Top 6 city-building games for iPhone: SimCity BuildIt, Pocket City, and more

City-building games have long captured the imagination of gamers, allowing them to play the role of mayor, architect, and strategist all at once. With the rise of mobile gaming, city-building experiences have become more accessible than ever. If you’re ready to dive into the world of urban planning and development right from your iPhone, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will explore the best city-building games available on the platform.

city-building games

Create your own virtual metropolis with these city-building games

1. SimCity BuildIt

SimCity BuildIt is a mobile adaptation of the classic SimCity franchise. With stunning graphics and an intuitive touch interface, players can design, build, and manage their own bustling metropolis. Balance the needs of your citizens, manage resources, and make critical decisions to shape the city of your dreams.

  • Become the hero Mayor and craft a thriving metropolis through your decisions.
  • Strategically place buildings, from skyscrapers to parks, to maintain growth and taxes.
  • Tackle real challenges like traffic, pollution, and provide vital services.
  • Explore iconic city styles and unlock landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
  • Engage in battles, defending against monsters and competing in Club Wars.
  • Collaborate with a Mayor’s Club, trading supplies and strategizing with members.
  • Compete in the Contest of Mayors, complete challenges, and climb the ranks for rewards.

simcity

SimCity BuildIt is available to download for free on the App Store.

2. Pocket City

Pocket City is one of the most popular city-building games on iPhone. It offers a delightful blend of simplicity and depth. This game lets you create your own unique cityscape while handling aspects such as infrastructure, economy, and the happiness of your citizens. With its charming art style and offline mode, it’s a perfect choice for both casual and dedicated gamers. Enjoy a microtransaction-free experience with no wait times; rewards and content unlocked through gameplay.

  • Step into the role of a mayor and construct your own city from scratch.
  • Develop residential, commercial, and industrial zones to create a balanced urban environment.
  • Design parks and recreational areas to enhance the quality of life for your citizens.
  • Address crime and handle disasters as you manage the growth of your city.

Pocket City

Pocket City is available to download for $2.99 on the App Store.

3. TheoTown

TheoTown combines retro graphics with intricate city-building mechanics. You’ll have the freedom to customize everything, from road layouts to zoning. Dive into complex urban management, including maintaining services and keeping your citizens content as you watch your city flourish.

  • Transform a small town into a sprawling metropolis with towering skylines and intricate structures.
  • Develop complex transportation networks with options like train stations, airports, and bus depots.
  • Customize your transportation vehicles, from aircraft liveries to bus routes and rail networks.
  • Face challenges like natural disasters, diseases, crime, and fire, showcasing your crisis management skills.
  • Construct iconic world wonders like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and Statue of Liberty.

Theotown

TheoTown is available to download for free on the App Store.

4. Township

Township offers a unique twist by combining city-building with farming elements. Alongside constructing your city, you’ll cultivate crops and process them in factories. This city-building game’s dual nature adds depth and variety to the experience.

  • Blend of city building and farming in Township offers a unique gameplay experience.
  • Build and customize your dream town with a variety of buildings and decorations.
  • Cultivate and process various crops in your factories to fuel town development.
  • Engage with charismatic townspeople, fulfilling their orders to keep the community thriving.
  • Explore the town’s mine for resources and uncover ancient artifacts.
  • Expand trade by accessing exotic goods from distant islands.
  • Create and manage your own zoo, breeding animals from around the world.

Township

Township is available to download for free on the App Store.

5. Designer City

Designer City is a great option for players who relish creativity and strategic planning. From architectural aesthetics to urban policies, you’ll have control over every aspect of your city’s growth. The realistic graphics and intricate mechanics of this city-building game offer a fulfilling simulation experience.

  • Design, build, and manage your own town, evolving it into a bustling metropolis.
  • Attract residents by constructing houses, skyscrapers, commercial, and industrial buildings.
  • Develop city services, leisure spots, parks, and decorations to ensure resident satisfaction.
  • Manage transportation with seaports and airports to boost industry and travel.
  • Tailored for all ages and experience levels, offering both creative and analytical gameplay.
  • Utilize advanced analytics for optimizing city design and resource deployment.
  • Experience dynamic land generation, allowing creative manipulation and diverse cityscapes.

Designer City

Designer City is available to download for free on the App Store.

6. My Idle City

If you’re looking for a more relaxed approach to city-building games, Build Away! might be your ideal choice. This idle game lets you construct and expand your city even when you’re not actively playing. It’s a perfect fit for those who enjoy seeing their city evolve over time with minimal hands-on management.

  • Combine city building and idle clicker gameplay to create your dream city.
  • Earn cash and level up buildings, even while offline, without the need for internet connectivity.
  • Establish a powerful city by strategically expanding its limits with houses, cafes, factories, and more.
  • Customize your city without predefined paths, allowing unique building strategies.
  • Balance citizens, employed individuals, and power station electricity to maximize income.
  • Employ famous prefects for city hall work to automate and streamline your business.
  • Unlock a variety of different buildings, including small, medium, and large structures.

My Idle city

My Idle City is available to download for free on the App Store.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a strategic thinker, a creative designer, or simply someone who enjoys managing virtual societies, the city-building genre on iPhone has something for everyone. From complex simulations to more casual experiences, these city-building games offer a range of options to let you construct and manage your very own digital metropolis.

Let us know what you think about our top six city-building games in the comments below!

About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.