4 Best Games Like RimWorld But For PlayStation 5
If you're searching for compelling colony management games that combine strategic depth with emergent storytelling, you've come to the right place. Games like Rimworld exist, and there's a lot to find here!
This genre offers players the unique satisfaction of building thriving settlements from scratch, managing complex systems of survival, and watching dynamic narratives unfold through the interactions of colonists, resources, and unexpected events.
These interlocking systems create endless drama, a formula that has been adapted by other management games with a cult-building twist.
The appeal of these simulation and strategy games lies in their ability to blend creativity with challenge. Whether you're interested in base building, intricate production chains, character-driven narratives, or survival against harsh environmental conditions, there's a wealth of alternatives that deliver similarly engaging experiences. These games reward careful planning, adaptation to unforeseen circumstances, and the delicate balance between expansion and sustainability.
From medieval settlement builders to futuristic space station simulators, this carefully curated list showcases titles that capture the essence of deep colony simulation. Each game offers its own unique twist on the formula, whether through enhanced automation systems, more complex social dynamics, or innovative survival mechanics that will keep you engaged for hundreds of hours.
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4 Games Like RimWorld But For PlayStation 5
1. Stranded: Alien Dawn
Stranded: Alien Dawn is explicitly inspired by RimWorld, offering a 3D colony survival experience on an alien planet. The game features survivors with individual skills, traits, needs, and mood systems that directly mirror RimWorld's colonist mechanics.
You'll manage base building, resource gathering, crafting, and research in a similar progression loop. The threat system includes alien wildlife attacks, harsh weather, and disease, requiring defensive structures and careful management of your survivors' well-being.
The constant struggle for survival is a major draw, and if you enjoy that high-stakes pressure, you should explore games about scavenging for resources in a hostile environment.
The main difference is the 3D presentation and more accessible interface, making it an excellent choice for players who want RimWorld's gameplay with modern graphics. The social dynamics, skill development, and emergent storytelling are all present, creating comparable narrative moments.
2. Dawn of Man
Dawn of Man takes colony management to prehistory, guiding your settlement from the Stone Age through technological advancement. You'll manage tribe members, hunt wildlife, gather resources, and defend against predators and rival tribes.
The survival progression mirrors RimWorld's research system, unlocking new buildings, tools, and capabilities over time. Resource management, seasonal changes, and population growth create similar strategic challenges.
While more focused on technological evolution, Dawn of Man captures the satisfaction of building from nothing. The threats and management challenges scale with progress, providing comparable difficulty curves to RimWorld's storytelling events.
3. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings 3 focuses on dynastic management and character-driven narratives in medieval times. While different from colony building, the emphasis on individual character traits, relationships, and emergent stories parallels RimWorld's strength.
The strategic depth comes from managing realm politics, marriages, succession, and expansion. Like RimWorld's colonists, every character has personality traits, skills, and relationships that create unique narratives.
What connects these games is emergent storytelling and consequence-driven gameplay. Crusader Kings 3's dynasty management creates memorable stories through character interactions, similar to how RimWorld's colonist dynamics generate narrative moments.
4. Evil Genius 2: World Domination
Evil Genius 2 offers base building with a villainous twist. You'll construct an elaborate lair, manage minions with different roles, research technologies, and defend against investigative forces.
The base design and minion management require assigning tasks, managing morale, and creating efficient workflows. Like RimWorld's storytelling events, you'll respond to investigative threats and world domination schemes.
What connects these games is the focus on base building and management systems. Evil Genius 2's unique spy thriller theme provides different flavor while maintaining satisfying strategic depth in lair construction and operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country banned RimWorld?
RimWorld was refused classification in Australia, effectively banning its sale in the country. The Australian Classification Board cited concerns about drug use mechanics, specifically the ability to harvest and administer drugs in the game. However, the developer later made modifications, and a revised version was eventually approved for sale in Australia with an R18+ rating.
Is Clanfolk just RimWorld?
No, Clanfolk is not just RimWorld, though it shares significant similarities. While both games feature colony simulation, individual character management, and survival mechanics, Clanfolk focuses specifically on managing a medieval Scottish clan with emphasis on family relationships, seasonal survival, and a more intimate scale. Clanfolk has its own unique mechanics including detailed clothing and temperature systems, multi-story building, and family lineage dynamics that distinguish it from RimWorld's broader sci-fi colony simulation.
Can I play RimWorld forever?
Yes, RimWorld can be played indefinitely. The game has no time limit or forced ending. You can continue managing your colony for as long as you want. While there is an optional endgame goal of building a spaceship to leave the planet, you're not required to pursue it. Many players run colonies for years of in-game time, constantly adapting to new challenges and expanding their settlements. The game's mod support also ensures endless replayability with new content and scenarios.
What makes a good RimWorld alternative?
A good RimWorld alternative typically features deep colony or settlement management mechanics, individual character systems with personalities and needs, emergent storytelling through gameplay events, complex resource management and production chains, survival challenges that require adaptation, and meaningful player choice with lasting consequences. The best alternatives capture RimWorld's ability to generate unique narratives through the interaction of systems and characters.
Are these games as moddable as RimWorld?
Most games on this list support modding to varying degrees, but few match RimWorld's extensive modding ecosystem. Dwarf Fortress and Factorio have particularly strong modding communities. Games like Oxygen Not Included, Banished, and Kenshi also support mods, though with different levels of accessibility and community size. Steam Workshop integration has made modding more accessible for many of these titles, but RimWorld remains one of the most mod-friendly games in the genre.
About the Author
Miguel (austernotus) is a game developer and pixel artist who believes the best recommendations come from understanding a game's core systems. With a background that spans from high-level MMO PVP (2100+ in WoW) to professional SEO, his analysis goes beyond the surface to find the games you'll actually love.