31 Simulation games like Stellaris that you should try

On paper it is what Stellaris is — a sandbox world, tactical combat and historical setting — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. The common ground extends to multiplayer gameplay and resource management. Where they diverge is setting and progression.

Genre puts it alongside Stellaris, and so does a sandbox world, tactical combat and historical setting. To that it adds multiplayer gameplay and resource management. They part company on setting and world: this one brings open world exploration and fantasy world.

Its point of contact with Stellaris is a sandbox world, historical setting and single-player focus. Both also lean on an isometric view. The distance is in setting.

Same family as Stellaris: a sandbox world, tactical combat and historical setting. To that it adds resource management and an isometric view. They part company on setting and progression: this one brings a medieval setting and base building.

Shelved next to Stellaris for good reason: a sandbox world, tactical combat and historical setting. To that it adds an isometric view and single-player focus. They part company on setting and progression: this one brings melee combat and a medieval setting.

The genre is the same as Stellaris’s, and with it strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and a sci-fi setting. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and an isometric view. Where the two diverge is setting and progression: base building.

Same family as Stellaris: a sandbox world, tactical combat and historical setting. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and an isometric view. The distance is in setting and progression — its own ground is open world exploration and ranged combat.

With Stellaris it shares tactical combat, historical setting and single-player focus. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery. Where the two diverge is setting: fantasy world.

With Stellaris it shares tactical combat, historical setting and single-player focus. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery. Where the two diverge is setting: a medieval setting.

With Stellaris it shares strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and single-player focus. To that it adds an isometric view and resource management. They part company on progression: this one brings base building.

Its point of contact with Stellaris is a sandbox world, historical setting and single-player focus. Both also lean on an isometric view. The distance is in setting — its own ground is a medieval setting.

Same family as Stellaris: tactical combat, historical setting and single-player focus. The common ground extends to an isometric view. Where the two diverge is setting and combat: melee combat.

Genre puts it alongside Stellaris, and so does procedural generation, a sci-fi setting and single-player focus. The common ground extends to resource management. Where the two diverge is progression and game mode: base building.

On paper it is what Stellaris is — tactical combat, historical setting and single-player focus — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. To that it adds an isometric view. They part company on setting and combat: this one brings melee combat and a medieval setting.

It meets Stellaris on a sandbox world, single-player focus and resource management. To that it adds an isometric view. They part company on tone: this one brings a casual, approachable feel.