Banished
In short: Banished is a strategy game released in 2014 by Shining Rock, available on PC. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $6.79.
Medieval survival city builder
Banished is a city-building survival game where you manage a group of exiled medieval villagers. Unlike other city-builders, there is no combat. Instead, your focus is on resource management, assigning jobs, and keeping villagers alive through harsh winters, starvation, and disease. The delicate balancing act between expansion and resource conservation creates a deeply challenging experience.
Game details
- Developer: Shining Rock
- Publisher: Shining Rock
- Release year: 2014
- Platforms: PC
- Category: strategy
Our review
Banished, developed and published by Shining Rock Software in 2014, offers a unique and challenging take on the city-building genre. Unlike traditional city builders where unlimited resources are often at your disposal, Banished plunges you into a harsh medieval world where survival is paramount. You start with a small group of exiled people and must meticulously manage resources, production chains, and the well-being of your citizens to ensure their growth and survival against harsh winters, disease, and starvation. The game's core loop of gathering, crafting, and expanding is incredibly addictive, demanding strategic foresight and careful planning. Every decision, from where to place a forester to whether to build a school or a tavern, has significant repercussions. The graphics, while not cutting-edge, are charming and functional, effectively conveying the rustic, self-sufficient nature of your settlement. The lack of a defined 'story' beyond the emergent narratives of your citizen…
Pros
- Challenging and rewarding survival city-building gameplay
- Deep resource management and production chains
- High replayability and emergent storytelling
- Charming aesthetic
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Can be slow-paced at times
- Lacks a structured narrative
FAQ
- What platforms is Banished available on?
- Banished is primarily available for PC. You can purchase it through platforms like Steam.
- Are there mods available for Banished?
- Yes, Banished has a very active modding community. Mods can add new content, change gameplay, and enhance the overall experience.
- What is the main objective in Banished?
- The main objective in Banished is to manage a small colony of exiles and help them survive, grow, and prosper against all odds, by managing resources and fulfilling basic needs.
- Can I deal with natural disasters in the game?
- Yes, the game features various natural disasters such as famine, disease, and harsh weather conditions that can challenge your management skills.
More about this game
Similar games
Last updated: 01/04/2026