Patron
Patron is a survival city builder with a unique social dynamics system. Gather and produce resources, build your fledgling village into a prosperous city and navigate the intricate social tensions before they reach boiling point.
Developer
Publisher
Release
August 10, 2021
4 years and 357 days ago
Steam Reviews
Mostly Positive3,190 reviews72.2%
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Game contextLatest: IGF Team
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|---|---|---|
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Updated: Jul 11, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified. | ||
Updated: Jul 11, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released. |
Media
10 itemsAbout the Game
Patron builds upon the foundations laid out by the staples of the survival city builder genre and enhances the experience with a large research tree and by introducing intricate social dynamics into the game and the genre in general. Happiness, the standard simple feature of all such games, in the case of Patron is a complete gameplay system in its own right.
Patron starts off similarly to other games in the genre, but then veers off exploring social intricacies and what it means to truly run a society and not just a city filled with automatons.
Each individual citizen in the town has their needs, desires and issues troubling them or making them happy. Some citizens are more concerned with immigration, while others are more aggravated by tax-related issues. If the citizen’s view on the subject is in line with what the town government (YOU, the player) is doing, they will be happy. Works the other way around as well.
To make the best of the opportunities in this new land, you will need to construct residential houses, farms, production plants, manufacturing buildings and dozens of other buildings needed to harvest the riches of the land.
Every decision you make as Patron will be met with different reactions from different social groups. You'll need real political talent to balance sensitive matters as religion, immigration, loyalty, poverty... Whatever you choose to do can lead to unforeseen consequences years later.
Managing your tasks and citizens in a timely and efficient manner allows you to prepare and adapt to external variables like harsh weather or different seasons.
The world is changing and you must make sure you're advancing at the proper pace. Only by constant advancing and research will your society be able to stand the test of time.
No matter what you do, unexpected tragedies can always strike your people. They will look to you for protection and help.
People also need external signs of their success. Build and arrange numerous beautification elements of your city, and make sure everyone is rewarded for their hard work.
Patron starts off similarly to other games in the genre, but then veers off exploring social intricacies and what it means to truly run a society and not just a city filled with automatons.
Each individual citizen in the town has their needs, desires and issues troubling them or making them happy. Some citizens are more concerned with immigration, while others are more aggravated by tax-related issues. If the citizen’s view on the subject is in line with what the town government (YOU, the player) is doing, they will be happy. Works the other way around as well.
CONSTRUCT AND UPGRADE
To make the best of the opportunities in this new land, you will need to construct residential houses, farms, production plants, manufacturing buildings and dozens of other buildings needed to harvest the riches of the land.
BALANCE SENSITIVE SOCIAL ISSUES
Every decision you make as Patron will be met with different reactions from different social groups. You'll need real political talent to balance sensitive matters as religion, immigration, loyalty, poverty... Whatever you choose to do can lead to unforeseen consequences years later.
ADAPT TO WEATHER AND SEASONS
Managing your tasks and citizens in a timely and efficient manner allows you to prepare and adapt to external variables like harsh weather or different seasons.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOP FOR THE FUTURE
The world is changing and you must make sure you're advancing at the proper pace. Only by constant advancing and research will your society be able to stand the test of time.
TRAGEDY ALWAYS LURKS
No matter what you do, unexpected tragedies can always strike your people. They will look to you for protection and help.
ENJOY THE GOOD SIDE OF LIFE
People also need external signs of their success. Build and arrange numerous beautification elements of your city, and make sure everyone is rewarded for their hard work.
KEY FEATURES
- A survival city builder with a unique social dynamics system
- Gather and produce resources
- Establish sustainable production chains
- Build your fledgling village into a prosperous city as you construct and upgrade buildings
- Manage your people and steer your citizens towards needed professions
- Balance social issues: Class strife, Immigration, Religion, Health, Safety, Loyalty...
- Plan growth through an extensive Research Tree and unlock technology, policies and upgrades
- Plan production and overseas trade to support your economy through difficult times
