Looking for the best city building games on Xbox One? Check out this list of top titles that offer engaging base-building challenges.

20 Best City Building Games for Xbox One

If you're searching for a city building game that will give your Xbox One gaming experience some extra flair, then look no further! I'm here to share with you the top 20 best city building games available on Xbox One. Growing cities, managing economies and looking after citizens - there's a game out there that has it all and more! Whether you’re seeking a whole new afternoon of fun or an insightful learning experience, get comfortable and let's dive in to explore the latest (and greatest) city-building titles out there for our console .

1. Cities Skylines

Image Credit: epicgames

• Developers: Colossal Order, Tantalus Media
• Mode: Single-player video game
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Steam, Epic, Microsoft,Xbox One, Xbox Series X.

When it comes to city-building games, Cities Skylines is a must-play title. It offers the most grandiose and realistic building experience of its kind - you'll be tasked with ensuring your burgeoning metropolis meets all standards for functionality and healthiness! And after constructing your dream urban environment, how about testing out its limits with various DLC packs? The possibilities are practically endless in this captivating game. If you're looking for an immersive city-building experience on your Xbox One, Cities Skylines is the definitive choice. From a zany theme park to a bustling urban center, this classic offers up something for everyone. Come build your dream city today.

2. Tropico 5

Image Credit: pcgamer

• Developer: Haemimont Games
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox 360, Mac operating systems
• Initial release date: May 23, 2014
• Mode: Multiplayer video game

The Tropico series of games is a hilarious parody of the traditional city-building genre, as you're not playing to establish a fair and just nation; instead, you assume the role of El Presidente - an authoritarian who looks to build his own utopian paradise through any means necessary. That being said, feel free to exploit resources or indulge in other underhanded activities if it helps bring your vision for "the best place on earth" into reality. In Tropico 5, you'll be tasked with managing your little banana republic's day-to-day operations and the overall economy. Your decisions will affect the lives of countless citizens, so make sure to take into account both their well-being and your own ambition. With its vibrant visuals and interesting gameplay mechanics, Tropico 5 on Xbox One is a must-play title for those seeking a light-hearted and comedic city-building experience. Play it today and get ready to be the ruler of your very own island paradise.

3. Going Medieval

Image Credit: rockpapershotgun

• Developers: Foxy Voxel, Gramophone Games
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux
• Initial release date: June 1, 2021

For those looking for a challenge, Going Medieval is the perfect colony sim game. Following the devastating effects of the Black Death, your small group will start with scarce resources and eventually build an entire settlement from scratch. Despite being in Early Access, there's plenty to explore in this captivating world - plus regular updates! And if you're up for it, even more, complex projects can be achieved through patience and dedication. From managing resources to handling conflict, Going Medieval is a great way to get into the city-building genre. So if you're looking for something more than just base building, this could be the game for you. Play it today and immerse yourself in a world of strategy and decision-making!  You won't even realize the hours slipping away as you build your own little kingdom from the ground up. 

4. Grow: Song Of The Evertree

Image Credit: nintendo

• Developer: Prideful Sloth
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna
• Initial release date: 2021

Experience a captivating adventure with Grow: Song of the Evertree it's an enchanting combination of casual farm game and thrilling quest! The visuals are stunning, and you have ample freedom to explore this magical world. As your personalized character embarks on their journey to rescue the Evertree from Withering, they will gain invaluable allies along the way too such as a lovable dragon companion! Join forces with like-minded individuals in restoring life back into this once vibrant land. Your trip will be filled with plenty of puzzles and enemies to battle against, but combat is not the only way for you to progress. You can also help your allies by developing cities, building structures, creating items, and more. So if you're looking for a different kind of city-building game on Xbox One, give Grow: Song Of The Evertree a go!  Step into a magical world and help bring it back from the brink of destruction.  There's never been a better time to experience this unique adventure.

5. Aven Colony

Image Credit: team17

• Developer: Mothership Entertainment
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
• Initial release date: July 25, 2017
• Mode: Single-player video game

Forge a settlement beyond our solar system in Aven Colony, an intergalactic building game where you take on the challenge of colonizing the planet known as Aven Prime. As head honcho of this new colony, it is up to you to ensure its inhabitants can survive against all odds from unfamiliar environments and threats that don't exist here on Earth. Be prepared for anything if you are going to make your mark in space. As you progress and broaden your horizons, there are still unanswered mysteries in this world that require to be addressed. Will you make certain humanity can survive no matter the situation? With engaging resource management and base-building mechanics, Aven Colony is a great city-building experience on Xbox One. Play it today and start your journey towards creating a new home for mankind in the far reaches of space!  Take on an intergalactic challenge and make your mark among the stars.  It's time to build something truly special.

