City building games, known for their exciting blend of strategy and creativity, have captivated gaming enthusiasts for generations. These interactive platforms provide players with a canvas on which to paint their own unique urban landscapes, diligently balancing diverse facets of urban development.
From the rudimentary elements like infrastructure and utilities to more nuanced aspects like budget management and resource allocation, these games offer a fascinating journey that mirrors your city’s growth.
Here, we have listed the top-notch city building games for iOS available in 2023, featuring both premium and complimentary options.
Best Paid City Building Games for iOS
Pocket City
In the realm of paid city-building simulations, Pocket City emerges as an invigorating rendition of conventional city building games tailored expressly for iOS gadgets. This dynamic game offers an arena to manifest residential, commercial, and industrial zones, construct parks and recreational venues, and respond to criminal activities and catastrophes, all while observing your city spring to life.
Unlike many games in the genre, Pocket City forgoes microtransactions and extended waiting periods, instead rewarding and unlocking new aspects through gameplay progression. Pocket City can be yours for a modest $2.99 on the App Store.
SimCity BuildIt
Recognized as one of the most intricate city building games accessible on iPhone, SimCity BuildIt empowers you to construct and plan your city in your capacity as the Mayor. The game affords you the liberty to either replicate a world-renowned city like Paris or craft a unique blend of London and Venice; your imagination is the only limit.
Additionally, SimCity BuildIt incorporates an online component, injecting an extra layer of intrigue by allowing you to connect with other players globally to form Clubs. You can get SimCity BuildIt for free on the App Store.
Forge of Empires
Forge of Empires delivers a captivating city-building experience by combining elements such as ruling your private island dictatorship, an open-ended sandbox mode with modifiable objectives, missions, and user-friendly controller support.
Whether you’re inclined to make broad-sweeping decisions impacting the entire island or indulge in detailed urban planning, Forge of Empires caters to both strategic approaches. Although the game is available for free on the App Store, in-app purchases are optional.
Top Free City Building Games for iOS
Megapolis
Positioned as one of the leading free city-building games for iOS, Megapolis offers you the challenge to erect the metropolitan city you’ve always envisioned. This fan-favorite game sets the stage for you to develop an impeccable urban infrastructure, foster scientific advancement via a research center, augment the mining industry for natural resources, or ascend to the heights of an oil mogul. Megapolis is available for free on the App Store, with optional in-app purchases available.
Fallout Shelter
Fallout Shelter, a city-building game set in the aftermath of an apocalypse, tasks you with the construction and management of your own Vault as the Vault-Tec Overseer. Positioned in the Fallout universe, your mission is to ensure the happiness and safety of your Vault dwellers from the perils of the Wasteland. You can download Fallout Shelter for free on the App Store, with optional in-app purchases available.
City Mania
City Mania is an engaging strategy game that encourages you to build, expand, and populate your city with a diverse range of characters. Your mission is to create the most outstanding city, complete with renowned landmarks like the Eiffel Tower while collecting unique personalities like a policeman with an affinity for donuts. City Mania is available for free on the App Store, with optional in-app purchases available.
Final Thoughts
City building games have found a steady home in the hearts of global gamers, enticing them with a blend of online and offline play modes. While they may not enjoy the same mass appeal as certain other genres, city building games have cultivated a substantial, dedicated fan base. Here, we have listed the finest city building games for iOS in 2023, encompassing both paid and free selections. Whether you harbor aspirations of erecting a post-apocalyptic world or your own version of utopia, the perfect city-building game awaits your discovery.