The cute appearance of Ratopia shouldn’t fool players—beneath its adorable exterior lies a challenging experience. This technical and complex city-building simulation has officially completed its early access phase and is now available on Steam.
Developed by Korean indie developer Cassel Games, Ratopia stands out in the crowded city-builder market with its uniquely charming aesthetic. After spending several years in development, the game has finally reached its complete form. Drawing inspiration from genre giants such as Dwarf Fortress, Oxygen Not Included, and Rimworld, Ratopia combines depth with accessibility.
The game begins with players controlling a lone rat noble who must survive after the collapse of her kingdom (previously featured in Cassel Games’ deck-builder hybrid Ratropolis). Initially, players directly control this leader to gather resources, hunt for food, and explore dungeons, with light RPG elements enhancing the experience. As progression continues, recruiting loyal subjects becomes essential for handling the growing workload.
Comprehensive City Management with Depth
Whilst not requiring the intricate atmospheric circulation or complex water filtration systems found in some competitors, Ratopia offers surprisingly involved city-building mechanics comparable to Dwarf Fortress. Every rat citizen has individual needs and desires, potentially rebelling if their requirements for food, health, and fair taxation aren’t met. As the player controls a leader whose position (and head) depends on keeping subjects content, maintaining positive relations becomes crucial.
Technological advancement forms a core gameplay element. Beginning with medieval technology, dedicated players can progress through an extensive tech tree, eventually unlocking electricity and the ability to construct robot rats—presumably more loyal and less hungry than their organic counterparts.
Ratopia incorporates numerous genre features, including defensive traps necessary for protection against undead adversaries and rival faction raids. Beyond the underground treasures and monster-filled depths beneath your kingdom lies an expansive overworld map where players can pursue either diplomatic relations or warfare with neighbouring settlements, depending on whether they prefer peaceful coexistence or more aggressive expansion.
The game is currently available on Steam for $20, with a 20% discount running until 14th May. Early access reviews have been largely positive, with minor criticisms regarding occasionally stiff English translations. Players should note that despite its cute appearance, Ratopia presents a genuinely challenging experience that requires genuine commitment to master.