City-building games have long been a popular genre, with titles like SimCity 2000, Banished, and Cities: Skylines standing out as classics. While many of these games are single-player experiences, there are several excellent options that also support multiplayer co-op modes, allowing you to collaborate with your friends in city construction and management.
While most multiplayer city-building games tend to be competitive, there are a few gems that offer cooperative gameplay. These games provide a unique opportunity for players to work together towards a common goal, sharing the joys and challenges of urban planning. Whether you prefer intricate strategy or creative design, these co-op city building games have something for everyone.
8 Skyward Collapse
Steam User Rating: 47%
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2013
- Developer(s): Arcen Games
- Genre: God-Game
Skyward Collapse offers a distinctive take on city-building as a God-game, where players construct cities in a turn-based style, strategizing to optimize their scores. Despite some rough edges and slow-paced gameplay, the title introduces innovative concepts worth exploring. The game supports online co-op for up to eight players, enhancing the collaborative experience.
7 Parkitect
Steam User Rating: 94%
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2018
- Developer(s): Texel Raptor
- Genre: Tycoon
Parkitect delivers a nostalgic tycoon experience, tasking players with managing a theme park and ensuring visitor satisfaction. With gameplay reminiscent of classics like Rollercoaster Tycoon, this title offers both campaign and sandbox modes for up to eight players in online co-op, fostering shared creativity and management challenges.
6 Northgard
Steam User Rating: 87%
In Northgard, players immerse themselves in Norse-themed strategy, expanding settlements and managing resources while competing for control of the land. The game's Conquest mode offers challenging scenarios for online co-op play, allowing friends to cooperate or compete in shaping their virtual realms.
5 Age Of Empires 2
Steam User Rating: 94%
Age Of Empires 2 blends real-time strategy with city-building elements, challenging players to lead civilizations to greatness through resource management and military conquests. The game's 2019 Definitive Edition enhances the classic gameplay, making it easier for friends to join forces in co-op matches via Steam.
4 Tropico 6
Steam User Rating: 87%
Tropico 6 offers a unique city-building experience set on an archipelago, blending resource management and political intrigue. The game's focus on player agency and leadership choices, along with its online co-op mode, allows for engaging collaborative gameplay, enriching the city-building experience.
3 OpenTTD
Steam User Rating: 96%
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2004
- Developer(s): OpenTTD
- Genre: Building, Tycoon
While primarily a tycoon game, OpenTTD offers city-building mechanics that engage players in managing transportation networks across regions. With a focus on infrastructure and profitability, the game challenges players to cooperate or compete with others, featuring an online co-op mode for shared strategic gameplay.
2 Anno 1800
Steam User Rating: 82%
Anno 1800 transports players to the 19th century, challenging them to oversee the construction of a bustling city. With a focus on logistics, economy, and diplomacy, the game offers a rich strategic experience. Enhanced by high-quality visuals and robust multiplayer features, Anno 1800 shines in online co-op mode, encouraging collaborative city-building adventures.
1 Kingdoms Reborn
Steam User Rating: 91%
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2020
- Developer(s): Earthshine
- Genre: City-Builder
Drawing inspiration from Banished, Kingdoms Reborn immerses players in kingdom-building, managing resources and advancing through different ages. Featuring a unique card system for construction and engaging online co-op play, the game stands out for its blend of strategy and creativity, offering a rewarding cooperative city-building experience.