If you’re a fan of city building games – the more traditional ones – choices are surprisingly limited on mobile, but there are still more than you can probably play. Since I’m a fan myself and I play mobile games for a living, I decided to share the best city building games on mobile, available both for Android-powered phones, as well as iOS devices.
Updated for 2026 with new games (and a few outdated removed from last year), the list includes a variety of themes, from casual gameplay to more intense strategy, in fantasy, medieval, modern, or futuristic settings. In other words – impossible not to find a new favorite or three.
1. Megapolis
Megapolis is one of the best city building games out there, if you are looking for a perfect mixture of casual and more in depth gameplay!
The aim is to build the best city ever earning rewards and achievements as you build.
Start from scratch by designing and developing the basic infrastructure such as mining for and building up power supplies, developing transport links including railways, air and sea ports.
And make sure you manage and grow your city’s finances by building trading partnerships and forging alliances with your neighbors.
But it’s not all serious you get to plan exciting and interesting events to help bring in visitors to your city – it all helps to build up your economy!
The gameplay is further enhanced with the gorgeous 3D graphics and a choice of world famous architecture from ancient to modern.
Install the game for free from the App Store now, or get it from the Play Store.
2. Civilization VI
For those moments when building a city is not enough and you want to build an entire civilization as you see fit, Sid Meier’s Civilization 6 is THE game to play on mobile.
Much more in depth and challenging than any other title on this list, Civ 6 is great for those who grew up playing the previous games in the series on various other platforms. And, yes, it’s almost an offence to call it merely a “city building game” – but I wanted to have it on our list nevertheless because it’s amazing.
Become Ruler of the World by establishing and leading a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age.
Wage war, conduct diplomacy, advance your culture, and go head-to-head with history’s greatest leaders as you attempt to build the greatest civilization the world has ever known.
Check it out on iOS here. Also available on Android.
3. Terra Nil
Terra Nil comes with a unique take on city-building, shifting focus from construction only to ecological restoration.
As a result, players are tasked with transforming barren wastelands into lush, thriving ecosystems using sustainable techniques, all while micromanaging limited resources.
Download the game from the App Store here or the Play Store here.
4. Pocket City 2
I replaced the original Pocket City with the sequel because it is better in every way, although the original still remains a great choice. Pocket City 2 is a 3D city builder that gives you total freedom.
The best part is the new “free roam” mode. You can create an avatar and walk or drive through your city. You can even enter buildings and play mini-games. It has no microtransactions, which is rare for mobile games in 2026.
You manage zones, services, and taxes. It also has a day-night cycle and weather patterns that change how your city looks. If you want a “real” city building experience without waiting for timers, this is it.
You can download the game from the App Store or Play Store.
5. Designer City 3: Future Cities
Designer City 3: Future Cities allows players to craft modern urban landscapes with an emphasis on innovation and futuristic architecture, as you can see in the screenshot above.
An interesting feature is that this game can also be played offline. This way, you will always be just a few taps away from creating your sprawling metropolis.
Download the game from the App Store here, or from the Play Store.
6. City Island 6
Launched and expanded throughout 2025, this is the newest entry in a long-running series. It takes the classic island-building formula and makes it much larger.
In this version, you are not stuck on one island. You can travel to different locations around the world. Each area has its own terrain and unique buildings to unlock.
The game works offline, which is great for travel. It has a high level of detail, and the new “lives” system makes the city feel more active than previous games. Your citizens actually have stories and interact with the buildings you place.
Get if from the App Store or the Play Store.
7. SimCity BuildIt
Not as complex as its PC relatives, this is a combination of time management and city building games, with a heavy focus on resource management.
This is the most famous city builder on mibile. It has been around for a long time because the quality is high and the legacy is even more impressive.
It is a mix of city building and resource management. You produce items in factories to upgrade your residential buildings. It has a big social side where you can join “Mayors’ Clubs” and compete in contests.
Be aware that this game uses a “freemium” model. You will have to wait for items to finish or use in-game currency to speed things up. However, the graphics are still some of the best in the genre.
Check it out on the App Store. Also available on the Play Store.
8. Fallout Shelter
Another long-running game that is not your typical city building title, but it still is fun and appreciated by everybody who has played it, not just fans of the Fallout franchise.
In this game, you build straight down to keep your people happy and safe in their underground bunker, while sending them to explore the Wastelands above and dealing with the various problems that occur from time to time.
A game that doesn’t require much in terms of time involvement, but which is fun to play, 5-10 minutes each day!
Check it out on the App Store. Also on the Play Store.
9. Snow Town – Ice Village World
Snow Town invites players to create and manage their own winter-themed village. From cozy cottages to bustling ski resorts, every element contributes to the charm of your snowy paradise.
Offering a relaxed yet engaging city-building experience, with seasonal events and charming details, this is a must play if you’re looking for a new cozy game to add to your library.
Download the game from the App Store here. Also available on the Play Store.
10. Heian City Story
This is a standout release from Kairosoft, taking you back to ancient Japan. You act as a director building a capital city during the Heian period – so there’s a bit of nice history added to the mix, and a slightly different approach to your regular city building mechanics.
You build restaurants, teahouses, and temples. You need to attract different types of residents, from commoners to samurai. There is also a small defense element where you protect the city from strange monsters.
Like other Kairosoft games, it uses charming pixel art. It is very addictive and perfect for playing in short bursts, and even though the management is deep but easy to understand.
Get it from the App Store or Play Store.
11. TheoTown
I added TheoTown because it is the closest thing to the classic SimCity 4 experience on mobile. It uses 2D pixel art and has very deep simulation systems.
You have to manage complex things like traffic, bus routes, and electricity grids. It even lets you use plugins made by other players to add thousands of new buildings.
If you find games like SimCity BuildIt too simple, TheoTown will give you the challenge you want.
Get it from the App Store or the Play Store.
12. City Island 5: Building Sim
We’re getting back to a cute and fun game to round up this year’s list. City Island 5: Building Sim offers players a global approach to city-building, allowing them to expand their creations across a network of islands.
Each island comes with unique landscapes and challenges, keeping things entertaining even after you play it for a long time. And as a bonus – you can even play it offline!
Download the game from the App Store here. Also available from the Play Store.
Conclusion
I love the city building genre and I usually play more in-depth games on my laptop, but I’d still never say no to any of the great games recommended above.
If you’re looking for something fun and casual, you will surely find at least one title on my list. Also, see my Top 10 Facebook Building Games if you want some old-school charm. Or take a look at my previous round-up posts to find out something you’ll enjoy:
- Best Cozy Games to Play Today
- Best FREE Hidden Object Adventure Games for PC
- Best Family Co-op & Party Games for Xbox
- Best Time Management Games on PC & Mobile
Finally, if you enjoy playing a different city building or base building game on iOS – and it’s not listed above – let us all know by sharing your comments below.