Summary
There are many games that allow players to build structures and develop entire bases to varying degrees. From the typical base-building of real-time strategy games such asStarCraft 2to the creative offerings of titles likeMinecraft, there are a variety of base-building experiences on the market.
However, these games don’t always feature combat. In addition, those that feature both don’t always combine the two in interesting ways. These games, however, feature both base-building and combat, and the best of them blend each element in synergistic ways.
Kenshiis an open-world sandbox RPG with an abundance of activities and an emphasis on player agency. In the game, players are given complete freedom to set and explore their own goals. This allows for bounty-hunting, trading, and even base-building.
Thedetailed RPG systems, methodical combat, and party management allow for diverse gameplay. Best of all, whileKenshidoes feature combat and base-building, both are somewhat optional. That said, players will more than often be forced to contend with the world’s many dangers in some way.
V Risingis a slick and stylish action RPG that combines frequent combat encounters and impressive boss battles with expressive base-building. In the game, players take on the role of a vampire in an open world, exploring Gothic locations across a variety of environments as they attempt to defeat myriad bosses.
The slick action is a particular strength, butV Risingfeatures both combat and base-building. The base-building featuresa variety of options, ultimately allowing players to construct impressive castles to call home. This multi-faceted design results in a diverse and satisfying loop that can be enjoyed in single-player or in online co-op.
Cult Of The Lambis an innovative combination of roguelite dungeon-crawlers and colony-sims. In the game, players take control of a burgeoning cult, working to grow its ranks in order to unlock new zones and upgrade their abilities.
The colony-sim gameplay ofCult Of The Lambis relatively simple, streamlined, but it blends perfectly with the accompanying dungeon-crawls and offers an addictive flow. As a result,Cult Of The Lambmanages to offer combat and base-buildingthat are both satisfyingand synergistic.
Dune: Spice Warsis a slow-paced and methodical RTS that borrows heavily from 4X design to offer players a unique experience. Every game ofDune: Spice Warsis heavily focused on acquiring and efficiently managing territory.
Each territory features a base that can be expanded upon, and also comes with traits that can be exploited with specific structures. This puts a heavy emphasis on base-building, butDune: Spice Warsalso features real-time combat thatcan be particularly deadlythanks to the addition of attrition mechanics and the iconic sandworms.
Though it takesa minimalist approach to design,Thronefallis a feature-rich experience that blends both combat and base-building in intuitive ways. In the game, players develop and defend a miniature kingdom against waves of enemies via a combination of defensive structures and units.
In addition to the blend of RTS combat and tower defense base-building,Thronefallalso allows players to navigate each level with their own character and even partake in battle. This allows for a diverse gameplay loop that deftly blends combat with base-building and even light economy management.
RimWorldis a deep and rich management game that tasks players with the development of a small colony ona wildly dangerous planet. The game features a complex combination of mechanics and systems that make it difficult at first, but its effortless blend of base-building, management, and lethal combat encounters makes it a rewarding experience overall.
Combat isn’tRimWorld’sprimary focus, but it is a frequent enough occurrence to be meaningful. In addition, the security and layout of the player’s base can have a tremendous impact on combat. Additionally, how well players manage their colonists can have an effect on their efficiency during encounters.
StarCraft 2is a slick real-time strategy game that offers a tremendously polished take on the genre’s patented blend of base-building and army management. Economy, unit production, and unit control are all important factors in a game ofStarCraft 2, and this results in incredibly diverse gameplay.
Additionally,StarCraft 2features three asymmetric factions that are wildly different from one another. Each of these factions offers unique strengths and weaknesses within both base-building and combat, allowing for a diverse and expressive experience that’s consistently rewarding.
