GameWatcher rounds up a selection of city-building games like Anno 117: Pax Romana, currently discounted across PC storefronts.
One of the most relaxing genres out there has to be city builders. The only downside? They’re so easygoing that what starts as “just 20 minutes” can quietly consume an entire day.
Still, I’m always on the lookout for new ones to try, even if it means sacrificing more of my future free time. At the very least, they should come cheap. So, I’ve scouted a handful of discounted city builders (and adjacent picks) currently available across PC storefronts.
Building Empires on a Budget
First up, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but in Anno 117: Pax Romana, you can certainly give it a good go. Ubisoft’s latest historical builder is currently 25% off on the Ubisoft Store, bringing it down to £37.49. Maybe your empire will fare better than the original.
Sticking with history, Knights of the Crusades blends RTS and city-building elements, placing you in the role of a Templar founder during the First Crusade. It’s currently £10.84 on the Humble Store, a solid price for something a bit different.
Looking for something more modern? Train Sim World 6 might not be a traditional city builder, but managing sprawling rail networks scratches a similar itch. The First Class Ticket Edition is down to £13.40 on Humble, bundling the base game, seven DLC packs, and discount vouchers for higher editions.
Over on Steam, there’s a classic worth revisiting: Pharaoh: A New Era. This remastered Sierra city builder set in ancient Egypt still holds up remarkably well, and at 57% off, it’s a great excuse to jump in for a slab of history.
You can also grab the Ancient Civilizations bundle, pairing it with Nebuchadnezzar for £21.38. That’s two polished, old-school experiences updated for modern PCs.
Finally, for something more whimsical, Fabledom offers a charming, laid-back take on the genre. It’s currently 60% off on Steam at £7.03 until May 1, 2026 – an easy recommendation if you want something cozy.
Hopefully, this budget-friendly lineup helps you find your next time-consuming obsession. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
For the latest gaming news, follow GameWatcher on BlueSky, check out our videos on YouTube. We sometimes include affiliate links in our posts, which grants us a small commission, thank you. Please support independent Games Media. ❤️