Games like Life is Hard on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Life is Hard are available at the bottom of the page.
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奇迹一刻 Surmount
Surmount is a simulation game which is involved with moderate strategy on the subject of E-sports. You'll play as a college student who choose to return back to the league and win the competition as a coach. Those members can not only be your teammate, but also close friends or lovers.
Caravan
Are you ready to embark on a journey through deserts and dangers? Will you be able to safely navigate your fellowship through the lands of the Orient and uncover your destiny? Through strategic trading and traveling you will overcome obstacles and adversity.
Who Is This Man
Who is This Man is an spy game with privacy and hiding. Secretly infiltrate his target's house and miss his stuff. Report them later. Buy new agent equipment
Bastide
(Early Access game in alpha.) Bastide is a city-building strategy based in the 13th century where you must guide your village of peasants to thrive and survive against other villages, bandits, hunger, disease, and the cold so that they may grow into a fortified town.
Through the Darkest of Times
Berlin 1933. “Adolf Hitler is chancellor!” We all know the consequences this message bore. Unspeakable horrors and suffering would sweep across the world. Few would stand and fight the monstrosity that was the German Reich. Will you? Lead an underground resistance group Through the Darkest of Times.
The Odyssey: Winds of Athena
As the Greek Goddess Athena, control the wind, seas, and air to guide the hero Odysseus home from the Trojan Wars. The incredibly realistic water current simulation will amaze and challenge you, as you use your powers to protect the Hero's fleet.
8-Bit Hordes
From the team that brought you 8-Bit Armies comes a new fantasy RTS as fast-paced and friendly as the original! 8-BIT HORDES is a colorful strategy-arcade game that is easy to learn for players of all skill levels. Collect resources, build up and defend your base, amass your army of orcs or humans and ultimately crush your opponents!
Car Trader Simulator - Welcome to the Business
Welcome to the prologue to Car Trader Simulator. Here you will learn all the most important in mechanics and economics in the game and you will play your first mission.
Creeper World 2: Anniversary Edition
Deceptively simple... amazingly deep. Creeper World 2 thrusts you into the 14th millennium fighting and enemy that flows and oozes through the terrain. Employ advanced weapons,gravity manipulating repulsors, wormhole like rifts, and your own wit against this never yielding enemy.
GamersGoMakers
In GamersGoMakers, you found a little company creating the first video games in history. Create your first game with only basic sound and simple graphics available in the year 1980. You´re one of the pioneers entering the rising global market for computer games.
RIOT: Civil Unrest
As civil crisis deepens and inequality tears the very fabric of society the discontentment of the masses manifests itself in violent public disturbances and civil disorder. Play as the police or the angry horde as RIOT – Civil Unrest places you in some of the world’s most fractious disputes.
Farm Frenzy Collection
Enjoy the farmhouse gems with this solid set of 12 Farm Frenzy titles! Join Scarlett throughout all of her adventures in hundreds of farming challenges. Raise chickens, ostriches, and dolphins. Bake cakes, grow crops, and sell items at markets. It's an all-out farming assault with one of the most enjoyed series ever!
No Umbrellas Allowed
Reveal the true value of the items coming into the shop. Each item has their own history. Dig deep to see what is behind them and become an expert appraiser. Begin a tug of war with customers. With their own expectations and knowledge, they never give up on money.
Celestial Command
Mine asteroids, salvage space debris, design your own small or massive spacecraft using individual functional components, complete missions, and engage in battles against enemies in a vast galaxy with realistic physics based on orbital mechanics or in a classic physics mode.
NITE Team 4 - Military Hacking Division
NITE Team 4 is a military hacking simulation game that explores the world of cyberwarfare and features realistic mission scenarios.
8-Bit Armies
8-Bit Armies is a retro Real-Time Strategy game. With a colorful, blocky voxel art style, 8-Bit Armies is Petroglyph's most fast-paced, friendly, and accessible RTS game to date. Featuring a campaign of 25 single-player missions, 12 co-op missions, multiplayer and skirmish modes.
Ninja Tycoon
Recruit Ninjas, Hire Workers, build your base, train your Ninjas and send them on Missions!
![上帝之城 I：监狱帝国 [City of God I - Prison Empire]](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/466860/header.jpg)
上帝之城 I：监狱帝国 [City of God I - Prison Empire]
Hey, boy! I am the Deputy Mayor of Crist City. My secretary has already told you the purchasing price of the wardening position of Pompeii Prison, right? Come on son, make up your mind! There are a lot of people competing for this position. I don’t have time and patience to waste on you!
