The Best Fantasy Games With Base Building, Ranked

As a long-time fan of strategy and simulation games with a soft spot for fantasy elements, I’ve been eagerly following the development of various base-building titles in this genre. Having spent countless hours playing classics like Anno 1404, Banished, and even the original SimCity, my excitement knows no bounds when it comes to exploring new games that offer unique twists on these themes.

Games that let players construct a base are consistently favored because of their high replay value and adaptable gameplay. These types of games can be found across various genres, ranging from simulation to horror and sci-fi. Yet, for numerous gaming enthusiasts, fantasy base-building games hold a special place in their hearts.

In this subgenre, the most engaging games are those that offer a leisurely and thoughtful experience. They provide an array of intriguing building components and interconnected systems for players to experiment with. For those seeking novelty or revisiting old favorites, here is a selection of top-tier fantasy base-building games based on these criteria.

10 Minecraft (Modded)

A Trailblazer For The Genre

The Best Fantasy Games With Base Building, Ranked

As a dedicated fan of Minecraft, I can’t help but acknowledge its significant impact on the base-building genre, despite its relatively light use of fantasy elements at times. Minecraft was among the pioneers to offer complete creative freedom, allowing players to build anything they could imagine. Moreover, its vibrant and expansive modding community is second to none in the gaming world. These mods introduce an array of enchanting, fantastical gameplay elements that transport us into captivating new realms.

Unleash Your Creativity: Develop Dream Structures Anywhere with Patience

9 Mind Over Magic

Build A School Of Witchcraft & Wizardry

The Best Fantasy Games With Base Building, Ranked

Mind over Magic is a lesser-known game that entered early access in late 2023. This game is from Klei, the same developer as Don’t Starve, Don’t Starve Together, Rotwood, and Oxygen Not Included. In Mind 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.

Although not yet fully developed with the refinement and depth found in Klei’s other productions, “Mind Over Magic” is an intriguing game due to its early promise and the esteemed reputation of its creator. With an affordable price point, this title is a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre.

8 Nightingale

Explore The Fairytale World Of Nightingale

In a captivating twist of the survival crafting genre, players embark on a journey as Nightingale’s Reamwalkers, venturing into the enchanting realm of Nightingale. Armed with their wits and determination, they confront ethereal adversaries, construct habitable shelters, and amass knowledge to unlock passages further into this magical land.

The game is still in its early stage of development, but the creator is actively responding to player suggestions and improving various aspects of Nightingale. With a solid base and intriguing concept, this game has the potential to become an exceptional experience. At its current affordable price, the existing features are definitely worthwhile. The project appears to be advancing toward an impressive final product.

7 Valheim

Fight Your Way Into Valhalla

In the survival crafting game, Valheim, which draws inspiration from Nordic folklore, you can team up with friends to embark on an adventure. Your objective: win favor with Odin and the Valkyries by proving your worth as the realm’s bravest warriors. Construct a stronghold, manufacture weapons, and engage in combat against legendary monsters.

Because of its rich history and captivating setting, this game boasts a devoted fanbase. Overcoming every one of the game’s eleven bosses grants players the Forsaken Powers, which amplify their abilities for subsequent battles, making it an appealing choice for those yearning for a semi-divine roleplay experience. Although the building design in Valheim initially appears repetitive due to its modular nature, the captivating lore more than compensates for this aspect.

6 Enshrouded

Build A Castle & Find The Truth

In the game “Enshrouded,” I find myself among the dwindling number of Flameborn. Once proud and powerful, we’ve brought upon ourselves a calamity – an insidious fog called the Shroud that corrupted our world. As one of the few left, my mission is to uncover the truth behind this disaster and return some semblance of peace to the land. But it won’t be easy; the living beings that come into contact with the Shroud transform into grotesque monsters. These creatures are now my primary adversaries, and I must prepare myself for intense battles if I hope to survive.