6. Surviving Mars

Image Credit: paradoxinteractive

• Developers: Haemimont Games, Abstraction
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, macOS, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Classic Mac OS
• Mode: Single-player video game

Space is the mysterious expanse that appears infinite. When it comes to imagining a new home for mankind, Mars is usually our first thought due to its extremely hostile environment; with no oxygen, freezing temperatures, and empty landscapes, trying to establish a living habitat would be quite difficult. In the game Surviving Mars, however, you are tasked with precisely this mission: colonizing and constructing sustainable settlements on planet Earth’s red neighbor in order for your colony not only to survive but thrive.

Taking risks and investing in research are essential for survival on the foreign terrain of Mars. Each colonist comes with a unique set of capabilities, both pros, and cons, to support or hinder your mission. The domed colonies you establish have an amicable retro-futuristic vibe that will captivate any onlooker, with proper planning you can build a thriving settlement that aggrandizes across the planet.  Whether it’s managing resources, researching new technologies, or exploring the planet, Surviving Mars is a great city-building game on Xbox One that will keep you glued to your console for what feels like an eternity. Experience the harshness of outer space and build something special in this interplanetary challenge. Discover if humanity has what it takes to survive on Mars!  Make your mark among the stars and take on an intergalactic adventure. 

7. Tropico 6

Image Credit: windowscentral

• Developers: Limbic Entertainment, Realmforge Studios
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, MORE
• Initial release date: March 6, 2019
• Mode: Multiplayer video game

Tropico is an amusing and enthralling twist to the city-building genre. With elaborate gameplay, you will be deeply engrossed for hours on end in this game. Playing as a governor of a Colonial-era island nation with aspirations of becoming "El Presidente", join Tropico 6 and craft your own captivating story.

In this game, you can fully immerse yourself in a world of political machinations as the ruler of your own tropical paradise. To stay in power, you must do whatever it takes from engineering elections and bribing officials to use military might by issuing edicts. Prepare for dirty dealings and turbulent times while navigating through various eras. 

For those wanting to make their mark in Tropico 6, the game offers a plethora of options for building your dream city from an ancient stone quarry to metropolitan high-rises. The economy is also customizable with different industries and markets that you can tweak as time passes by. For example, you could build a harbor to trade goods or hire a mining conglomerate to exploit mineral resources. You can also employ spies to further your agendas, research new technologies, and set up diplomatic ties with foreign nations.

If you’re stuck between Tropico 6 or Cities Skylines, it all comes down to personal preference. Both games offer an immersive city-building experience but Tropico takes a more narrative approach, while Cities Skylines offers a wider selection of customizations and mod options. For those looking for an entertaining yet challenging city-building game, Tropico 6 is one of the best in the Xbox One library.  To get ahead in your journey as El Presidente, make sure to utilize some of our Tropico 6 tips!  From building your economy to making key political decisions, our guide will ensure that your rule is absolute. Take control and make Tropico 6 your own with these tips.  With proper strategy and a bit of luck, you can build a magnificent tropical empire unrivaled by any other.  Make your mark on history as the powerful El Presidente.

8. Dawn Of Man

Image Credit: steampowered

• Developer: Madruga Works
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Mac operating systems, Classic Mac OS.
• Initial release date: October 20, 2018 

Dawn Of Man is an intriguing take on the 4X city-building genre, providing an engaging and dynamic experience. Its challenging gameplay will keep you engaged for hours as you build your own civilization and protect it from threats.  To get ahead in your journey, make sure to utilize some of our Dawn Of Man tips! From expanding your settlement to protecting against enemies, our guide will ensure that your tribe has a fighting chance. Survive the rigors of an unforgiving world and build a mighty civilization with these tips.  With proper strategy, you can make Dawn Of Man your own and become legendary in this new universe. 

9. Ostriv

Image Credit: rockpapershotgun

• Developer: Yevheniy
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac operating systems
• Initial release date: March 19, 2020

Ostriv is a perfect choice for those looking to experience the serenity of nature while being captivated by an enriching game. In this village-building simulator, you'll start fresh in the Ukrainian countryside and tend to your villagers' needs as you prosper together. 

The attention to detail that has gone into this game really shows; for instance, one impressive feature is how realistic your residents use their land - from growing crops and raising livestock, they can not only make money but also sustain themselves.  As you go along, you’ll need to make sure your villagers have a balanced lifestyle and all their needs are met. Use our Ostriv tips to help you out! From harvesting crops to building mills, our guide will ensure that your village is one of the most prosperous in the land. Take charge and make Ostriv your own with these tips. With a bit of creativity and strategy, you can make your dreams come true and build the perfect village. 

