In the realm of strategy games, few stand as tall as They Are Billions. This post-apocalyptic, steampunk-themed game has captured the imagination of players worldwide with its unique blend of base-building, survival, and intense tower defense gameplay.
However, for those who have already conquered the infected hordes and seek new challenges, there are plenty of other games out there that offer a similar experience.
In this article, we will explore 20 games that share similarities with They Are Billions, offering both familiar mechanics and fresh perspectives for strategy enthusiasts.
Age of Empires Series
The Age of Empires series has been a staple in the strategy genre for two decades, captivating players with its historical settings and expansive gameplay.
With multiple installments to choose from, such as Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, players can lead civilizations through different time periods, managing resources, constructing buildings, and commanding armies to conquer their foes.
One of the standout features of the Age of Empires series is its intricate tech trees. Each civilization has its own unique set of technologies and units, allowing players to develop different strategies and playstyles.
From the mighty siege weapons of the Teutons to the swift cavalry of the Huns, there is a civilization to suit every player’s preferred style of play.
In addition to the engaging gameplay, the Age of Empires series also offers immersive campaigns that bring history to life. Players can relive iconic battles and pivotal moments in history, such as the Battle of Agincourt or the Siege of Tenochtitlan.
The campaigns are meticulously designed to provide both historical accuracy and exciting gameplay, making them a treat for history enthusiasts and strategy fans alike.
With its rich and satisfying strategy experience, the Age of Empires series continues to captivate players around the world.
StarCraft Series
When it comes to iconic strategy games, few can rival the impact and influence of the StarCraft series. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, StarCraft and its sequel, StarCraft II, have become legends in the gaming industry.
Set in space, the StarCraft series takes players on an epic journey through the galaxy. From the desolate wastelands of Char to the futuristic cities of Aiur, each location is meticulously crafted, immersing players in a rich and vibrant universe.
The attention to detail is astonishing, with every pixel and polygon contributing to the overall atmosphere and storytelling.
StarCraft offers a unique and compelling gameplay experience. Players are tasked with managing resources, building bases, and commanding armies in intense battles for dominance.
The three factions, the human Terrans, the insectoid Zerg, and the advanced Protoss, each have their own distinct playstyles and units, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.
While combat and unit control are the primary focus of StarCraft, the series also offers a deep and challenging multiplayer experience. The competitive nature of the game rewards strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and lightning-fast reflexes.
The esports scene surrounding StarCraft is thriving, with professional players competing in high-stakes tournaments and fans worldwide tuning in to watch the action unfold.
Frostpunk
Imagine a frozen world where survival is the main focus. Enter Frostpunk, a unique city-building and survival game where players must make difficult choices to keep their society alive in the face of extreme cold and dwindling resources.
In Frostpunk, players are transported to a desolate and icy landscape, where the remnants of humanity struggle to survive. The game’s steampunk-inspired Victorian era setting adds a layer of intrigue and aesthetic appeal, immersing players in a world that is both familiar and yet hauntingly different.
As the leader of a struggling city, players are tasked with the monumental challenge of building and managing their society. Every decision made is crucial, as the survival of the city and its residents depends on the leader’s ability to make tough choices.
It delves deeper into the human condition, forcing players to confront moral dilemmas that test their empathy and compassion. The choices made by players have far-reaching consequences, shaping the destiny of the society they are responsible for.
One of the key mechanics in Frostpunk is the delicate balance between hope and discontent. As the leader, players must strive to maintain hope among their citizens, as it is the driving force that keeps them going in the face of adversity.
Resources play a crucial role in Frostpunk, as the city’s survival hinges on the availability of food, heat, and shelter. Players must carefully allocate resources, making tough choices about which needs to prioritize and which to sacrifice.
For fans of They Are Billions, Frostpunk offers a similar blend of city-building and survival gameplay. Both games require players to think critically and make tough decisions to ensure the survival of their society.
Stronghold Series
For those seeking a more medieval-themed strategy experience, the Stronghold series offers a blend of city-building, siege warfare, and economic management.
With games like Stronghold Crusader II and Stronghold Legends, players can construct and defend their castles, manage resources, and engage in epic battles.
The Stronghold series emphasizes fortress defense, as players must strategically position their walls, towers, and troops to repel enemy forces. Additionally, economic management plays a crucial role, with players needing to balance resources and maintain the prosperity of their kingdoms.
With its intricate castle building mechanics and engaging skirmishes, the Stronghold series delivers a satisfying strategy experience.
Whether you’re defending Camelot from invading forces, battling against the undead as Dracula, or leading the valiant knights of the Round Table, Stronghold Legends offers a unique and captivating strategy experience.
