Building Defenses and Bases in PC Games
Looking for a game that combines tower defense and base building, similar to Fallout 4's base building mechanics? There are plenty of options available, with some of the best being hardcore survival games.
The list below includes a range of games that should fit the bill, whether you're looking for a game like Fallout 4 or simply want a game with similar mechanics. Some of the games suggested below have a passionate modding community, while others offer hours of fun despite lacking in polish. We've tried to include a mix of both and provide a range of options for different tastes.
Games like Fallout 4
The following games are all games like Fallout 4, or other games with tower defense and base building mechanics worth mentioning. We've included some More Games Like sections too for anyone who can't find the game they're looking for.
"7 Days to Die" is one of the best survival games on PC, and it certainly has similar base building mechanics to Fallout 4. The game is packed with things to do and locations to explore, and the modding community has created some brilliant additions to the game, so console versions may well lack updates.
"The Forest", "Sons of the Forest", and "Green Hell" are all more polished and complete games that still offer the base building and survival aspects you're looking for.
They Are Billions
Isometric view games that fit the description include "They Are Billions" and "Rift Breaker", although they're more tower defense games with a heavy emphasis on defense and resource management.
"Factorio" is an odd one, as it's not in first-person, but it's worth considering none the less. You're put in charge of building various production lines and machinery to create materials, which is then used to build defenses, expand your base, and go on the offensive against the hordes.
"Mindustry" is also good, even though it's an unfinished game and doesn't actually have a story. If you fancy something cheap and indie, "Kingdom Two Crowns" is worth a look, as it offers enjoyable base building and tower defense mechanics in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Fortnite: Save the World
The PvE mode in Fortnite: Save the World is basically exactly what you're looking for. You gather materials, you build forts, and then you defend against enemies. We've even got a Fortnite map guide to help you find all the Caladium flowers, which are essential for upgrading your FORTs.
Dungeon Defenders
The original Dungeon Defenders and the more recent Alien Marauder are both good examples of games that have tower defense elements. You build mazes, you place traps, and then you defend those mazes and traps against waves of enemies. Both games are worth trying if you can find them.
Sanctum
The first Sanctum and its sequel are both decent tower defense games with base building mechanics. They're not quite like Fallout 4, but they're good games nonetheless.
Sanctum 2
State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 is one of the best zombie games, and the base building elements are just as crucial to survival. You need to build up your base so that you have access to everything you need to survive, but you also need to make sure that you're well-defended from the zombie hordes.
Ark: Survival Evolved
Ark: Survival Evolved is another game that involves base building and survival, so it's another good option if you want something similar to Fallout 4. Of course, this time around you have the added thrill of dealing with dinosaur spawns near your base. We've got a full Ark: Survival Evolved review if you're interested in finding out more about this excellent game.
Rimworld
Rimworld is a colony builder/simulator where your primary concern is defending against raids. It's not quite as fleshed out as Fallout 4, but it's a fun game nonetheless.
Night of the Dead
Night of the Dead is a survival horror game that has base building mechanics, so it's another option.
Zero-K
There are a couple of modes in Zero-K that revolve around turret and maze building, so it's another option.
BAR
BAR is a tank battler that revolves around building roaming squads that you can then turn into raiders. It's not quite like Fallout 4, but it's worth a look.
Kenshi
Kenshi is a role-playing game that allows you to build roaming squads and then become raiders, so it's another option for anyone looking for something similar to Fallout 4.
Aegis of Earth: Protonovus Assault
Aegis of Earth: Protonovus Assault is a Japanese anime shooter that's similar to the more well-known Rad Rodgers, although it's a bit more serious and the base building elements are a bit more fleshed out. It's not as good as Rad Rodgers, but it's worth checking out if you can find it.