铁道物语：陆王（Railway Saga:Land King）
Become a respected conductor, assemble and match your train lineup at will. In addition to transporting passengers from all walks of life, you can also set up your own factories at various city stations. Mining, planting and breeding all kinds of resources, using the craftsmen's crafts to produce a variety of famous things.
Legal Dungeon
Legal Dungeon is a game about organizing Police Investigation Documents. The player must review and provide an Investigation Verdict on reports ranging from petty theft to murder, in eight different criminal cases. Weigh the value of people’s lives to unlock all the collectables.
A Street Cat's Tale
A Tale of a street cat left alone
Most played games like Life is Hard on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Life is Hard that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. DSX
Similarity 50% DSX is an easy-to-use software that connects DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DualShock 4 controllers to your PC. It unlocks advanced features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for a more immersive gaming experience. Allowing support for games that don't support Playstation Controllers. DSX is a simulation, indie and controller game developed and published by Paliverse. Released on June 24th 2022 has received 5,373 reviews of which 3,667 were positive and 1,706 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Life is Hard, thanks to its 5,825 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.7
3,667
1,706
5,825
players
2. Foundation
Similarity 55% Foundation is a grid-less, laidback medieval city-building game with a focus on organic development, monument construction and resource management. Foundation is a city builder, simulation and medieval game developed and published by Polymorph Games. Released on January 31st 2025 has received 20,132 reviews of which 17,195 were positive and 2,937 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. While seeing 970 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Life is Hard based on player count.
8.4
17,195
2,937
970
players
3. Plague Inc: Evolved
Similarity 54% Plague Inc: Evolved is a unique mix of high strategy and terrifyingly realistic simulation. Your pathogen has just infected 'Patient Zero' - now you must bring about the end of human history by evolving a deadly, global Plague whilst adapting against everything humanity can do to defend itself. Plague Inc: Evolved is a strategy, simulation and outbreak sim game developed and published by Ndemic Creations. Released on February 18th 2016 has received 55,664 reviews of which 52,571 were positive and 3,093 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 914 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Life is Hard based on player count.
9.3
52,571
3,093
914
players
4. Mr.Mine
Similarity 50% Explore the depths of the earth and uncover hidden treasures in this addictive idle mining game. Unlock the power of your drill with hundreds of upgrades, discover mysterious relics, and unearth priceless gems. Can you master the mines and reveal their deepest secrets? Dive in and dig deep! Mr.Mine is a idler, clicker and simulation game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on September 30th 2020 has received 17,216 reviews of which 15,826 were positive and 1,390 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 846 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
9.0
15,826
1,390
846
players
5. Banished
Similarity 51% In this city-building strategy game, you control a group of exiled travelers who decide to restart their lives in a new land. They have only the clothes on their backs and a cart filled with supplies from their homeland. The townspeople of Banished are your primary resource. Banished is a city builder, colony sim and strategy game developed and published by Shining Rock Software LLC. Released on February 18th 2014 has received 42,246 reviews of which 38,173 were positive and 4,073 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 597 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
8.9
38,173
4,073
597
players
6. Mini Motorways
Similarity 54% Mini Motorways is a strategy simulation game about designing the road map for a growing city. Build a traffic network, one road at a time, to create a bustling metropolis. Redesign your roads and place your motorways to get everyone where they need to go. How long can you keep the city moving? Mini Motorways is a strategy, simulation and casual game developed and published by Dinosaur Polo Club. Released on July 20th 2021 has received 21,432 reviews of which 20,615 were positive and 817 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 554 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
9.4
20,615
817
554
players
7. Game Dev Tycoon
Similarity 54% In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans. Game Dev Tycoon is a management, simulation and indie game developed and published by Greenheart Games 💚. Released on August 29th 2013 has received 35,783 reviews of which 34,126 were positive and 1,657 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 289 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
9.3
34,126
1,657
289
players
8. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Similarity 50% Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is a strategy, simulation and medieval game developed by Black Sea Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on December 06th 2022 has received 5,792 reviews of which 4,450 were positive and 1,342 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 240 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
7.5
4,450
1,342
240
players
9. Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)
Similarity 50% The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore. The treasures of an entire continent await you. Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic) is a simulation, adventure and turn-based strategy game developed by MicroProse Software and Inc and published by Atari and Nightdive Studios. Released on October 09th 2014 has received 1,004 reviews of which 961 were positive and 43 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. With 150 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
9
961
43
150
players
10. Hollywood Animal
Similarity 53% Make movies, even if someone has to die. Take the helm of a major Hollywood studio at the dawn of sound cinema, and guide it through decades of creative achievements and glamor, debauchery and dark deeds, tough choices and unpleasant compromises. Hollywood Animal is a early access, simulation and strategy game developed by Weappy Wholesome and published by Weappy Studio. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 2,669 reviews of which 1,982 were positive and 687 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 142 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
7.2
1,982
687
142
players
Best deals on games like Life is Hard on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Life is Hard available on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Life is Hard.