10. Townscaper

Image Credit: steampowered

• Developer: Oskar Stålberg
• Platforms: Microsoft, Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series, X/S Web
• Initial release date: June 30, 2020

Townscaper is unlike any other city builder - it’s a meditative experience. With an impressive array of colors and styles, you can construct your own unique township that will be sure to impress even the most seasoned tabletop gamers! Its versatility allows makers to create townships precisely as they envision them in whatever configurations desired, so let's jump in and get building.  To get ahead in your journey, make sure to utilize some of our Townscaper tips! From creating oceanic towns to experimenting with different building styles, our guide will ensure that your township is crafted perfectly. Take flight and make Townscaper your own with these tips. With the right balance of creativity and strategy, you can create a beautiful township that will last through the ages. 

11. Prison Architect

Image Credit: paradoxinteractive

• Developers: Introversion Software, Double Eleven, Tag Games
• Platforms: Android, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, MORE
• Mode: Multiplayer video game
• Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Persistent Game

Prison Architect: Constructing an Inescapable Fortress of Fun. Have you ever wanted to be a warden, but never had the chance? Now is your opportunity! Instead of designing and building cities, this game allows you to create prisons where inmates can't escape. It seems simple enough until you realize that balance needs to be achieved in order for everything to remain under control. Too much leniency will cause prisoners to escape; too strict regulations may result in riots and chaos within the prison walls! Are you up for managing such a delicate task? Then it's time for Jail Master Mode - engage now with Prison Architect. You can put your fellow challengers' prison designs to the test and see if they're up to par with their structures. Make sure to use our Prison Architect tips before you get started in this exciting game. From creating guard routes to managing inmates, our guide will ensure that your prison is secure and running smoothly. Take charge and make Prison Architect your own with these tips. With the perfect blend of creativity and strategy, you'll be able to build an effective fortress with no escape in sight.

12. Two Point Campus

Image Credit: steampowered

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series,
• Developer: Two Point Studios
• Initial release date: August 9, 2022

With Two Point Campus, you can experience the unique thrill of constructing your own university in an unexpectedly entertaining way! True to its predecessors, you'll need to build it economically and efficiently while still having a blast. This fun franchise offers players the opportunity to create their very own twists on traditional things. Be sure that your project is completed within budget, just like all associated with this series of games - but don't forget to enjoy yourself too.

The building of this university may be traditional, however, the courses available are anything but! Your students will have the opportunity to gain new and innovative skills that aren't widespread in today's world yet.

Unleash your potential and create the university of your dreams.

13. Airborne Kingdom

Image Credit: pcgamer

• Developer: The Wandering Band LLC
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, MORE
• Initial release date: December 17, 2020

The Airborne Kingdom is a unique sky city builder, with the task of creating your own kingdom in flight! As you traverse through diverse biomes, you'll build structures and discover secrets as you explore this beautiful world. You will also need to maintain relationships with other kingdoms on your journey by exchanging goods or funds.

The visuals of Airborne Kingdom are truly breathtaking, with vibrant colors and beautiful designs. The game features a unique in-game economy where the resources you obtain are used to build your kingdom. Put your creativity on display as you build structures made of wood, stone, and metal.

You can customize your kingdom with various decorations such as flags, towers, gardens, and more. As you conquer the skies, come up with new strategies that will help your kingdom become the most powerful of them all! Let the Airborne Kingdom take you on a high-flying adventure that you won't forget.

14. Islanders

Image Credit: islandersconsole

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, MORE
• Developers: GrizzlyGames, Coatsink, Stage Clear Studios
• Initial release date: April 4, 2019
• Mode(s): Single-player

The city-building game, Islanders, may appear simplistic on the surface; however, don't be fooled. You are randomly placed onto one of an unlimited amount of islands and tasked with constructing a powerful civilization. How big can your empire become? Challenge yourself to find out.

When you're ready for a new adventure, explore another island! Each is unique in its form and landscape. This means that with each visit, you'll have to be extra inventive as your build - an exciting opportunity that will push your creativity.

15. The Wandering Village

Image Credit: steampowered

• Developer: Stray Fawn
• Platforms: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox Series X and Series S, Mac operating systems
• Initial release date: September 14, 2022

The Wandering Village invites you to craft a city on the back of an enormous, multi-legged creature known as Onbu. You will need to provide it with sustenance while directing its path and allowing moments of respite - all whilst constructing your own kingdom over top! This game's true brilliance lies in how the building works together with this beastly companion; although the city construction itself may not reinvent the wheel, it serves to elevate and captivate players' experiences that much more.

The Wander Village also provides great opportunities to customize and personalize your settlement. As you create quirky homes for your villagers, you can also alter their biomes and climate in order to shape the perfect environment for them. It's the perfect game for anyone looking for a unique building experience with an extra touch of fun!  Get ready to take off and explore the world with The Wandering Village for Xbox.

With these innovative building games, you'll be able to create amazing structures and empires in a wide variety of settings. Whether it's an airborne kingdom or a wandering village on top of an Onbu, each game is sure to bring you countless hours of entertainment! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start building.