The game introduces new units and mechanics, such as dragons, werewolves, and powerful spells, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations stands as a testament to the grandeur of empire-building and the intricacies of diplomacy. Combining elements of real-time strategy and turn-based gameplay, this classic game allows players to guide their civilization through multiple ages, from ancient times to modernity.
With a focus on resource management, technology research, and territorial expansion, Rise of Nations challenges players to make strategic decisions that will shape the course of history for their civilizations.
Whether engaging in military conflicts or engaging in diplomatic relations, the game offers a versatile and immersive experience that strategy enthusiasts will appreciate.
Surviving Mars
Surviving Mars offers a unique twist on the strategy genre, focusing on the colonization and survival of the Red Planet.
As the leader of a space agency, players must manage resources, build habitable structures, and overcome the harsh conditions of Mars to ensure the survival of their colonists.
In Surviving Mars, players must balance their colony’s needs, such as food, water, and oxygen, while also researching new technologies and solving unexpected challenges.
With its futuristic setting and engaging gameplay, Surviving Mars provides a refreshing take on strategy games, challenging players to think critically and adapt to the demands of an alien world.
Anno 1800
Transporting players back to the Industrial Revolution, Anno 1800 offers a captivating city-building and economic management experience.
As the ruler of an expanding empire, players must construct and optimize cities, manage production chains, and trade resources to ensure the prosperity of their civilization.
Anno 1800’s attention to detail and immersive atmosphere bring the historical setting to life, with players navigating a web of complex interactions and balancing the needs of their population.
With its addictive gameplay and beautiful visuals, Anno 1800 stands as a worthy choice for fans of They Are Billions.
Banished
In Banished, players must guide a group of exiled travelers as they strive to establish a prosperous and self-sufficient community.
Set in a harsh and unforgiving environment, players must manage resources, build housing and infrastructure, and ensure the survival of their villagers.
Banished offers a challenging experience, as players must make strategic choices to avoid starvation, disease, and other hardships.
With its emphasis on resource management and survival, Banished provides a different yet engaging take on the strategy genre.
Northgard
In Northgard, players embark on a Viking adventure, exploring new lands, gathering resources, and establishing settlements.
With a focus on exploration, colonization, and warfare, Northgard offers a unique blend of strategy and Norse mythology.
Players must manage their resources wisely, construct buildings, train armies, and compete with other players or AI opponents for control over the land.
Northgard’s rich lore and challenging gameplay make it a compelling choice for fans of They Are Billions.
RimWorld
For players seeking a more narrative-driven experience, RimWorld provides a compelling mix of strategy, survival, and storytelling.
In this sci-fi colony simulator, players must guide a group of survivors as they build and manage a thriving community on an alien planet.
RimWorld offers diverse gameplay options, allowing players to focus on different aspects, such as farming, trading, or defense against hostile tribes and creatures.
With its unique events and emergent storytelling, RimWorld keeps players engaged as they tackle the challenges and triumphs of survival.
Tropico Series
The Tropico series, developed by Haemimont Games, offers a different take on the survival strategy genre. Rather than battling zombies, players take on the role of a charismatic dictator in a Caribbean island nation called Tropico.
Your goal is to build and manage your nation, juggling the needs of your people, the economy, and international relations.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Tropico series is its tongue-in-cheek humor and political satire. The game cleverly parodies real-world political situations and figures, allowing players to navigate through a world filled with witty dialogue and hilarious scenarios.
But it’s not all about politics in Tropico. The game also challenges players to master the art of economic management. You’ll need to balance the budget, attract foreign investors, and develop industries to ensure the prosperity of your nation.
Whether you’re a fan of strategy games or simply enjoy a good dose of political satire, the Tropico series is sure to captivate and entertain.
With its addictive gameplay, engaging storyline, and charming characters, it’s no wonder that the Tropico series has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. So, step into the shoes of El Presidente and embark on a journey to create your own tropical paradise!
Factorio
Factorio, developed by Wube Software, is a game that will truly put your engineering and resource management skills to the test. Players start on an alien planet with nothing but their wits and a few basic tools.
You must gather resources, build automated factories, and defend against hostile creatures.
The game’s highly customizable gameplay allows you to design and optimize your production lines, making it a perfect game for problem-solving enthusiasts.
Resource management is a key aspect of Factorio. You will need to carefully gather and utilize various resources to fuel your factories and expand your operations.
The game provides you with a wide range of tools and components to design and construct your production lines. From conveyor belts that transport materials to assembly machines that automate the crafting process, you have complete control over every aspect of your factory.
Factorio’s highly customizable gameplay allows you to tailor the experience to your liking. Whether you prefer a peaceful playthrough focused on building and optimization or an action-packed adventure filled with intense battles, the game offers a variety of options to suit your playstyle.
