There are a lot of games out there that give players the creative tools to create what they want in order to move forward. This is one of the biggest elements of the best base-building games, a genre that has a collection of games that have their main focus revolve around creating an effective home. The base-building genre can be a bit loose by definition, so there are plenty of games out there that can claim to be perfectly fit underneath the label.
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Though many might not consider video games a constructive pursuit, these titles with architectural wonders prove otherwise.
However, it's important for people who want to experiment with this mechanic to check out the best base-building games around so that they can see the true draw of this mechanic. Players will lose hours upon hours in these video games as they strive to create the best base possible after gathering a ton of materials. It can take a while, but players who put in the effort will see their bases flourish to become something special.
Updated on November 18, 2025, by Mark Sammut: Base-building games have become extremely popular, to the point that there are almost too many options nowadays. We have created galleries for each title highlighted below, along with adding Abiotic Factor as the latest recommendation.
38 Abiotic Factor
A Survival Game Where You Get To Build A Base And Relax With Your Mates...Also, Something About Gatekeepers?
Abiotic Factor
- Released
- July 22, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Deep Field Games
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
You can practically pick a survival game at random and find base-building mechanics, so a new release needs to have more going on to stand out. Abiotic Factor is one of the most well-rounded games in the genre, offering a fun Half-Life-esque premise, great exploration that directly feeds into base management (and vice versa), and pacing that is perfectly suited for co-op. Although enjoyable solo, the game really shines when multiple scientists are trying to find their way out of their underground labyrinth that has suddenly become overwhelmed with beings from other dimensions.
While you will spend plenty of time on missions and fighting off enemies, Abiotic Factor's base-building element is not an afterthought, and you are given plenty of options to make the place feel your own. Nearly every action takes time, providing plenty of opportunities to just exist within your makeshift home and hang out with your fellow survivors.
37 Fallout 76
Players Can Build Portable C.A.M.P.s
Fallout 76
- Released
- November 14, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Fallout 76 had a bad rap back when it launched, but a slew of updates and expansions have done a great job of making the game palatable in the eyes of many once again. Given how big the Fallout TV adaptation has become, most people would love to check out a multiplayer-focused game in this post-apocalyptic series.
The settlement-building mechanics from Fallout 4 are present in this title, albeit in a unique manner. The C.A.M.P.s in this game are portable and can be decked out with the right materials. Bringing out a cozy crash pad in the middle of the wasteland is a unique way to let players interact with one of the best base-building games that's a ton of fun to interact with.
36 Dragon Quest Builders 2
Base-Building Mechanics That Elicit Minecraft's Vibe
Dragon Quest Builders 2
- Released
- July 12, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix, Omega Force
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Adventure
The Dragon Quest series has slowly gained more traction in the West, with games like Dragon Quest 11 doing a great job of modernizing the series with some much-needed gameplay improvements and quality-of-life changes. Another great way that Square Enix has tried to broaden the appeal of this series is with a spin-off that adds a unique gameplay element to the series.
Dragon Quest Builders and its sequel are two of the best base-building games JRPG fans can check out. The traditional turn-based combat of the series may be replaced with a real-time action variant, but that shouldn't take anything away from the allure of this brilliant game. Players will love gathering materials and turning their unimpressive base into something special as they slowly but surely make progress in this well-paced game.
35 Fallout 4
Base-Building Is A Fun Distraction, Even If It Lacks Some Depth
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Fallout 4 is a video game that players have slowly come to appreciate, especially after Starfield highlighted how important it was for Bethesda's core gameplay loop to require handcrafted open worlds with many unique visuals, landmarks, and one-of-a-kind secrets to uncover. Fallout 4 was a huge phenomenon when it launched, with many people loving the settlement-building mechanics this game brought to the table.
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While some items are completely fine to sell for extra Caps in Fallout 4, these are ones that you should hold onto.
Sure, building a base came with a set of restrictions and wasn't as in-depth as most people would've liked, but it was still a great side activity worth checking out for players who wanted to populate their settlements and protect them against any attacks. If players found this mechanic lacking, then mods could always swoop in to save the day.
Mods elevate Fallout 4's base building to the next level.
34 Project Zomboid
Create A Base To Protect Yourself From Zombies
Project Zomboid
- Released
- November 8, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- The Indie Stone
- Publisher(s)
- The Indie Stone
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Like most survival games out there, Project Zomboid has intricate base-building mechanics. Project Zomboid is a hardcore, open-world zombie survival game that throws players into a world overrun by the undead. To survive, players need to build a strong base to protect themselves from the hordes of zombies.
