There are many gameplay loops that games try and mess around with to great effect. While most people think of real-time action and RPG mechanics when this statement is brought up, one particular aspect that has become quite a hit in its own right is base-building. Players love the idea of creating a massive base to suit their needs while fulfilling the objectives that a game puts forth in the process.
Base-building can be handled in a casual manner that is meant just to let players blow off some steam, but there are instances when games pose certain problems that can be pretty tricky to solve. A base and its structures need to be built in a manner that tackles these issues in a meaningful manner, and failing to do so can lead to a premature game over sooner rather than later.
6 RimWorld
There's no denying that RimWorld is one of the most harrowing base-building games that fans can check out. It's also one of the most riveting games that fans can get lost in as they get attached to their survivors and try to build a harmonious community while trying to keep their survivors safe from dangerous fauna, marauding invaders, and a wealth of environmental threats that can easily wipe out a colony if players aren't prepared.
RimWorld is not an easy game in the slightest, and players will have to face several game-overs before they realize the best way possible to build a proper base that can withstand the elements and not be completely decimated by invading forces. With a few playthroughs under their belt, players can create the base of their dreams and not worry about any debilitating elements, too much, at least.
5 ARK: Survival Evolved
There's no denying that ARK: Survival Evolved has its fair share of problems, with the lack of optimization in this game being downright criminal. However, despite its issues, there's no denying that the game is a lot of fun if players just look at the core gameplay and ignore everything else surrounding the game's development.
Surviving on an island where dinosaurs reign supreme is easier said than done, and ARK: Survival Evolved certainly makes players feel this palpable sense of tension as they try to build a proper base. The difficulty in this game is all over the place and a player's hard work can be diminished in the blink of an eye if they end up getting the short end of the stick.
4 Sons Of The Forest
A sequel to the beloved survival-horror game The Forest, Sons of the Forest shows a marked improvement in almost every department and a game where players can get lost for hours on end. Building a base to ensure their survival is important if players don't want to lose their lives to the horrifying cannibals who roam this forest.
Players have some companionship in this game to combat the oppressive loneliness, but the fact is that building a base is important if players don't want to frivolously lose their lives to the horrors that inhabit this dangerous forest. The game is truly excellent in every way and worth checking out for survival fans who loved the first game and wanted to see its systems become more refined and complex.
3 Factorio
The idea of building and managing a working factory may not sound all that enticing, but it's how Factorio gamifies this aspect that makes it so tantalizing. There's nothing more satisfying than automating a multitude of processes to form a factory that is efficient and self-sustaining.
Of course, players also need to set up defenses to combat the aggressive alien creatures that try to attack the factory if too many pollutants are released. It's this balance between running a successful factory and keeping it safe from these hostile lifeforms that has led to Factorio becoming one of the greatest video games ever made!
2 The Command & Conquer Series
Command & Conquer is one of the most legendary strategy games that need no introduction, with these games featuring some charming live-action cutscenes that have become pretty iconic in their own right. Of course, the bulk of the enjoyment in these games comes from the regular gameplay itself, with the campaign thrusting a wealth of objectives for players to complete.
The stories of the Command & Conquer games are surprisingly competent and one of the best parts of the experience. Players will love going through these impressive games and coming to grips with the strategy at play in each stage as they construct bases and employ a wealth of troops to take out the opposition.
1 The Age Of Empires Series
Age of Empires is one of the most legendary RTS franchises of all time, with the fourth game coming as a nice surprise for fans who felt like this franchise had been forgotten after being dormant for the longest time. The fact that so many people still love Age of Empires 2 to death is a testament to how impactful this series really is, with Age of Empires 4 emulating most of what made the second game special in order to endear itself to fans.
The games have some great campaigns and scenarios where players must build bases to fulfill a variety of objectives, making for some scintillating gameplay moments. On higher difficulties, only the most seasoned RTS players can construct an efficient base and deal with the relentless assault of the opposition without succumbing to their onslaught.