Surviving Mars

Haemimont Games

Rank: #2 / 13
Released: 2018
Studio: Haemimont Games
Genre: city-building game, simulation video game, strategy video game

At a glance

Surviving Mars is a science-fiction city-building and strategy game about establishing a human settlement on Mars and keeping its colonists alive. Before building, choose a space agency for resources and financial support, then select a location for the colony. Shape the settlement with domes and infrastructure, use drones to expand construction, and research new possibilities. Food cultivation and mineral mining support life on a planet without conditions suited to humans; careful planning matters because problems such as power blackouts can threaten colonists. The colony’s survival is only part of the challenge: players can also investigate mysterious black cubes and other secrets of the planet. Developed by Haemimont Games and published by Paradox Interactive, the game was released on March 15, 2018. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with single-player play, Steam Workshop, Steam Cloud, achievements, and full controller support.

Who it is for

It suits players who enjoy managing a settlement, planning infrastructure, and balancing survival with exploration. Its single-player focus and Steam Workshop support may also appeal to players who want to play alone or explore community-created content.

What is good

Build domes and infrastructure for a Mars colony
Drones help shape and expand the settlement
Steam Workshop and Steam Cloud support
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux

What to know first

Single-player only
Colony planning mistakes can threaten colonists

Verdict

Surviving Mars centers on the practical challenge of building a functioning settlement in a hostile environment. Its mix of city building, survival management, and planetary mysteries gives players several goals to balance.