Games like Substrate: Emergence

A calm artificial-life sandbox where you seed tiny Neeblies into biomes, watch families and traits emerge, and preserve rare discoveries in your Lab. Shape the environment, run parallel ecosystems, and decide when to intervene or let evolution unfold. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Neeblarium.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

84% User Score Based on 335 reviews

Gridworld is an artificial life / evolution simulator in which abstract virtual creatures compete for food and struggle for survival. Conditions in this two-dimensional ecosystem are right for evolution to occur through natural selection. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gridworld.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

74% User Score Based on 66 reviews

Vilmonic is an artificial life simulator and evolution sandbox game. Protect each species and selectively breed new ones, analyze DNA, craft tools and buildings, dig rivers and make new islands, find ancient tech, and fend off the haywire zombitons. Craft Farm Breed Evolve! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Vilmonic.

Might and Mandibles is a 2D ant colony sim and real-time strategy game. Command your queen and her subjects, excavate procedural subterranean chambers, assign specialized castes, and gather surface resources while defending the nest from wandering predators and coordinated raids. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Might and Mandibles.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere, graphics

93% User Score Based on 477 reviews

Manipulate climate, add plants and evolve creatures in this planet and life sandbox simulation game. From cells to civilizations, spread life throughout the whole planet. Or just enjoy watching your creation burn! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Planetary Life.

91%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, story

91% User Score Based on 1,172 reviews

Thrive is a free, open-source game about the evolution of life. From the lowly tidepools of your home planet, you will rise to cosmic dominance. At every step, powerful creation tools and deep simulation mechanics will aid your species' development. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Thrive.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

70% User Score Based on 250 reviews

Seed, Breed, Create. From single cell organisms to complex ecosystems. Evolve every part of your own unique aquarium / terrarium by applying realistic principles of natural and artificial selection, in Creatura - ultimate Virtual Evolution Vivarium Simulator. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Creatura.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, story

96% User Score Based on 194 reviews

Welcome everyone!  This is The Bibites   A simulation where you are able to watch evolution happen before your very eyes!  Each bibite (the small critters you see on the screen) starts off with an empty brain (they do nothing) and pretty basic genes (they all look alike).  Through random mutations, one can be spawned with a brain connection that will link two neurons and might trigger a behavior, … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Bibites.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

100% User Score Based on 30 reviews

Cohesion, Alignment, Separation...... In this game, more than 15k particles of three types wander around the screen, each controlled by eight different parameters, together forming a complex and interesting bionic system. You will get a glimpse of many interesting laws of nature in the work, which are simple rules for individuals that evolve into complex group behaviors. From the smallest cell di… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Parametric Creature: Lab.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, gameplay

83% User Score Based on 24 reviews

You are an astrobiologist stranded on a lifeless planet. Breathe new life into this mysterious world by gathering plants, animals, and research upgrades to help it grow back to its full potential. Collect, breed, and evolve over 90 cute and quirky Critters to help you on your journey back home! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to CritterGarden.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, optimization

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, music

82% User Score Based on 60 reviews

A relaxing evolution simulation where AI-driven block creatures move in unexpected ways. There are no complex ecosystems—just pure movement learning through a physics engine. Watch as these creatures scurry, stumble, and evolve in their own unique, unpredictable ways. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ANLIFE: Motion-Learning Life Evolution.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

78% User Score Based on 522 reviews

Grow and modify an ecosystem, with simulated evolution by natural selection creating the lifeforms that inhabit it. All the creatures in the trailer evolved on their own in the game. None were hand-edited! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ecosystem.

53%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

67% User Score Based on 30 reviews

Territory is an isometric 2D real-time single-player strategy about genes and animal species. Animals are behaving the way they would in nature, but you can indirectly control them and mutate them to achieve various goals.Game Highlights Evolve: update genes to change behavior of your species Eat: animals need to eat food to survive, define what food they can eat Reproduce: increase your popu… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Territory: Animals Genetic Strategy.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, gameplay

81% User Score Based on 52 reviews

Your people landed on a virgin forest island. Develop the island, build a house, make fields and barns, develop agriculture, fishery and industry, Let's develop into a wonderful island. It is a box-garden / sandbox-type simulation game that guides people and develops and develops islands. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Your Island: Kimi no Sima.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, music

75% User Score Based on 114 reviews

Breed for stats, looks, and abilities; then use your creations to dominate the entire vacant lot in this RTS/Genetic Simulation. Use fluid "swarm" combat tactics to gain control of resources vital to your colony's expansion and secure a genetic future for your swarm. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beetle Uprising.

41%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

41% User Score Based on 189 reviews

Protect the environment, and save it from harm! Give commands to the animals, observe their rituals and help them survive. Face different disasters, react to human presence and help the animal kingdom flourish in this unique, environmental experience! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Natural Instincts.

Play as a primitive cell in living microscopic ecosystems. Feed, flee, fight, and adapt your organism to survive increasingly hostile biological environments. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Genesis: Rise of Life.