16. Frostpunk

Image Credit: frostpunkgame

• Developer: 11 Bit Studios
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems, Xbox Cloud Gaming
• Initial release date: April 24, 2018
• Mode: Single-player video game

You play the almighty ruler of the final city on Earth in a post-apocalyptic world entrenched in perpetual winter. Easily one of the most difficult roles imaginable, Frostpunk elevates this genre with its survival element - you must utilize every last ounce of your management prowess to keep your citizens alive and well! With extinction looming at all times, you're forced to make decisions that mean life or death for those under your reign. The snowcapped terrains provide plenty of obstacles, but gaining control over heating will undoubtedly be crucial if you want any chance at success.

Temperature control is undeniably essential, but it's only the first step in safeguarding your inhabitants. You'll start out by constructing humble shelters, gradually expanding them into a bustling metropolis powered by steam, and investing resources in technological advancements to improve conditions - all while 11-bit studios' captivating city-builder presents you with numerous opportunities for decision-making along the way. All the choices that shape your people's lives are yours to make. You can craft laws, carve paths, and oversee their daily routines - providing you with limitless possibilities for governing them according to your own ideals.

17. The Colonists

Image Credit: gamestar

• Developers: Codebyfire, Auroch Digital, Mode 7 Games, Codebyfire Limited
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac operating systems
• Initial release date: October 24, 2018

Are you in the mood for something calming and cute? Look no further than The Colonists; an adorable, tranquil city-builder with robotic inhabitants. As their leader, take charge of these robots who have escaped Earth to find a new home among the stars. With one singular ambition - to be human - you can bring them closer to this goal by constructing colonies that mimic those built by people themselves! How delightful.

Step into the vibrant world of The Colonists for a peaceful and rewarding experience. Drawing inspiration from Settlers and Anno, you'll harvest resources to nurture your colony, research new technologies, progress through different ages, explore unknown lands - all with strategic planning! Constructing roads and transport systems require critical thinking; however its serene pace creates an enjoyable distraction that will keep you engrossed for hours on end. After all. even robots need food to pretend they're human.

18. Before We Leave

Image Credit: steampowered

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and S and Xbox One in November 2021, and the PlayStation 4 and 5
• Developers: Balancing Monkey Games, Balancing Monkey Games Limited
• Initial release date: May 8, 2020

In Before We Leave, you are tasked with creating thriving colonies on multiple islands and then expanding your realm to different planets. Each island's climate and soil quality differ from the others, so it is important that you create efficient trade routes between all of them in order for each individual to stay content and healthy. Needless to say, there won't be any battles here since this game revolves around watching your world blossom.

19. Constructor

Image Credit: steampowered

• Developers: System 3, Studio 3
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One,
• Initial release date: 1997

Constructor is a classic strategy and construction video game from 1997. As the constructor, you are in charge of creating an impressive cityscape and managing its inhabitants. You must build homes for your citizens and provide them with services like electricity, water, sewage disposal, and employment. You also need to make sure that their needs are met by building shops, hospitals, entertainment facilities, factories and more. Moreover, you must protect the city from gangsters who want to take it over by constructing defensive towers or hiring police officers. Constructor will test your decision-making skills as you strive to create a prosperous city while successfully dealing with all kinds of problems.

20. Portal Knights

Image Credit: nintendolife

• Portal Knights
• Developer: Keen Games
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, iOS, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
• Initial release date: February 25, 2016
• Mode: Multiplayer video game

Portal Knights on PC is a unique combination of exploration and building elements that take the genre of action-adventure games to a new level. Players are presented an immersive world full of possibilities where they can build their own castles, explore dungeons and engage in exciting battles against monsters. The game provides a variety of tools including pickaxes, swords and bows that can be used to create structures or fight enemies. Players also have access to powerful spells and skills which they can use to defeat their opponents. With Portal Knights on PC, players will embark on an epic adventure filled with exciting challenges captivating visuals. 

It's clear to see that city building games on Xbox One provide an amazing experience for gamers. As this list of the top 20 best city building games shows, there's something out there for virtually everyone - from those who want detailed simulations to those who prefer more casual or creative play styles. The selection of available options has grown exponentially over the past few years, giving video game creators and developers even more opportunities to spread their wings and explore all sorts of new ideas. What's more, these titles can help keep players engaged in different gaming activities for hours on end without them even realizing it! Despite being relatively young in the world of gaming,city building games offer a great way to dip your toes in the water. As this list has shown, there are plenty of excellent options, each with its own unique twist on the genre. Now that you're armed with knowledge about some of the best city building games on Xbox One, why not see what other fantastic stories await by checking out our ranking of 20 Best Games with a Good Story Of All Time?