basebuilders

Basebuilders is a loosely defined category of video games that centers on constructing, expanding, and defending a permanent or semi-permanent base within a hostile or resource-constrained environment. The core focus is on planning and maintaining a functional hub from which resources are gathered, technologies are developed, and threats are managed. The term is often used to describe games that emphasize base management over purely strategic micromanagement or rapid exploration.

Typical mechanics include resource gathering (such as minerals, power, food), base construction and layout optimization, production and automation systems, storage management, and defensive measures (walls, turrets, alarms). Players balance throughput, space, and defense to ensure sustainability as hazards escalate.

Basebuilders often feature progression through technology trees or research systems, unlocking new buildings, automation tiers, and defensive capabilities. They may offer single-player campaigns, sandbox modes, or multiplayer survival where bases can be attacked by competitive or cooperative opponents. Some games blend basebuilding with exploration, combat, or economy sims.

While not a single codified genre, basebuilding elements appear across real-time strategy, survival, and colony simulation games. Notable titles frequently cited for emphasizing base construction include Factorio, RimWorld, and They Are Billions, though the degree of base focus varies by title. The term can be used differently across communities, with some considering basebuilding a primary mechanic and others treating it as one facet among several.