; released around the same time (2020).

    Build and explore in a true space sandbox survival adventure. Construct mighty capital vessels, sprawling planetary settlements, and vast space stations in your galactic journey to discover the mysteries of Empyrion!

    Empyrion - Galactic Survival at a glance
    Released2020StudioEleon Game Studios
    Player sentiment78% positive of 34,399Price$19.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (78% of 34,399)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — Strategy, Survival, Space

    Why players like it: Simulation, Co-op, Open World Survival Craft, Space, Survival — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:SimulationSpaceSurvivalBuildingSpace SimSandboxSci-fiStrategy

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  17. 17

    Anno 2070

    Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 11 player tags including Strategy, City Builder and Simulation.

    Build your society of the future, colonize islands, and create sprawling megacities with multitudes of buildings, vehicles, and resources to manage.

    Anno 2070 at a glance
    Released2011StudioBlue Byte
    Player sentiment60% positive of 12,703Price$19.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.2/10 · Steam: Mixed (60% of 12,703)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 2 of 5 — City Builder, Strategy

    Why players like it: Strategy, City Builder, Simulation, Futuristic, RTS — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:StrategyCity BuilderSimulationFuturisticRTSResource ManagementManagementSci-fi

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  18. 18

    The Riftbreaker

    Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Base-Building, Survival and Strategy; released around the same time (2021).

    The Riftbreaker is a solo or Co-op base-building, survival game with Action-RPG elements for up to 4 players. Hack & slash countless hordes of enemies. Build up your base, craft powerful weapons and research new inventions to survive.

    The Riftbreaker at a glance
    Released2021StudioEXOR Studios
    Player sentiment90% positive of 24,729Price$8.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 24,729)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 2 of 5 — Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Base-Building, Tower Defense, Survival, Strategy, Hack and Slash — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:Base-BuildingSurvivalStrategyResource ManagementSci-fiBuildingSandboxSimulation

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  19. 19

    Dawn of Man

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 9 player tags including City Builder, Colony Sim and Survival; released around the same time (2019).

    Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.

    Dawn of Man at a glance
    Released2019StudioMadruga Works
    Player sentiment87% positive of 17,830Price$12.49

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: Very Positive (87% of 17,830)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: City Builder, Colony Sim, Survival, Strategy, Simulation — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:City BuilderColony SimSurvivalStrategySimulationSandboxRTSResource Management

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  20. 20

    Satisfactory

    Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Base-Building, Building and Resource Management.

    Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven!

    Satisfactory at a glance
    Released2024StudioCoffee Stain Studios
    Player sentiment97% positive of 278,668Price$39.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.8/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 278,668)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 2 of 5 — Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Base-Building, Automation, Open World, Multiplayer, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:Base-BuildingBuildingResource ManagementSandboxSurvivalSimulationStrategySci-fi

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  21. 21

    Stronghold Crusader 2

    Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, City Builder and RTS; released around the same time (2014).

    Stronghold Crusader 2 is the long awaited sequel to the original castle sim. After 12 years Stronghold returns to the desert with a new 3D engine and powerful Havok Physics. Crusader 2 recaptures the original game’s addictive, fast-paced gameplay and authentic castle simulation.

    Stronghold Crusader 2 at a glance
    Released2014StudioFirefly Studios
    Player sentiment72% positive of 18,080Price$3.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.5/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (72% of 18,080)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: Strategy, Medieval, City Builder, RTS, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:StrategyCity BuilderRTSSimulationBuildingResource ManagementSandboxSurvival

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  22. 22

    Frostpunk

    Why it matched: both survival and strategy; shares 11 player tags including City Builder, Survival and Resource Management; released around the same time (2018).

    Frostpunk is the first society survival game. As the ruler of the last city on Earth, it is your duty to manage both its citizens and infrastructure. What decisions will you make to ensure your society's survival? What will you do when pushed to breaking point? Who will you become in the process?

    Frostpunk at a glance
    Released2018Studio11 Bit Studios
    Player sentiment93% positive of 137,121Price$29.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (93% of 137,121)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 4 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival

    Why players like it: City Builder, Survival, Resource Management, Strategy, Post-apocalyptic — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)

    Shared with Surviving Mars:City BuilderSurvivalResource ManagementStrategyColony SimBuildingBase-BuildingSimulation

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  23. 23

    Prison Architect

    Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Simulation, Building and Sandbox; published by the same company; released around the same time (2015).

    Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect.

    Prison Architect at a glance
    Released2015StudioIntroversion Software
    Player sentiment89% positive of 73,744Price$5.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 73,744)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 3 of 5 — Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy

    Why players like it: Simulation, Building, Sandbox, Base-Building, Colony Sim — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:SimulationBuildingSandboxBase-BuildingColony SimStrategyManagementCity Builder

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

  24. 24

    Hardspace: Shipbreaker

    Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation; released around the same time (2022).

    Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!

    Hardspace: Shipbreaker at a glance
    Released2022StudioBlackbird Interactive
    Player sentiment89% positive of 22,334Price$34.99

    Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: Very Positive (89% of 22,334)

    Matches Surviving Mars on: 2 of 5 — Strategy, Space

    Why players like it: Space, Sci-fi, Simulation, Physics, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most

    Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players

    Shared with Surviving Mars:SpaceSci-fiSimulationSandboxSpace SimStrategyFuturisticBuilding

    Full entryGames like this oneStore page

Common questions

What game is most like Surviving Mars?

Planetbase, on the evidence we have. It both open world, survival, science fiction and strategy. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.

How is "similar to Surviving Mars" decided?

By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.

Are these ranked by quality?

No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Surviving Mars. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.

Do you get paid for these recommendations?

No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.

More on Surviving Mars