1. EarthX
Similarity 63% EarthX is a rocket company management game. Go from launching small rockets on Earth to eventually building a colony on Mars. Create your own Internet constellation, develop new technologies, supply the International Space Station and terraform Mars! EarthX is a simulation, indie and strategy game developed by Denis and Ry and published by Mesote Games. Released on July 12th 2023 has received 875 reviews of which 769 were positive and 106 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
8.3
769
106
-99%
19.99€
0.29€
2. Lords and Villeins
Similarity 52% Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy! Lords and Villeins is a colony sim, strategy and city builder game developed by Honestly Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on November 10th 2022 has received 872 reviews of which 633 were positive and 239 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Life is Hard.
7.0
633
239
-99%
24.99€
0.38€
3. ReignMaker
Similarity 54% ReignMaker: Saving the World One Tower at a Time. ReignMaker is a match-3 game with tower defense, city building, and political strategy elements. Your policy decisions determine the fate of your city and the direction of the story. Your match-3 and tower defense skills determine the fate of the world. ReignMaker is a casual, strategy and indie game developed and published by Frogdice. Released on April 16th 2014 has received 410 reviews of which 260 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Life is Hard.
6.1
260
150
-99%
14.99€
0.20€
4. Tin Can
Similarity 50% You've barely managed to escape your exploding spaceship. Now in an old escape pod, you hurtle through space at the mercy of the cosmos. With no knowledge of the pod’s complex systems, your life depends on a technical manual and your own wits. How long can you survive? Tin Can is a simulation, space and survival game developed by Tin Can Studio and published by Tin Can Studio and IndieArk. Released on May 12th 2022 has received 1,198 reviews of which 1,015 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
8.1
1,015
183
-98%
17.99€
0.46€
5. Beat Cop
Similarity 54% A retro, pixel art style adventure in New York, inspired by ’80s cop shows. You are Jack Kelly and you’ve been framed for murder. Now as a regular beat cop you have to find out, who did that. Expect thick crime story, a lot of black humour and all the other things you can find on the streets of Brooklyn. Beat Cop is a pixel graphics, indie and retro game developed by Pixel Crow and published by 11 bit studios. Released on March 30th 2017 has received 5,592 reviews of which 4,621 were positive and 971 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
8.0
4,621
971
-98%
14.99€
0.40€
6. Oriental Empires
Similarity 59% Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires. Oriental Empires is a strategy, simulation and indie game developed by Shining Pixel Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on September 14th 2017 has received 2,934 reviews of which 2,358 were positive and 576 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
7.8
2,358
576
-98%
28.99€
0.84€
7. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Similarity 50% Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is a strategy, simulation and medieval game developed by Black Sea Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on December 06th 2022 has received 5,792 reviews of which 4,450 were positive and 1,342 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
7.5
4,450
1,342
-98%
44.99€
0.98€
8. Dead In Vinland
Similarity 55% DEAD IN VINLAND is a survival/management game, mixed with RPG and adventure elements, about a Viking family trying their best to survive on a mysterious island. Dead In Vinland is a rpg, strategy and survival game developed and published by Ishtar Games. Released on April 12th 2018 has received 1,691 reviews of which 1,313 were positive and 378 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
7.5
1,313
378
-98%
19.99€
0.49€
9. EARTHLOCK
Similarity 49% Earthlock is an indie developed, adventure RPG inspired by the classic 3D RPGs of the late 90's, with a fresh take on turn based combat and character progression. EARTHLOCK is a rpg, adventure and strategy game developed and published by Snowcastle Games. Released on March 08th 2018 has received 574 reviews of which 419 were positive and 155 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
7.0
419
155
-98%
28.99€
0.73€
10. Ascent - The Space Game
Similarity 52% Ascent is a PVE sandbox space MMO with 270 BILLION star systems and an emphasis on strong Sci Fi. It encourages Exploration, Colonization, Research, Asteroid mining, Farming, Trading, and Combat. Outside the tutorial sector, everything in-game has been built by players. Ascent - The Space Game is a space, massively multiplayer and simulation game developed and published by Fluffy Kitten Studios. Released on April 11th 2016 has received 340 reviews of which 231 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
6.5
231
109
-98%
19.99€
0.52€
Free games like Life is Hard on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Life is Hard you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Life is Hard.
