Games that allow players to build a base are always popular due to their replayability and customizable gameplay. Base-building games show up in a variety of genres, from simulation to horror and even sci-fi. However, for many gamers, fantasy base-building games are the favorite.
Games in this subgenre are best when they are relaxed in pace, methodical, and have a variety of building pieces and systems for gamers to play around with. Whether players are on the hunt for something new to play, or curious whether their favorite game has made it here, here are some of the best fantasy base-building games by these criteria.
A Trailblazer For The Genre
Minecraft
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. you’re able to survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
The fantasy elements ofMinecraftmay be light at times, but this titan of the base-building genre can’t be ignored. Not only is it one of the first games to experiment with total building freedom, but it boasts one of the most active modding communities in the world, giving gamers a chance tomod in more fantasy-themed gameplay.
In this bare-bones title, players can build anything of their dreams at any location, provided they have the patience. Build any structure from cubes of various colors and textures, with the only limit being their imagination. Players can even make complex quasi-electric machines, enchant their weapons with magic buffs, and brew potions.
Mind over Magicis a lesser-known game that entered early access in late 2023. This game is from Klei, the same developer asDon’t Starve,Don’t Starve Together,Rotwood, andOxygen Not Included. InMind over Magic, players are the founders of a school of witchcraft and wizardry. Manage the studies of students, design and build the school, and explore the dark secrets below in this colony management-oriented base builder.
While this game is still in early access, and therefore currently lacks the polish and complexity of Klei’s other projects, the reputation of the developer and its already promising state makeMind Over Magica game to watch. When combined with the game’s very reasonable price tag,Mind Over Magicis a great pickup for fans of the genre.
Nightingaleis a trippy entry into the survival crafting genre, where players become Reamwalkers to explore the Fae Realm ofNightingale. Players must fight mystical enemies, build shelters, and collect information to open portals deeper into the realms.
The game is in early access, but the developer has been very receptive to community feedback and making great progress at fleshing out some ofNightingale’smechanics.Nightingalehas a good foundation and unique concept that has the chance to make this a great game. Its modest price point is well worth the current content provided, and it looks to be heading toward a fantastic place.
Valheim, another entry into the survival crafting genre, is heavily inspired by Nordic folklore. With friends, players can become the realm’s greatest warriors, sent toValheimto prove their worth to Odin and the Valkyries and crush the forces of evil. Build a base, craft weapons, and fight dangerous monsters of mythical fame.
Due to its lore and atmospheric world, this game has a loyal following. Defeating each of the game’s eleven bosses gives players access to Forsaken Powers, each of which increases the player’s strength for their next encounter, and is perfect for players seeking out a demigod power fantasy. The building system inValheimis modular, meaning most buildings look similar until they are customized with decor, but the lore more than makes up for this shortcoming.
InEnshrouded, players begin as one of the last of the Flameborn. The Flameborn are a nearly extinct race of people who, through their own arrogance, unleashed a corrupting fog across the land known as the Shroud. One of the main goals of this game is to find out what happened and restore a semblance of order to the land. The player’s main obstacle in doing so is the living beings that come into contact with the fog. Most become horrifying monsters, which players will need to fight and protect themselves from.
The best method of protecting important resources from the influence of the Shroud is to build a base, which players can do with significant customization. Not only is the location up to the player but buildings are constructed in small blocks with completely flexible window and door placement along with an intuitive set of tools and controls.
Age of Darkness: Final Standis a top-down tower defense game with base-building elements. Players will command the armies of the last bastion of Humanity, attempting to fight back hordes of nightmarish creatures while expanding. Encouraging NPCs to collect resources and deciding how to lay out defenses are crucial aspects of the game, making it strangely similar to a city builder.
Each map is procedurally generated, and initially covered in a fog of war mechanic called the veil. This means players will need to be flexible when building their bases, and no two playthroughs will be the same. While the primary objective is, of course, survival, the winning condition ofAge of Darkness: Final Standis to completely drive back the veil, so there will be a lot of building to do.
Cult of the Lambis a cross between a rogue-like combat game and an adorablecity-building and planning game. Players become the fluffy, villainous cult leader of their dreams and design the settlement where their cultists live. This can include housing, belief systems, and even decorations.
As for the fantasy elements, aside from all characters being talking animals, gods in this realm are tangible and dangerous. Fight through various supernatural bosses, conduct strange rituals, and even feed a monster of the deep. With several free expansions under the game’s belt, this title has plenty of content to explore.
Gloriously Sarcastic & Irreverent
Dungeons 3
Through enticing the dark elf priestess Thalya from the fluffy clutches of the surface world to become his chief lieutenant, the Dungeon Lord has found a way to direct his campaign of conquest from the confines of his underground lair. With Thalya on the front line, and the united forces of evil to support her, players will have to use every trick in the book to best those do-gooders of the overworld, once and for all!Unleash your dark side by creating a unique underground dungeon from a huge array ofrooms, traps and structures. Raise the most terrifying army the world has ever seen, by choosing from despicable creatures such asorcs, succubae, zombies and much, much more. Then, once you have built your forces, emerge from the darkness and guide your army to the light of the overworld, where you will corrupt the land and dispatch anything even vaguely heroic, cute or unicorn-shaped. And in a first for the Dungeons series, experiencerandomly generated levels, so that no two sessions are alike – never-ending fun for any evil conqueror!The dungeon manager you’ve been waiting for: Dungeons 3 is thebiggest, best, and evil-est dungeon sim yet, topped off with a fully reworkedoverworld RTS mode.Under new management: Command the united forces of evil under the guidance of new character Thalya and lead them to victory.
Dungeons 3is the sequel to the successfulDungeonsfranchise, which recently received another title (Dungeons 4). Despite not being the newest entry in the franchise, few can disagree that the humor and level design of this strategy-based building game makes it a joy to play. InDungeons 3, players act as the hand of evil, building an outpost in each level, growing an army, and taking on those pesky forces of good.
As a reward for each new victory, players can enjoy the sarcastic and lighthearted story of the Dark Elf Thalia, convert heroes to the side of darkness, and build ever more complex underground paradises. Additionally, this title won’t break the bank, as it is a little on the older side and often quite discounted.
InREKA, gamers play as the young apprentice of the legendary witch Baba Yaga. Gather ingredients, craft, decorate a walking house, and brew potions. This is a cozy, story-driven game where players will primarily be challenged with exploration and moral dilemmas, not combat.
REKAis easily the most promising of the early-access games here in terms of uniqueness and richness alone. While German developer Emberstorm Entertainment is still expanding the crafting system and character customization options, the world is very fleshed out with lore and character. This hard work has paid off as well -REKAwas the recipient of the Most Anticipated Game and Critics' Choice awards at Indie Cup Germany'23.
V Risingclocks in as first on the list of fantasy base-building games due to its incredibly detailed base-building, rich fantasy world, and roleplay potential. InV Rising, players are recently awakened vampires amassing the power to usurp Dracula himself, and for that, they’ll obviously need a gothic castle of their own.
Castles are built on plots of land that dot the map, with nearly 200 different potential locations. Once players have selected a spot, they’ll be able to build the castle piece by piece with resources…liberated… from nearby townsfolk. The building potential is endless, and the community adores showing off their best base builds ascastle tours like the one by Spiteful Crowon YouTube.
