The Best Cities XL (Series) Alternatives for Urban Planning Enthusiasts
For fans of intricate urban planning, resource management, and detailed city-building, the Cities XL (Series) has offered a compelling experience since its initial release in 2009. Developed by Monte Cristo and later enhanced by Focus Home Interactive with versions like Cities XL 2011, Cities XL 2012, Cities XL Platinum, and Cities XXL, the game challenges players with money and space management, alongside unique zoning and planning tools. However, for those looking to expand their city-building horizons or explore new features and gameplay mechanics, a wealth of excellent alternatives exists. This guide will help you discover the perfect replacement for your urban development ambitions.
Top Cities XL (Series) Alternatives
Whether you're seeking more realistic simulation, expanded modding capabilities, or simply a fresh take on the genre, these alternatives offer diverse experiences for every city planner.
Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines stands as a modern evolution of the classic city simulation, offering deep gameplay and robust features that make it a compelling Cities XL (Series) alternative. Available on Commercial platforms, Mac, Windows, Linux, Steam, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, it introduces new gameplay elements to capture the thrill and hardships of creating and maintaining a city. Its strong modding support, offline play, and comprehensive simulation aspects make it a top choice for serious urban planners.
SimCity
The iconic SimCity series offers an open-ended city-building simulation experience, tasking players with developing and maintaining a happy and thriving city. As a classic Cities XL (Series) alternative, SimCity provides a foundational city-building experience on Commercial platforms, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and ReactOS. It's a great option for those who appreciate the original genre pioneers.
Citybound
Citybound is a fascinating open-source city building simulator with a strong focus on realism achieved through microscopic details. This Free and Open Source Cities XL (Series) alternative is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, offering a unique take on the genre with its detailed simulation and multiplayer features for collaborative city design.
Cities In Motion (series)
For those who love the transportation management aspect of city building, Cities in Motion (CIM) is a dedicated mass transportation simulator. This Commercial Cities XL (Series) alternative for PC (Mac, Windows, Linux, Steam) allows players to operate their own transportation company, building a public network. While not a full city builder, its focus on urban transit makes it a complementary experience.
Deep Sea Tycoon
Deep Sea Tycoon offers a unique twist on the city-building genre by taking it underwater. Released in 2003, this Commercial Cities XL (Series) alternative for Windows allows players to build an underwater city in 3D, providing a distinct aesthetic and setting for urban planning.
SimCity BuildIt
Designed specifically for mobile, SimCity BuildIt is an accessible and engaging city-building game available on Freemium platforms like Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad. This mobile Cities XL (Series) alternative allows you to build, craft, and control your own gorgeous, unique city on the go.
GoCity
GoCity is a groundbreaking location-based game that integrates real-world maps into your city-building experience. As a Free Cities XL (Series) alternative on iPhone and iPad, it allows you to buy real-world roads and grow your city along them, combining gaming with location exploration.
Bit City
Bit City offers a more casual yet engaging city-building simulation, focusing on growing a small town into a thriving metropolis. This Free Cities XL (Series) alternative is available on Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, allowing players to invest in upgrades and customize their city with new vehicle types, buildings, and landmarks.
TheoTown
TheoTown allows you to watch your own city grow from the ground up, with features for declaring zones and building infrastructure. As a Freemium Cities XL (Series) alternative available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Kindle Fire, and Steam, it offers extensive moddability for a highly customizable experience.
Micropolis
Micropolis is a free and open-source city-building simulator based on the original SimCity source code. This Cities XL (Series) alternative is available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and can be Self-Hosted, providing a classic RTS-style city-building experience for those who appreciate the roots of the genre.
Each of these alternatives offers a unique approach to city building and management. Whether you prioritize realism, mobile accessibility, specific gameplay mechanics like transportation, or an open-source model, there's a perfect fit for your urban planning needs beyond Cities XL (Series). Explore their features and platforms to find the best game to build your next digital metropolis.