When building a base, players should find easily accessible locations to gather resources, like water, food, and building materials, and avoid dangerous areas. Having access to water sources, tough walls, storage space, multiple entry points, and multiple floors are just a few of the things players need to keep in mind. For players looking for a game that pushes their limits and tests their survival and base-building skills, Project Zomboid is the perfect choice.
33 Terraria
Best Alternative for Minecraft Lovers
Terraria
- Released
- May 16, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Re-Logic
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Vita, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, 3DS, Stadia, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Terraria is a 2D sandbox adventure game with intricate base-building mechanics. Those who are familiar with Minecraft will enjoy the depth of the crafting system, which rivals or even surpasses Minecraft's in complexity. Nothing is impossible in Terraria, players have complete freedom to design and construct structures of any shape and size, limited only by their imagination.
Interestingly, the biomes of Terraria can influence the look and feel of the bases. Each biome has a unique identity, defined by distinct terrain blocks, collectible treasures, enemies, critters, and other features. Besides this, a fundamental aspect of base building in Terraria is creating suitable houses for NPCs.
Attracting NPCs is important as these helpful characters provide valuable services, such as selling items, healing, and crafting. Additionally, Terraria has many events and enemy invasions. Because of this, many players build very defensive bases. All in all, Terraria is the perfect choice for players looking for a game that pushes their limits and tests their exploration and base-building skills.
32 Medieval Dynasty
Create A Village In Medieval Times
Medieval Dynasty
- Released
- December 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Render Cube
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Strategy
Players who want to check out an engaging survival game set in medieval times that includes base-building elements will love what Medieval Dynasty has to offer. There aren't many historically accurate games that players can sink their teeth in, so it's easy to see why this title will pique the interest of fans who want to check out some of the best base-building games around with a unique setting.
One of the major draws of this game is constructing a village from the ground up, attracting settlers as players create a host of important buildings to help their base grow. This gameplay loop is executed brilliantly and helps Medieval Dynasty stand out as one of the better survival games that will keep players busy for hours on end.
31 No Man’s Sky
Build Your Personal Residence in the Galaxy
No Man's Sky
- Released
- August 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Hello Games
- Publisher(s)
- Hello Games
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Like many open-universe exploration games, No Man's Sky features deeply intricate base-building mechanics. No Man's Sky is a procedurally generated, open-world adventure that throws players into a vast cosmos filled with diverse planets and alien life. Players can establish bases on virtually any planet in the game, opening the doors to exploration and discovery.
When establishing a base in No Man's Sky, players should prioritize locations with readily available resources, such as minerals and gases, and consider the environmental hazards of the planet. Access to power sources, efficient resource extractors, secure storage facilities, and a teleporter for interstellar travel are just a few of the critical aspects players must consider. Another thing to keep in mind is that there are limits to the number of bases and base components that can be created. However, with recent updates, the base-building system has significantly grown and introduced new building components and technologies.
30 7 Days To Die
Form A Base That Can Withstand A Zombie Assault At The End Of Every Week
7 Days to Die
- Released
- June 28, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- The Fun Pimps
- Platform(s)
- Linux, macOS, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
The key to the best base-building games is to make everything harvestable, giving the player the ability to set up their home wherever they like. This is part of the idea behind 7 Days to Die, a survival horror game that was released in 2013 in early access, where it remained for more than a decade. However, since July 2024, the 1.0 has been available to play (and has even been updated).
Set in the nuclear apocalypse post-World War III, players must survive while being hunted down by zombies that have come to life due to the effects of the war. Bases are not just a safe haven, as they can also be filled with traps that can kill zombies looking to break in. Base building is a core part of the 7 Days to Die routine, and you will need to get good at managing your resources if you want to survive.
29 The Wandering Village
Build A Community On Top Of A Moving Giant
The Wandering Village
- Released
- July 17, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
City-builders tend to be a very different type of base-building game, as they tend to focus more on creating a civilization without a ton of pressure. However, there are a few games that add stakes to this, including The Wandering Village. After spending a few years in early access, the game officially launched in July 2025.
Players work to build a society on the back of a colossal creature that is also attempting to survive on its own. The world has fallen apart thanks to mysterious plants that are poisonous to all, and it is up to the player to build up a community that can protect the people living there as well as the giant that carries them. The concept is fascinating, and while the premise is quite dark, The Wandering Village is a fairly wholesome and cozy game with gorgeous visuals and accessible but still deep base building.