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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Steamworld Build (2023) is a strategy simulation game where you build and manage a city and underground mine with monsters lurking in the deep. You place buildings, fortify defences, lay roads and then direct civilians to do jobs above ground and in the mines below. It stands out for this multi-level gameplay and how your designs on the surface and those underground must complement each other by providing the necessary equipment and items.

A strange (and doomed) alien world is covered by an arid desert and ancient ruins. You manage a small colony of steam-powered robots setting up an outpost over an old mineshaft and start building a rocket to save you from the disaster. You slowly expand your settlement with more robots, delving ever deeper and expanding ever outwards as you slowly acquire the resources and tools you need.

Play is about building infrastructure chains and directing the robots to complete tasks and gather resources. The materials you gather enable you to create more buildings and unlock new robots and so the cycle continues. While it starts simply, soon careful planning of your town's layout is required to maintain efficiency.

As you progress you realise that your robots have complex needs that require further buildings and resources; keeping all your subjects satisfied is another part of the challenge. Below ground, you direct the robots to mine for resources and expand the shafts, building support pillars and machinery to help them. In lower levels, there are monsters you need to protect your workers against by building defences and weapons.

The result is a game where constant evaluation of the situation and evolving of your strategy is essential. Maintaining order, efficiency, and satisfaction on the surface while simultaneously defending against monsters and gathering resources below ground makes for a tough but rewarding and involving challenge.

Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Steamworld Build 10 months ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 9 weeks ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to Steamworld Build. Here are some easier younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Simulation and Strategy game with Action, Creative and Sequencing elements. This is a single-player game.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

We haven't documented duration data for this game yet.

BenefitsBenefits

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 7 for Fear and Mild Violence.

Skill Level

11+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Managing all the different systems and citizens requires good prioritisation and multi-tasking skills, and a clear strategy and careful thought are both needed when it comes to planning out your town's layout and your next moves.

CostsCosts

Steamworld Build usually costs £19.99. 

Steamworld Build

Steam StoreSALE PC £19.99 £12.99 until 09/05/2024
XBox Store Xbox One Free Free

Xbox Game Pass

XBox Store Xbox X|S Free Free

Xbox Game Pass

XBox Store PC Free Free

Xbox Game Pass

PlayStation Store PS5 -
Switch Store Switch -
PlayStation Store PS4 -
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 01/12/2023

Price: 35% off

Out Now: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox X|S

Skill Rating: 11+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Simulation, Strategy (Action, Creative and Sequencing)

Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )

Components: 2D Overhead and Grid

Developer: Thunderful Games (@ThunderfulGames)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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