DIG YOUR NEST Doots live in underground galleries that they have to dig themselves. It's the place where they store eggs, feed the larvae and grow the colony. FIND AND CULTIVATE FOOD If you expand the colony, you will soon run out of food! Cultivate your own crops to meet the needs of the colony. ACTIVATE ANCIENT ARTIFACTS You are not alone in this world, and others have walked it before you.… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Glorious Colony.

MiniEco is a cozy top-down nature sim that combines laid-back idle gameplay, hands-on ecosystem management, and a hint of god-like power. Nurture or disrupt evolving species, shape their habitats, and watch as thousands of organisms adapt—or clash—in real time. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mini Eco.

Welcome to the FREE prologue demo for Adapt. All feedback and bug-reports are greatly appreciated. There is no purchase requirement to play the prologue.    Wishlist on Steam Interested in Adapt's future? Come checkout the Adapt Roadmap! ABOUT THIS GAME Adapt is a survival evolution game designed to simulate the constantly changing environments life must navigate to thrive. To succ… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Adapt.

36%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics

57% User Score Based on 14 reviews

Outer Space Shack is a base building game that simulates the key constraints of space exploration. From rocket payloads to solar panel yield, every element in the game is based on real-life characteristics. As you build and expand your space base, you'll need to plan an efficient layout and increase its capabilities through new buildings and machinery. Use rovers to do the heavy work at first, … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Outer Space Shack.

Biosys Inc. is a biology simulator that takes you to a new planet where you will be responsible for the process of abiogenesis. Start with a single cell and watch your ecosystem thrive by itself. All cells carry DNA that will allow them to mutate and evolve into complex beings. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BioSys Inc.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, story

85% User Score Based on 484 reviews

Sipho is an action survival game with an intricate building system. Grow your own creature and take over the local ecosystem. Fight, grow, survive, dominate. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sipho.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, stability

97% User Score Based on 2,598 reviews

Collect Horses. Breed Horses. Race Horses. Genetically Modify Horses. Create a Horse paradise or just get rich! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Horsey Game.

63%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

100% User Score Based on 14 reviews

Keziah’s Realm is an immersive survival game where you and 144 NPCs are scattered across a vast map divided into 36 procedurally generated chunks, each belonging to one of eight unique biomes. From the very start, you must forage for resources, craft essential items, and defend yourself to survive the perilous first night. From then on collaboration is key; forming clans with other survivors allow… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Keziah's Realm.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

81% User Score Based on 9,076 reviews

Critic Score 42%Based on 2 reviews

The Universim aims to revive the glory days of the god-game genre and bring it into the next generation with fresh ideas and ambitious gameplay. With the powers of a god, you are unleashed upon the universe to begin forging your galactic empire in the stars. From dust to the cosmos beyond, your civilization will rise through the ages under your guidance. Yet this is not the same static world you m… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Universim.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

78% User Score Based on 100 reviews

Deep in uncharted space, your expedition took a challenging turn when your ship crash-landed. Master complex simulations to keep your outspoken explorers alive, face unpredictable challenges, and figure out a way back home. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Adaptory.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, grinding

86% User Score Based on 85 reviews

Survive and evolve as an organism with this simulation game in which you will literally start as a single cell and manage and organize all its functions to a fully fledged system! Assemble, breathe, eat, fight threats, produce energy, grow, anything is possible! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Lifecraft.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

91% User Score Based on 7,062 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 1 reviews

Niche - a genetics survival game is a turn-based strategy game combined with simulation and roguelike elements. Shape your own species of animals based on real genetics. Keep your species alive against all odds, such as predators, climate change and spreading sickness. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Niche: a genetics survival game.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

96% User Score Based on 51,372 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Oxygen Not Included.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

94% User Score Based on 4,618 reviews

A spaceship building and universe-exploration game. Collect resources, expand and grow your fleet, and conquer your personal galaxy. Stellar ambience by Peaks. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Reassembly.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:optimization, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

86% User Score Based on 28 reviews

Genesis At the start of the simulation cells with random DNA are spawned. 99% of DNA is not viable so most die pretty quickly. Purple gas bubbles, inspired by hydrothermal vents White dead cells, inspired by marine snow Colorful alive cells, inspired by the diversity of unicellular organisms Grey rocks, inspired by rocks, duh First viable cell After a while the first viable cells appear… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to EvoLife.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, optimization

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

66% User Score Based on 134 reviews

A simulation-based settlement-building strategy game set in a fantasy world - build and grow from a humble colony to control of your own kingdom! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to King under the Mountain.

You run the MMO. They play it. Most games put you inside the MMORPG. This one puts you in the chair behind it. You are the studio, the live team, and the world designer all at once: you build the zones, stock the dungeons, author the loot, set the prices, and open the systems. Then you step back and watch thousands of fully autonomous adventurers move into your world, form parties, grind levels, … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to MMOS: MMO Simulator.