Endless Legend
Endless Legend, developed by Amplitude Studios, combines elements of 4X strategy games with fantasy lore. Set in the fictional world of Auriga, players take control of a civilization in a battle for dominance.
With its deep and immersive lore, unique factions, and dynamic gameplay, Endless Legend offers a refreshing twist on the strategy genre that fans of They Are Billions will appreciate.
One of the standout features of Endless Legend is its unique factions. Each faction has its own strengths, weaknesses, and playstyle, providing players with a wide range of strategic options. Whether you prefer to wage war with a militaristic faction or focus on diplomacy with a more diplomatic one, there is a faction to suit every playstyle.
As players progress through the game, they will uncover the rich history and mythology of Auriga, learning about the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the land.
This lore not only adds context to the game’s events but also provides players with a sense of immersion and investment in the world they are exploring.
The game features a unique quest system that presents players with a variety of tasks and objectives to complete.
These quests can range from simple fetch quests to epic storylines that shape the fate of the world. Additionally, the game’s turn-based combat system allows players to strategically plan their moves and outmaneuver their opponents.
State of Decay Series
The State of Decay series, developed by Undead Labs, places players in a zombie-infested open world where survival is key. Unlike They Are Billions, which focuses on base-building and defense, State of Decay takes a more personal approach to the zombie apocalypse.
Players must scavenge for resources, recruit survivors, and make tough decisions in order to ensure the survival of their community. With its immersive gameplay and compelling storytelling, the State of Decay series is a must-play for fans of survival and strategy.
Scavenging for resources is a crucial aspect of survival in State of Decay. Players must search for food, medicine, weapons, and other essential items to sustain themselves and their community.
One of the standout features of the State of Decay series is the ability to recruit and manage survivors. Each survivor has their own unique skills, abilities, and personality traits, which can greatly impact the community’s chances of survival. Some survivors may excel at combat, while others may possess valuable medical or engineering skills.
The State of Decay series also excels in its storytelling. The games feature rich narratives that explore the human condition in the face of overwhelming adversity. Characters are well-developed, with their own backstories and motivations.
Overall, the State of Decay series offers a unique and engaging take on the zombie apocalypse genre. Its focus on personal survival, resource management, and decision-making sets it apart from other games in the genre.
Kingdoms and Castles
Kingdoms and Castles, developed by Lion Shield, is a charming city-building game that brings together elements of strategy and simulation.
Players assume the role of a king or queen, tasked with building and managing a medieval kingdom.
From constructing castles to managing resources and defending against Viking raids, Kingdoms and Castles offers a delightful and addictive gameplay experience that fans of They Are Billions will find equally satisfying.
Dwarf Fortress
Dwarf Fortress, developed by Tarn and Zach Adams, is a game that is as complex as it is rewarding.
Often dubbed as the “most complex video game ever made,” Dwarf Fortress puts players in charge of a dwarven outpost as they must dig, build, and survive in a randomly generated world.
With its intricate mechanics and emergent gameplay, Dwarf Fortress offers a level of depth and complexity that few games can match.
The Settlers Series
The Settlers series, developed by Blue Byte Software, offers a classic take on the strategy genre. With its focus on resource management and colonization,
The Settlers games provide a satisfying and engaging gameplay experience.
Whether you’re developing a thriving medieval town or exploring uncharted territories, The Settlers series will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Conan Unconquered
Conan Unconquered, developed by Petroglyph Games, combines the worlds of Conan the Barbarian and strategy gaming.
Set in the brutal and unforgiving universe of Conan, players must build and defend their own stronghold against hordes of enemies.
With its unique blend of tower defense and real-time strategy, Conan Unconquered offers a thrilling and challenging gameplay experience that fans of They Are Billions should not miss.
Surviving the Aftermath
Surviving the Aftermath, developed by Iceflake Studios, is a post-apocalyptic city-building game that puts your survival skills to the test.
In a world devastated by a global catastrophe, players must build and manage a colony of survivors, all while dealing with the challenges of a harsh and unforgiving environment.
With its deep and immersive gameplay, Surviving the Aftermath offers a unique take on the survival and strategy genres.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination
Evil Genius 2: World Domination, developed by Rebellion Developments, allows players to step into the shoes of an evil mastermind.
In this satirical spy-fi lair builder, players must construct their secret lair, recruit minions, and plot to take over the world.
With its humorous tone and strategic gameplay, Evil Genius 2 offers a delightful and entertaining experience that fans of They Are Billions will surely enjoy.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many games available that offer similar gameplay experiences to They Are Billions.
Whether you’re a fan of strategy, survival, or both, these games are sure to provide hours of fun and challenge.
So gather your resources, fortify your defenses, and prepare to take on the hordes of enemies that await you in these thrilling games. Happy gaming!
