Games like Sandustry

Factory automation game with pixel-based resource processing and open-world exploration. Build complex production chains using diverse mechanics to industrialize a planet.

97% positive from 3,111 · 2026 · 13% finish it · Steam Deck Playable · $14.99 $9.74 -35% · Lowest ever $9.74 (2026-08-13)

SimulationStrategyEarly Access

Six games like Sandustry

shapez 2 - Factory

97% positive from 14,674 reviews20260% finish itDeck Playable

A 3D factory simulation game about automating geometric shape production. Players build, optimize, and expand multi-layer factories with no limits or enemies.

What players likedPlayers praise Shapez 2 as a highly addictive, pure factory-building puzzle game, often compared to Factorio and Satisfactory but with simplified mechanics and no penalties.

The catchNothing is scarce, so there is no reason to optimize and no real challenge.

Both are tagged Early Access, Strategy and Simulation.

Games like shapez 2 - Factory →

Flotsam

81% positive from 4,450 reviews20258% finish itDeck Verified

A survival city-builder where you recycle ocean trash into a thriving floating town. Explore, rescue survivors, and research tech to create a sustainable, feel-good apocalypse.

What players likedFlotsam is a charming and relaxing city builder with unique ocean-based survival, exploration, and resource management.

The catchVillagers get stuck doing nothing, forcing constant saves and reloads to unstick them.

Both are tagged Early Access, Strategy and Simulation.

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Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander

94% positive from 12,699 reviews2022Deck Playable

A real-time tactical space combat game where players design and command modular starships with simulated crews. Players engage in physics-driven battles, targeting individual ship components for strategic destruction.

What players likedPlayers praise its deep, accessible ship-building and combat, reminiscent of Stardew Valley and space sims like Terrafirmagreg.

The catchShip building is the whole appeal; the campaign around it is shallow and empty.

Both are tagged Early Access, Strategy and Simulation.

Games like Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander →

ASKA

80% positive from 11,868 reviews202472% finish itDeck Playable

This is a Viking settlement survival simulation game. Players build a village, manage NPC villagers, and survive harsh conditions.

What players likedASKA blends Valheim's survival with colony sim elements like Medieval Dynasty, offering rewarding village building and management.

The catchCombat feels clunky and unsatisfying

Both are tagged Early Access, Strategy and Simulation.

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Captain of Industry

90% positive from 11,096 reviews2022Deck Playable

A factory builder on a remote island where terrain is fully diggable, so mountains get flattened and sea filled in for space. Trucks, belts and rail feed the plants while the workforce needs food, housing and healthcare.

What players likedPlayers praise "Captain of Industry" as a deep, replayable factory/colony sim, often compared to Factorio and Satisfactory, with unique terrain deformation and logistics.

The catchFunctional content was sold as paid DLC while the game is still in early access.

Both are tagged Early Access, Strategy and Simulation.

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Norland

82% positive from 10,068 reviews20244% finish itDeck Playable

Medieval colony sim where you manage a noble family's kingdom, focusing on their complex relationships and political machinations. The core loop involves assigning family members tasks based on their skills to build your city and survive.

What players likedPlayers praise this deep, replayable blend of Rimworld and Crusader Kings for its active development and engaging medieval politics.

The catchKey systems go unexplained and the UI hides the numbers needed to plan ahead.

Both are tagged Early Access, Strategy and Simulation.

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More about Sandustry

What players liked

Players praise Sandustry as a polished, physics-focused automation game combining elements of Factorio, Terraria, and Noita with satisfying exploration.

The catch

Billed as automation but most steps still need constant manual babysitting.

Reviews: 97% positive from 3,111
Released: 2026
Finish it: 13% of players
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Playable
Price: $14.99 $9.74 -35% · Lowest ever $9.74 (2026-08-13)
Play: Single-player

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 97% positive, but with 3,111 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View Sandustry on Steam

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