An effective way to safeguard valuable assets from the Shroud’s impact is by establishing a stronghold, which players have the freedom to design extensively. The selection of the location is at the player’s discretion, while construction involves modular blocks with adjustable window and door arrangements, accompanied by user-friendly building tools and controls.

5 Age of Darkness: Final Stand

Push Back The Creeping Veil

In “Age of Darkness: Final Stand,” you take on the role of leading the last remaining human forces against waves of terrifying creatures. You’ll need to build and manage your base while strategically placing defenses, all while encouraging NPCs to gather resources for you. This unique blend of tower defense and city-building gameplay creates an engaging experience that is both strategic and captivating.

In “Age of Darkness: Final Stand,” every map is created on the fly with a unique “fog of war” feature called the veil. This implies that players must adapt when constructing their bases and that no two gaming sessions will look alike. The main goal remains survival, but the game’s victory condition involves completely lifting the veil. Consequently, expect plenty of construction work.

4 Cult of the Lamb

Become An Adorable Cult Leader

In simpler terms, Cult of the Lamb is a fusion of an engaging combat experience in the style of rogue-like games and a delightful town creation and management simulation. As the charismatic yet sinister leader of your very own cult, you are responsible for overseeing every aspect of your followers’ lives – from constructing dwellings and establishing rules to shaping their beliefs and even choosing suitable decorations.

In terms of the fantasy aspect, the distinction here is that all characters are anthropomorphic animals, while gods exist in a tangible and threatening form. Players will encounter and battle various supernaturally powerful foes, perform peculiar rituals, and even offer sustenance to a deep-sea beast. With multiple free expansion packs available, this game offers an abundance of captivating content for exploration.

3 Dungeons 3

Gloriously Sarcastic & Irreverent

The third installment of the popular “Dungeons” series, titled “Dungeons 3“, follows in the footsteps of its successful predecessors, including the newly released “Dungeons 4“. Although not the most recent addition to the franchise, many gamers will attest to the delightful humor and meticulously designed levels that make this strategy-based building game a pleasure to experience. In “Dungeons 3“, players assume the role of evil’s right hand, constructing an outpost in each stage, expanding their army, and confronting those bothersome good forces.

For every fresh triumph, players are treated to Thalia the Dark Elf’s witty and humorous tale of mischief. Moreover, they have the ability to recruit heroes to the dark side and construct intricate subterranean havens. This game is a budget-friendly option due to its age and frequent discounts.

2 REKA

Become Baba Yaga’s Apprentice

In the enchanting game of REKA, players assume the role of a young apprentice under the tutelage of the renowned witch Baba Yaga. The main objectives include foraging for ingredients, creating crafts, and embellishing a mobile residence. This captivating experience is characterized by its engaging narrative and predominantly features challenges related to exploration and ethical dilemmas rather than combat scenarios.

Among the early-access games available now, REKA stands out for its distinctiveness and depth. Emberstorm Entertainment from Germany is continually enhancing its crafting system and character customization features. Yet, what truly sets REKA apart is its fully developed world filled with intriguing lore and well-crafted characters. This dedication has proven fruitful – REKA was awarded the Most Anticipated Game and Critics’ Choice titles at Indie Cup Germany’23.

1 V Rising

Become The Vampire Overlord Of Your Dreams

In simple terms, among fantasy building games, V Rising takes the lead due to its intricate base-building system, captivating fantasy realm, and extensive roleplay opportunities. As new awakened vampires in V Rising, players aim to amass the strength required to challenge Dracula’s throne, and a grandiose gothic castle is an essential prerequisite for this ambitious goal.

Castles can be constructed on various sites scattered across maps, approximately 200 in total. After choosing a site, players can gradually assemble their castles using resources obtained from neighboring towns. The building possibilities are limitless, and the community takes great pride in displaying their finest castle creations during tours, such as those by Spiteful Crow on YouTube.

2024-07-18 08:54