Games Like Satisfactory: Build, Automate, and Optimize

I’ve spent countless hours in Satisfactory, getting lost in the loop of mining, building, optimizing, and expanding. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about watching conveyor belts flow smoothly, machines working in sync, and transforming a empty world in industrial masterpiece. If you’re enjoy games like satisfactory that scratch that same automation and logistics itch, I’ve got some great recommendations for you.

Factorio (PC, macOS, Linux)

Before I ever played Satisfactory, I got hooked on Factorio, and honestly, it’s one of the best factory-building games out there. The game is top-down and 2D, but the depth of automation, logistics, and optimization is something not every game brings. The game adds more challenge of hostile alien creatures means you also need to plan out defenses, making it an even more engaging experience. If you love the efficiency side of things, Factorio is a must-try.

Dyson Sphere Program (PC)

Dyson Sphere Program made me think galactic. Instead of just one planet, this game lets you build an interstellar network of resource production, transportation, and automation to create a massive Dyson Sphere around a star. I loved the sense of scale—it’s like Satisfactory, but on a whole other level.

Shapez (PC, macOS, Linux, Browser)

Sometimes, I just want a relaxing yet mentally stimulating automation game, and Shapez is perfect for that. Instead of mining and crafting, you’re designing conveyor belt systems to cut, color, and assemble geometric shapes in an increasingly complex puzzle-like challenge. It’s surprisingly addictive and gives the same sense of optimization satisfaction that I get from Satisfactory.

Mindustry (PC, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)

Mindustry is what happens when you mix factory automation with tower defense, and I love it. You have to set up supply chains, mine resources, and create factories, all while fending off waves of enemies. The mix of strategy and logistics really keeps things fresh, and it’s a great game to play when I want a challenge beyond just factory-building.

Factory Town (PC)

This one has a much more casual and colorful approach to automation. Instead of conveyor belts, you use magical systems, water wheels, and trains to transport goods across a charming, fantasy-like town. It’s not as deep as some other factory games, but I found it to be a great low-stress alternative when I wanted to build without the pressure of perfection.

Foundry (PC – Early Access)

I’ll be honest—Foundry feels the closest to Satisfactory out of all the games on this list. It’s first-person, fully 3D, and voxel-based, which means you get to mine, build, and automate in a world that’s entirely destructible and customizable. If you love factory games but want a blocky, Minecraft-esque factory-building experience, this is definitely worth checking out.

Hydroneer (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

Unlike most automation games, Hydroneer focuses entirely on mining and resource gathering. Instead of conveyor belts and machines, you build water-powered mining operations and dig for valuable resources. I really enjoyed the hands-on approach—every action feels weighty and satisfying, and there’s a real sense of progression as your mining empire grows.

Captain of Industry (PC)

If you love industrial feel but want more survival and city-building elements, Captain of Industry is a fantastic choice. It’s more than just automation—you’re managing an entire colony’s economy, farming, mining, and research. I found it to be challenging but rewarding, especially when balancing resource shortages and logistics on a large scale.

Autonauts (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first tried Autonauts, but I quickly fell in love with its quirky, coding-based automation system. Instead of running conveyor belts, you program adorable little robots to perform tasks like farming, building, and crafting. The programming mechanic makes the game unique in this list. The game’s graphic also make it suitable for kids, while kids can play the game, it is just as good a mental challenge for adults to play and there is a lot of thought needed to make optimized production lines. If you enjoy a more lighthearted and creative automation experience, I highly recommend it.

Timberborn (PC)

Beavers are natural builders and timberborn takes that to next level. You actually play as intelligent beavers in this city-builder game! In a post-apocalyptic world where humans have long since vanished, you are in charge of a colony of resourceful beavers, overseeing food, water, and industrial output while making sure your civilisation survives.

It’s one of those games where you start small, just trying to survive, but soon you’re managing an entire beaver-powered industrial empire. Timberborn is a must play for factory game lovers. It includes automation, resource management, and colony-building.

Timberborn has a vertical building system, allowing you to stack structures and create multi-level cities, which adds an extra layer of strategy. Water management is also a huge part of the game—rivers can dry up, so you’ll need to build dams and irrigation systems to keep your colony alive. As your beaver civilization advances, you’ll unlock wood-powered machines, automated sawmills, and efficient production chains.

There’s a whole world of factory-building, automation, and logistics games out there waiting for you. If you want something similar but more complex (Factorio), bigger in scale (Dyson Sphere Program), or more relaxing and puzzle-like (Shapez), there’s an option for every type of player. Personally, I love bouncing between these games depending on my mood—sometimes I want hardcore efficiency, and other times I just want to sit back and enjoy the flow of automation.

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