Even managing a household budget can be challenging. But what if you are the boss of a theme park or other business? In real life, few people would be faced with such a task, but those who crave such an experience may be tempted by the best economic games for PC and more.
Many of us probably secretly dreamed of our own empire, the size of which is limited only by our imagination. No matter how crazy these dreams may seem, a significant part of them can be realized in economic games.
Popular tycoons allow anyone to get into the shoes of the boss of a giant enterprise. Below are the best economic games and strategies, including those for playing online.
Game Dev Tycoon
A list of the best strategy and economic games cannot be complete without the above-mentioned game. If you’ve ever been angry at the mistakes and shortcomings of video games, then with Game Dev Tycoon you can prove that you can create a masterpiece better than Ubisoft and Rockstar combined. Managing a game development company is a major part of the gameplay.
The player begins his journey in game development in the early 1980s, and his only equipment is a computer. The next task is to create a successful game that will make the studio famous. As in other economic strategies, in “Game Dev Tycoon” you will have to beware of all sorts of pitfalls. The release of a low-quality game can lead to bankruptcy of the company, and then the player will see the inscription “Game Over” on the screen.
Two Point Hospital
The spiritual successor to the cult “Theme Hospital”. As in the 1997 game, the player’s main task is to manage the hospital. If after watching “Doctors” or “New Amsterdam” you want to test yourself in the role of the director of a medical institution, then this economic strategy is for you.
The player will have to create a thriving hospital. Hiring doctors, nurses or orderlies is just part of the responsibilities that need to be completed. All this is seasoned with a huge dose of humor and absurdity, so the list of the best economic games available on PC and consoles would be incomplete without Two Point Hospital.
Stardew Valley
In Stardew Valley, we play as a young farmer who takes over a farm that requires a lot of work. In 2016, a game from the studio ConcernedApe took the market by storm. No wonder, because it remains one of the most relaxing products available today. Could there be anything better than harvesting virtual crops and counting money?
The gameplay is about managing a farm. We grow crops, raise animals, sell harvested crops and do many other things. It may seem tedious over time, but don’t be afraid. Stardew Valley provides hours of entertainment. Moreover, it is also a kind of online game – strategic and economic responsibilities can be performed together with players from all over the world.
Cities: Skylines
In this strategic-economic game we have to design a prosperous city. The game from the Colossal Order studio amazes with its attention to detail. Among other things, it can be used to build roads and transport systems, lay water supply, or manage taxes.
These are just a few of the features that Cities: Skylines offers. Many additions have survived to this day, significantly enriching the basic version of the game.
RollerCoaster Tycoon
A name that can be confidently included in the answer to the question “What are the best economic games?” Thanks to the products created by Chris Sawyer, many have become convinced that there are good economic games for PC. In “RollerCoaster Tycoon” we have to build an amusement park. However, in order for the money to start flowing into our account, it is not enough to install several tracks for attractions.
First and foremost, we need to make sure that the attractions are safe, the space is properly designed, and the crowds are happy. “RollerCoaster Tycoon” presents players with a wide range of challenges associated with owning a business, but at the same time provides a great attraction.
Prison Architect
“Prison Architect” shows that creating a prison doesn’t have to be simple. Don’t let the colorful graphic style fool you. The game is rich in detail and therefore very demanding. At each stage of virtual prison management, new problems may arise. The player must make the prisoners happy, hire qualified guards, build new facilities and take care of financial matters.
The high difficulty level may turn off those who prefer easier gameplay, but other players will immerse themselves in the game created by Introversion Software. “Prison Architect” can easily be considered one of the best strategy and economic games.
Tropico 6
In “Tropico 6” we take on the role of El Presidente, but the gameplay is hampered by the fact that the focus is on managing more than one city. We rule over an entire nation scattered across an archipelago of small islands. Players are, of course, accustomed to the fact that strategy and economic games rarely offer an online mode. However, the game created by Limbic Entertainment has it – up to four players can play here.
It depends on us what kind of leader we will be. Will we put the needs of our subjects first or will we move towards a dictatorship that involves manipulating, intimidating and bribing people? Tropico 6 has all the elements of city building, strategy, politics, trading and much more that makes the game a lot of fun.
Megaquarium
“Megaquarium” will appeal mainly to those who have an aquarium at home. Only here it will be much larger in size. The game allows players to design an establishment where tourists will come to watch aquatic animals.
An important part of the gameplay is providing the inhabitants of the aquarium with food and safety, proper heating, filtration, etc. At the Mega Aquarium you will not only have to please the animals, but also the visitors who come to see them. It is necessary to satisfy all their whims, and the catalog of fish and other aquatic inhabitants that can be seen in the aquarium you manage is constantly updated.
Planet Zoo
With this game, anyone can create the zoo of their dreams in Central Park. Well, except maybe the four famous penguins. Even several years after its release, Planet Zoo is still one of the best economic games for those who love caring for animals. However, this task is by no means easy, because as you progress, more and more things require your constant attention.
Animals in our care may become upset or stressed due to lack of personal space, get sick, or even die if we do not provide them with the right conditions. It takes a lot of money to continually expand the center, and money doesn’t grow on trees. Players need to be vigilant to avoid making sometimes costly mistakes.
Surviving Mars
Elon Musk’s vision turned into a video game – that’s how “Surviving Mars” can be summed up in a nutshell. As the name suggests, players’ actions are aimed at survival on the Red Planet. The problems we will face are significantly different from those encountered on Earth.
In Surviving Mars, even little things like dust can be fatal to the colonists. It is necessary to constantly remember the need to maintain high oxygen levels. Players will also have to face random events such as alien invasion, war, and plague.
