Games like Autonauts

Autonauts is a colony simulation game where players program workerbots using a visual language to automate tasks and build settlements. It offers a sandbox experience focused on creative problem-solving and resource management.

90% positive from 4,940 · 2019 · 2% finish it · Steam Deck Playable · $19.99 $3.99 -80% · Lowest ever $1.00 (2021-07-26)

SimulationProgramming AutomationIndieCasualBase-Building

Six games like Autonauts

Desynced

80% positive from 1,989 reviews20260% finish itDeck Playable

Desynced is an automation strategy game where you build and manage drone logistics to survive on an alien planet. It features deep customization and scripting for a unique automation experience.

What players likedPlayers praise its unique automation programming and puzzle-solving, comparing it to RTS games and dynamic puzzle scripts.

The catchThe tutorial and documentation explain almost nothing about the core scripting systems.

Both are tagged Programming, Automation and Base-Building.

Games like Desynced →

The Farmer Was Replaced

95% positive from 4,265 reviews20251% finish itDeck Playable

A programming simulation game where you automate farming with Python-like code. The core loop involves writing scripts to manage resources and unlock technology.

What players likedPlayers praise it as a fun, satisfying, and addictive programming puzzle game, akin to learning Python fundamentals with visual feedback.

The catchquickly turns into an idle waiting game

Both are tagged Programming, Automation and Simulation.

Games like The Farmer Was Replaced →

Opus Magnum

97% positive from 3,645 reviews201714% finish itDeck Playable

Opus Magnum is an open-ended puzzle game where players design alchemical machines. It features a core loop of programming arms and tracks to transmute elements, offering a challenging and creative experience.

What players likedPlayers praise this Zachtronics game as a programming-like puzzle experience with endless optimization and high replayability.

The catchThe editor lacks copy-paste and step-by-step rewind, making solutions tedious to debug.

Both are tagged Programming, Automation and Simulation.

Games like Opus Magnum →

SHENZHEN I/O

95% positive from 2,251 reviews20162% finish itDeck Playable

A circuit design and assembly programming puzzle game. Players build and code devices with a challenging, technical feel.

What players likedPlayers praise the challenging, satisfying puzzles and the engaging solitaire minigame, reminiscent of real-world engineering.

The catchThere is no in-game tutorial, just a 47 page PDF manual you must read first.

Both are tagged Programming, Automation and Simulation.

Games like SHENZHEN I/O →

Infinifactory

95% positive from 1,792 reviews20152% finish itDeck Playable

A 3D first-person factory building sandbox puzzle game. Players design and optimize assembly lines for alien overlords.

The catchLater puzzles grow long and tedious rather than cleverer

Both are tagged Programming, Automation and Simulation.

Games like Infinifactory →

EXAPUNKS

96% positive from 1,380 reviews2018Deck Playable

Open-ended programming puzzle game where you write viruses to hack systems. Features competitive hacking and user-created puzzles.

What players likedPlayers praise EXAPUNKS as a challenging yet accessible puzzle game, comparable to Opus Magnum, that teaches programming and problem-solving.

The catchRules sit in an external manual you must alt tab to read, and tutorials barely teach.

Both are tagged Programming, Automation and Simulation.

Games like EXAPUNKS →

More like this: Programming Automation Base-Building

More about Autonauts

What players liked

Players praise its unique, chill automation programming, comparing it to a simpler, cuter Factorio for basic programmers.

The catch

You must act out every bot instruction by hand, making repeat programming tedious.

Reviews: 90% positive from 4,940
Released: 2019
Finish it: 2% of players
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Playable
Price: $19.99 $3.99 -80% · Lowest ever $1.00 (2021-07-26)
Play: Single-player

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 90% positive, but with 4,940 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View Autonauts on Steam

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