Image via Green Heart Games

Best combos in Game Dev Tycoon

What kind of game should you create?

Game Dev Tycoon is a simulator tycoon game all about becoming the video game developer with the best games on the market. While you don't actually get to design a real video game, Game Dev Tycoon does allow you to choose genres and tweak settings like graphics, engines, and level design. However, not all genre combinations are equal in the game. Some can even tank your performance! That said, here are the best genre combos in Game Dev Tycoon and some helpful advice!

Recommended Videos

Best video game genre combos in Game Dev Tycoon

Screenshot by Pro Game Guides

Knowing not only the best genre combos for Game Dev Tycoon but also how they work will help you achieve a great game in both reviews and sales. In the game, you must first choose an overarching genre, like Adventure. Then, you are tasked to choose a subgenre to go with it, such as Spy or Zombies. Subgenres are mostly straightforward, but there are definitely some that don't go together. That's why we've simplified the process to make it easier for you in a table format:

GenreIdeal Subgenres
ActionAirplane, Aliens, Alt, Cyberpunk, Dungeon, Fantasy,
Horror, Hunting, Medieval, Military, Music,
Martial Arts, History, Post Apocalyptic, Prison,
Sci-Fi, Space, Sports, Spy, Superheroes,
Time Travel, Rhythm, Werewolf, Zombie
AdventureDetective, Fantasy, Law, Life, Medieval, Mystery
Pirate, Prison, Romance, Spy, School,
Time Travel, Zombies
CasualAirplane, Comedy, Dance, Fashion, Martial Arts,
Movies, Music, Rhythm, Racing, Sports,
Virtual Pet, Vocabulary
RPGAliens, Alt, Cyberpunk, Detective, Dungeon
Fantasy, Fashion, History, Martial Arts,
Medieval, Mystery, Post Apocalyptic,
Sci-Fi, School, Spy, Vampire,
Werewolf, Wild West
SimulationAirplane, Business, City, Dance, Dungeon,
Evolution, Fantasy, Game Dev, Government,
Hacking, History, Hospital, Hunting, Life,
Martial Arts, Military, Movies, Music,
Prison, Racing, Rhythm, Sci-Fi, School,
Space, Sports, Startups, Surgery, Transport,
Virtual Pet, Vocabulary
StrategyAirplane, Aliens, Business, City, Dungeon,
Evolution, Government, Hacking, History,
Medieval, Military, Space, School, Sci-Fi,
Transport, UFO, Vocabulary

Related: Best Spells & Spell combos in Hogwarts Legacy

How to make good genre combo games in Game Dev Tycoon

There are some tried and true rules to follow in conjunction with good genre combos. Even if a game genre/topic combination is ideal and does really well, you do not want to repeat it twice in a row. The second time you make the same combination, it will score you much lower than the first. Make a game in-between to maintain a similar score or better.

When it is time to make the sequel for that previous game, do not create the sequel on the same custom engine. This will cause your reviews and sales to suffer, and you'll be criticized for lack of innovation. Instead, update your settings and create a new engine for the game.

Want to read more about Game Dev Tycoon? If so, check out Game Dev Tycoon Guide – Tips and Tricks on Pro Game Guides.


Pro Game Guides is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
Author
Jaret Knox
A gamer born and raised, Jaret's first two video games were Contra and Super Mario Bros. 3, two games released before he was even born. He attributes these games to his wide-ranging interest in varying genres, and also credits them with his love of gaming in general. This led him to starting a career in video game writing, and now he can be found freelance writing for Pro Game Guides, spending time with his fiancé, playing video games, or reading a good book.
Author
Bethany Barber
Bethany has been a writer at Pro Game Guides for over two years, but she has been into both gaming and writing for countless years. When not writing helpful guides for fellow gamers, she can be found playing on her PC or Switch, writing short stories, and watching horror movies.

Write A Comment

Best combos in Game Dev Tycoon

Comments are on moderation and will be approved in a timely manner. Please read the following rules before commenting:

  • All comments must be on topic and add something of substance to the post
  • No swearing or inappropriate words
  • No asking or begging for anything free
  • Do not attempt to start a poll in the comments
  • Comments in all CAPS will be removed
  • We reserve the right to remove a comment for any reason
  • Do not impersonate a staff member or influencer

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.