Choose ReFactory
Choose ReFactory if you want an Indie and Casual experience. On Steam, it's currently about 40% cheaper on the Steam Store. ReFactory launched in 2022.
ReFactory vs Microtopia
ReFactory and Microtopia both land in Strategy, Simulation on Steam, which is why they keep getting compared. The comparison below is built from each game's Steam metadata — release year, genres, categories, Steam Deck status, price, and review score — refreshed daily by imho.run's scraper. Headline differences: Both share Strategy, Simulation on Steam. ReFactory (2022) is 3 years older than Microtopia (2025). Microtopia scores higher on Steam reviews (87.6% positive) than ReFactory (72.5% positive). No login or purchase needed — scroll for the full table, the verdict FAQ, and links to ranked similar games for both titles.
Which should you pick?
Choose Microtopia
Choose Microtopia if it's the newer release (2025) and ships with the modern feature baseline. Microtopia launched in 2025.
Both ReFactory and Microtopia sit in Strategy and Simulation on Steam, so either pick lands in the same broad neighborhood. Use the side-by-side table for the feature view, or follow the "Games like" links below to see ranked alternatives for either title.
Side-by-side comparison
 ReFactory |  Microtopia | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2022 | 2025 |
| Genres | Strategy, Indie, Simulation, Casual | Strategy, Simulation |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Steam Deck | Deck Verified | Deck Playable |
| Price | 11.99 USD | 19.99 USD |
| Steam reviews | 72.5% positive (40 reviews) | 87.6% positive (509 reviews) |
| Multiplayer | Single-player only | Single-player only |
| Developers | AIVIK LLC | Cordyceps Collective |
Side by side
- Both share Strategy, Simulation on Steam.
- ReFactory (2022) is 3 years older than Microtopia (2025).
- Microtopia scores higher on Steam reviews (87.6% positive) than ReFactory (72.5% positive).
- ReFactory is currently ~40% cheaper on Steam than Microtopia (11.99 USD vs. 19.99 USD).
- Steam Deck: ReFactory is Deck Verified, Microtopia is Deck Playable.
ReFactory vs Microtopia — FAQ
- Should I play ReFactory or Microtopia first?
- If you want chronology, ReFactory (2022) came out before Microtopia (2025). If neither is a sequel to the other, order doesn't really matter — start with whichever fits your current mood, since both share enough on Steam to make either a reasonable opener.
- Are ReFactory and Microtopia similar?
- They overlap on Strategy, Simulation on Steam, so the catalogue groups them together — but "similar" depends on the specific mechanics. Use the genre + category rows above to decide whether the overlap matches what drew you to the one you've already played.