Building comparison
head to head
ForagervsSteamWorld Build
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.
Forager
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A compulsive grind-and-automate sandbox where optimizing the resource loop is the whole game.
SteamWorld Build
Optimization · Pure Optimization
Balancing town supply chains against mine logistics in a solvable economy.
Forager leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); SteamWorld Build leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
ForagerSteamWorld Build
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Forager
Click-and-walk inputs, no dexterity ceiling
SteamWorld Build
Placing buildings has no dexterity component
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Forager
No opponents
SteamWorld Build
Creature attacks are scripted waves, not an adapting mind
Variance2 vs 2
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Forager
Minor drop randomness, quickly irrelevant
SteamWorld Build
Resource layout below ground is unknown until dug
Optimization8 vs 8
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Forager
Pure economy loop: automate, expand, compound
SteamWorld Build
Supply chains, citizen needs and mine logistics are the entire test
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.