Play it if
You want a city builder with fresh puzzles every run.
Skip it if
You want to build one town and keep it forever.
Fact sheet
- Players
- Single-player
- Online play
- No
- Cross-play
- No
- Solo
- Single-player only
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Typical playtime
- ~80 hours
- Steam Deck
- Playable
1The pitch
A cataclysmic storm returns every few years, and the Queen sends viceroys into the wild forest to build settlements. Each town is a fresh run with a different map, species and resources.
2How it plays
You manage humans, beavers, lizards, harpies and foxes, each with needs and talents. Clearing forest glades brings rewards and dangers. Runs last a few hours, and choices about blueprints keep each town different.
3Where it beats its rival
Against Manor Lords it wins on depth and replay value: no two towns play the same, and the game is finished and polished. It is the better choice if you like puzzles, variety and short sessions.
4Look & sound
The painterly art style and rain-soaked forest give it a strong identity. The soundtrack is excellent.
5Setup & value
It lists at $29.99, runs on Windows and is Playable on Steam Deck. With its expansions it offers hundreds of hours of content.
Best bits
- Endless variety between towns
- Deep and polished
- Short, satisfying runs
- Great value
Watch out
- A lot to learn at the start
- Less of a long-term home than classic builders
Score sheet
- Depth 25%
- 90
- Feel 25%
- 92
- Easy to start 15%
- 82
- Replay 20%
- 94
- Value 15%
- 94
90 × 25% + 92 × 25% + 82 × 15% + 94 × 20% + 94 × 15% = 90.70 → 91
The judges' verdict
Verdict
“Against the Storm is the smartest city builder of recent years. It wins this rematch on depth and value.”
By the Bet Compare Guide editorial desk · Updated 20 Oct 2026 · How we score · Report an error