Hey, it’s Me, God, or whatever you call it nowadays.  Look, I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. Humans? Total mess. Dinosaurs? Yeah, still figuring that out. Anyway, you seem...capable enough. So how about you manage the fish? Those little swimming fellas. How fun. I’m giving you the power to soul-bond with fish, shape their ecosystem, and guide their survival. Think of it as... practice. If y… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Spirit Stream.

Build a home. Master the runes. Explore dungeons.RuneEra is a fantasy colony-management RPG where you establish a guild settlement, shape its members through powerful runes and send parties into a procedurally generated world. Automate work and production, balance the needs of your growing guild, gather mana and take command when events, quests and dungeon expeditions become dangerous. Build a L… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to RuneEra.

Arcbound is a colony simulation game set entirely on a single evolving starship. Everything is connected. And everything can fail at any moment. Design and expand your ship room by room, manage oxygen, power, and crew survival, and guide a fragile civilisation from Earth’s final evacuation into deep space. WHAT YOU DO Design and expand your Arcship room by room Manage oxygen, power, water, … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Arcbound.

A cozy colony-building sandbox you can step inside. Shape the land, build homes and grow food for little creatures with lives of their own. Plan from above, then switch to first person to explore your settlement and the world beyond. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Luminids.

Collect Mokitons in this city management game, where tamers and their monsters unite in battle, evolve and bond together in their unique town. Design neighborhoods, unlock stories and grow a feel-good world where every connection matters. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tamer Town.

Harrowlands is a medieval fantasy colony sim where you guide your settlement through the ever-changing world of Elderath. Experience the everyday lives, struggles, and triumphs of your inhabitants—each with their own backstory, traits, and destiny. Choose your story Begin as fugitives who’ve narrowly escaped a reaver’s keep, or as mutated survivors from a forbidden sacrificial rite. Your settleme… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Harrowlands.

[EARLY ACCESS] Project ERAIASON – Evolving Robotic Animats in a Simulation of Nature EVOLVE YOUR OWN AI ROBOT! You are The (zoo)Keeper overseeing a population of evolving AI robots in a dynamic voxel landscape. These robotic animats walk, jump, eat, mate, fight, and adapt to their surroundings as they strive to survive and reproduce. In theory, the capacity for their intelligence is limit… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ERAIASON.

Colony Sim meets 2D Sci-fi Action RPG in End Of World - Story. Manage your space farm and recruit colonists among Space Apes, Sentient Penguins, Humans or Cyborg Beasts. Go on missions to exotic locations armed with quantum bombs, find the relic and triumph. Inspired by Among Us, Cult of the Lamb. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to End Of World - Story.

62%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

90% User Score Based on 20 reviews

PHYSARUM is a sandbox simulation game. Simulate the real world slime mold Physarum polycephalum by generating millions of living particles. Create and mutate slime species in real time to discover countless mesmerizing and emergent patterns. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to PHYSARUM: Slime Mold Simulator.

You control a small colony in the underground of an unknown planet. Mine resources, build a base, explore the world and technology. Supply your colonists with oxygen, food and energy so that they can carry out their tasks. Develop your base by building advanced factories and research new equipment for your colonists Send colonists to get resources Remove land to build more buildings Explor… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dungeon D14.

A deep biological network automation game where you grow a living mycelial network across an alien planet. Consume the local flora and creatures, build biological production chains, and evolve from a tiny spore into a cosmic entity that consumes worlds. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mycelium Conquest.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

90% User Score Based on 406 reviews

Sinner Maker allows you to create characters and simulate a society built around them. Construct homes, manage their needs, and watch as they fall in love, form friendships, and even become enemies. Manage resources and solve emerging problems if you want your soul to be saved. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sinner Maker.

68%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

92% User Score Based on 25 reviews

Embark on a journey in Ooze Keeper, a tactical roguelike where your wits and strategy are the keys to success. Starting with a single island and a handful of slimes, your task is to cultivate, collect, and manage resources to build a thriving slime farm. Can you balance growth and survival to become the ultimate Ooze Keeper? ⚒️ Strategic Building for Maximum Efficiency Starting from a lone isl… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ooze Keeper.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics

95% User Score Based on 81 reviews

Plentiful is a nature sandbox. You shape the land and everything responds—water, plants, animals, and your people. Learn how this world works. Your tribe’s survival depends on it. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Plentiful.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

72% User Score Based on 325 reviews

Monster Lab Simulator delivers the thrill of synthesis and tactical battle. Every experiment is a surprise, and every recipe is a chance to discover something legendary. Are you ready to manage the world's most advanced monster lab? Features: Incubation & ExperimentationPurchase mysterious essences, synthesize eggs, and complete their growth in the incubator to bring unique Fulus to life. Hidden R… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Monster Lab Simulator.

Command your virus to invade cells, wage an all-out war against the immune system, and conquer the world. Cell Battlefield Cells are the primary battlegrounds of the game. You need to command your virus to enter host cells and utilize the replication mechanisms within the cell nucleus to rapidly reproduce. As the virus multiplies, the host cell's apoptosis signaling pathway will gradually be act… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Propa..