Let Them Trade: A New Frontier in City-Building Games
Trading as a Core Mechanic
Trading has long been a crucial component in city-building games, serving as a dynamic solution to a myriad of problems. From acquiring essential resources to enhance army production in games like Civilization 7, to offloading surplus supplies in SimCity, trading often stands out as a pathway to success. The indie studio Spaceflower has tapped into this concept with their latest offering, Let Them Trade. This game invites players to construct a sprawling network of cities, each capable of exchanging resources seamlessly. It’s a serene blend of settlement management and production optimization, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
A Relaxing Gameplay Experience
While competitive elements can add excitement to city-building games, many players find themselves drawn to more tranquil experiences. It is here that Let Them Trade truly excels. Tasked by a benevolent king to cultivate a flourishing empire, players are encouraged to expand their settlements while cleverly managing resources and avoiding the lurking threats of bandits. Set on a hex-grid map reminiscent of Civilization, the game presents a familiar but unique landscape for exploration and development.
Freedom from Competition
One of the standout features of Let Them Trade is its relaxed environment. Players can depart from the stress of intense competition and arms races that characterize many city builders. Instead, the focus shifts toward experimenting with building placements based on available regional resources. Each settlement operates autonomously—managing citizen needs and budgets independently—allowing players to concentrate on broader strategies and city connectivity.
Establishing Trade Routes
As new bases are established, players design intricate road networks to facilitate trade routes. Each city can engage in buying and selling its resources, contributing to a self-sustaining economy. A portion of these trades generates tax revenue, which is vital for upgrading the King’s castle and ensuring the prosperity of the empire. Happy citizens contribute to a robust tax base, creating a cyclical system of growth and satisfaction.
Navigating Perils and Rewards
While the story unfolds at a leisurely pace, players must remain vigilant, as rising wealth inevitably attracts the attention of robbers. To safeguard their settlements and assets, players must recruit knights, balancing the need for security with the peaceful nurturing of their empires. Despite these challenges, Let Them Trade is designed for a calming experience, featuring a clean art style that evokes memories of classics like The Settlers and the contemporary charm of Dorfromantik.
Scenario Modes and Customization
The game offers a primary scenario filled with specific challenges for those seeking structured gameplay. Additionally, players can unleash their creativity with a built-in editing tool to craft unique scenarios and share them via the Steam Workshop. If building and managing cities without strict goals sounds appealing, a freeform sandbox mode is available for unrestrained exploration.
Availability and Pricing
Let Them Trade officially launched on Steam and comes with a 20% discount for early purchasers, setting the price at $14.39 / £11.99 until July 31. Afterward, it will retail at $17.99 / £14.99. For players eager to dive into planning and trading, the game is readily available here.
Discover More
For those seeking further challenges in organizational strategy, explore the best management games available in 2025. Alternatively, if you prefer to unwind with low-pressure gameplay experiences, check out our selections of the best relaxing games on PC.
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