Aquapolis Alternatives: Building Your Next Virtual Metropolis Underwater or On Land

Are you a fan of city-building simulation games like Aquapolis, where you can design intricate infrastructures, educate citizens, and uncover ancient mysteries, all while transforming a desolate area into a bustling metropolis? Aquapolis offers a unique underwater setting with engaging features, but if you've exhausted its depths or are looking for a fresh perspective on city management, you're in luck! There's a vast ocean of alternatives out there, ready for you to dive into.

Top Aquapolis Alternatives

Whether you prefer managing complex transport networks, developing historical settlements, or overseeing thriving modern cities, these Aquapolis alternatives offer diverse gameplay experiences that cater to every kind of virtual urban planner.

OpenTTD

OpenTTD

OpenTTD is a fantastic open-source clone of the classic Transport Tycoon Deluxe, making it an excellent Aquapolis alternative for those who enjoy the logistical challenge of building and managing infrastructure. It's free and available across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and BSD, offering endless gameplay, various GRF support, and a retro look with moddable features for a truly customizable experience.

Cities: Skylines

Cities: Skylines

Cities: Skylines is a modern take on city simulation and a top Aquapolis alternative for realistic city-building. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, Linux, Steam, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, it introduces new gameplay elements for the thrill and hardships of creating a thriving city. Key features include extensive mod support, offline play, and deep simulation mechanics.

SimCity

SimCity

SimCity is a foundational open-ended city-building simulation and a natural Aquapolis alternative for players focused on urban development and maintaining a happy, thriving city. It's a commercial title available on Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and ReactOS.

Banished

Banished

For a city-building strategy game with a survival twist, Banished serves as a compelling Aquapolis alternative. Players control exiled travelers tasked with restarting their lives in a new land. It's a commercial game available on Windows, Wine, and Steam, focusing on logistics, production chains, and medieval survival.

Simutrans

Simutrans

Simutrans is another excellent open-source transport simulator and a viable Aquapolis alternative for those interested in intricate transport networks. Available for free on Mac, Windows, Linux, Haiku, and Steam, it challenges players to establish a successful company by transporting passengers, mail, and goods across land, air, and water.

Citybound

Citybound

Citybound offers a unique take as an open-source city building sim with a strong emphasis on realism through microscopic details. It's a free Aquapolis alternative available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, featuring engaging multiplayer options and deep simulation gameplay.

Cities In Motion (series)

Cities In Motion (series)

The Cities in Motion series is a commercial city-based mass transportation simulator that makes a great Aquapolis alternative for players who love managing public transport networks. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Steam, it allows players to build and operate their own transportation company within a city.

Stonehearth

Stonehearth

Stonehearth is a game of exploration and survival in an epic fantasy setting, providing a unique Aquapolis alternative focused on building a town and defending against invaders. It's a commercial title available on Windows, Linux, Wine, Steam, and Amazon, featuring survival elements, customizable buildings, and tower defense mechanics.

Deep Sea Tycoon

Deep Sea Tycoon

If the underwater aspect of Aquapolis is what you loved most, Deep Sea Tycoon is a direct Aquapolis alternative released in 2003, focusing on building an underwater city in 3D. This commercial Windows game offers a similar theme for those seeking to return to the depths.

Transport Giant

Transport Giant

Transport Giant allows players to control a massive transportation infrastructure with over 130 different vehicle types, making it a strong Aquapolis alternative for those interested in complex logistical challenges. It is a commercial game available on Windows.

From managing bustling metropolises to overseeing intricate transport networks, the world of city-building simulation games is vast and varied. Explore these Aquapolis alternatives to find the perfect fit for your next virtual urban planning adventure!

John Clark

John Clark

A software reviewer and technology blogger with a deep interest in developer tools.