1. Mr.Mine
Similarity 50% Explore the depths of the earth and uncover hidden treasures in this addictive idle mining game. Unlock the power of your drill with hundreds of upgrades, discover mysterious relics, and unearth priceless gems. Can you master the mines and reveal their deepest secrets? Dive in and dig deep! Mr.Mine is a idler, clicker and simulation game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on September 30th 2020 has received 17,216 reviews of which 15,826 were positive and 1,390 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 846 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Life is Hard.
9.0
15,826
1,390
846
players
2. Nova-Life: Amboise
Similarity 52% Nova-Life: Amboise is a multiplayer role-play simulation video game. Create your character and start your second life! Nova-Life: Amboise is a simulation, indie and action game developed and published by TeamNova. Released on April 22nd 2019 has received 1,548 reviews of which 1,219 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
7.6
1,219
329
53
players
3. Fun Hospital
Similarity 52% Build your own theme hospital! Here, you might meet patients with a lot of hair, or no hair; strange aliens, evil guy, super hero… Fun Hospital is a casual, strategy and simulation game developed and published by OrangesGame Technology Limited. Released on June 21st 2018 has received 578 reviews of which 367 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
6.2
367
211
49
players
4. Prismata
Similarity 57% A perfect-information strategy game inspired by RTS, deckbuilders, and board games. Choose from three distinct technology classes and outwit your foes by snowballing your starting resources into a powerful cybernetic army. ABSOLUTELY NO PAY-TO-WIN. Prismata is a early access, strategy and indie game developed and published by Lunarch Studios. Released on March 08th 2018 has received 1,187 reviews of which 970 were positive and 217 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
7.8
970
217
3
players
5. Guild Quest
Similarity 57% You’ve just bought yourself a new island and it’s time to fill it up with QUESTS! Collect guildians, upgrade their guildhalls, and unleash them onto your own custom quest lines. Guild Quest is a free to play, strategy and casual game developed and published by Hyper Hippo Games. Released on January 26th 2017 has received 1,724 reviews of which 1,135 were positive and 589 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
6.4
1,135
589
3
players
6. Crown and Council
Similarity 53% Crown and Council is a casual strategy game with short game sessions. Crown and Council is a strategy, casual and indie game developed and published by Mojang. Released on April 22nd 2016 has received 758 reviews of which 488 were positive and 270 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
6.2
488
270
2
players
7. Train Station Renovation - First Job
Similarity 53% Welcome to the prologue to Train Station Renovation. This is where you will learn and teach how to renovate these small and the largest train stations in the world. Train Station Renovation - First Job is a simulation, casual and indie game developed by Live Motion Games and published by Live Motion Games and PlayWay S.A.. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 858 reviews of which 740 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
8.2
740
118
1
players
8. Touhou Big Big Battle
Similarity 59% just a touhou rts game Touhou Big Big Battle is a early access, strategy and indie game developed and published by MyACG Studio. Released on September 10th 2018 has received 4,012 reviews of which 3,220 were positive and 792 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
7.8
3,220
792
1
players
9. Lazerbait
Similarity 52% Lazerbait is a free arcade strategy game set in virtual reality with one simple goal: capture all the planets to build more ships and destroy your enemies! Lazerbait is a strategy, indie and vr game developed and published by Taylor Stapleton. Released on October 13th 2016 has received 507 reviews of which 490 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
9.0
490
17
10. Hobs
Similarity 56% Hobs is a turn based card game which you can try different strategies to beat your opponent. Find best deck for your strategy, buy new heros, try different strategies and try to place to the top. Hobs is a free to play, strategy and card game game developed and published by Teneke Kafalar. Released on August 19th 2019 has received 1,182 reviews of which 1,015 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
8.2
1,015
167