Games like Thrive on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Thrive are available at the bottom of the page.
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The Sapling
The Sapling is a short simulation game where you design your own plants and animals, and put them in a world together. Or you turn on random mutations, and see what evolution does to your ecosystem!
Size Matters
You play as a scientist who is shrinking every second in a race against time! Find all the ingredients and formulas scattered around the laboratory, which are necessary for producing the life-saving antidote. But beware, your time is very precious.
CRUMB Circuit Simulator
Powerful Realtime 3D Electronic Circuit Simulator
Pets Hotel
Welcome to Pets Hotel, a place where you can start the business you always dreamed of! Pets Hotel gives you a unique opportunity to build, design, and run a place where pets can feel at home. Cats, dogs, turtles, and many other animals are waiting for you to take care of them!
FlowScape
In FlowScape you can create your own nature scene simply by painting. Choose from 20 landscapes and more than 300 models to create your own little paradise by painting trees, changing the sky, rotating the sun, adding sound effects and adjusting your camera for that perfect photo.
Universe Sandbox
Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.
Tyto Ecology
Build your biome! With an empty biodome as your canvas, add plants and animals from three different ecosystems. Observe interactions like hunting, blooming, and even decomposing! Will your biodome last for decades, or will it experience a total ecosystem collapse? You’re in control!
Species: Artificial Life, Real Evolution
Play with evolution! Species: ALRE is a scientifically-grounded, emergent simulation of natural selection. Creatures evolve and speciate in response to in-game mutation and selection forces, allowing you to experience and tinker with evolution in real-time.
Aquarist
A relaxing sandbox casual simulation game where you perform various, even strange, aquarium-related tasks on very diverse levels. As an Aquarist you must create and manage a home to amazing fish🐟, sea turtles🐢, sharks🦈, octopuses🐙, and more🐬. Aquarium is their world and life. Make it worth...
Kerbal Space Program
In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.
Sinking Simulator
The sequel to the unfinished Sinking Simulator, now with a lot more POWER!!!! Witness your witty love of chaos and destruction sinking 2D ships and everything else on board!
Goat Simulator: Remastered
Goat Simulator Remastered is the latest in goat simulation technology. Your favorite chaotic sandbox is back and more beautiful than ever, with updated graphics, every DLC, and more bugs that you can shake a goat at. WASD to rewrite history.
The Sims™ 3
The Sims 3: Create the perfect world with full customization at your fingertips. Refine personalities and help fulfill destinies.
Espresso Tycoon
Espresso Tycoon - a coffee shop simulator. Create your brand, decorate the coffee shop, manage your employees, and take care of your customers. Use the 3D coffee editor to create coffee recipes, order supplies, and collect rating points. Build the whole coffee business and complete all the missions!
while True: learn()
You’re a machine learning specialist who makes neural networks but your cat seems to be better at it. Now you must solve puzzles to build a cat-to-human translation system (who knows what else this cat is capable of!). Earn a fortune, buy kickass cat outfits, learn how machine learning really works!
Rover Mechanic Simulator
As an Engineer - crew member of one of the first Mars colonies - you are responsible for repairing and maintaining Mars Rovers. In this advanced simulator you will learn the internal details of various Mars Rovers and their components.
Chef: A Restaurant Tycoon Game
Chef is a Restaurant Management game in which you create your own character, acquire supreme cooking skills, customize restaurants, design unique menus, and devise innovative recipes with a realistic editor.
Youtubers Life 2
Start from humble beginnings and take charge of the daily life of a wannabe influencer. Balance your day between creating trend-based content, completing tasks to earn money, and building trust with your neighbors to uncover their stories. Are you ready to embark on your road to fame?
Tiny Life
In Tiny Life, you control a set of people that live together in a household. You take care of their daily needs, build their skills, forge new relationships... or just mess up their entire life in whatever way you can think of!
SimpleRockets
I am excited to release my first game on Steam! SimpleRockets was released in 2013 for mobile and I've put a ton of work into it to get it ready for PC and Mac. It was inspired by KSP, and it offers a simpler 2D experience for building rockets and exploring space with realistic orbital mechanics.
Spaceflight Simulator
In Spaceflight Simulator, you will get to build your rockets, plan launches and flights, attempt landings, deploy payloads and explore new worlds.
ACTION SANDBOX
A physics sandbox game for people who like to play with digital toys. Create, control toys and define your goals.
Mash Box
Mash Box is a prototype sandbox game from an indie team, offering endless creative possibilities. Be part of its evolution with regular updates and help shape the tech foundation for future games. Dive in and influence the development of something special!
Most played games like Thrive on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Thrive that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
Similarity 42% The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends is a clicker, free to play and simulation game developed and published by Computer Lunch. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 23,690 reviews of which 21,284 were positive and 2,406 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Thrive, thanks to its 2,539 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
21,284
2,406
2,539
players
2. Kerbal Space Program
Similarity 49% In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. Kerbal Space Program is a space, simulation and sandbox game developed by Squad and published by Private Division. Released on April 27th 2015 has received 127,162 reviews of which 121,084 were positive and 6,078 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 2,221 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Thrive based on player count.
9.4
121,084
6,078
2,221
players
3. WWE 2K25
Similarity 46% Celebrate The Bloodline in Showcase. Compete online in MyGM. Expanded gameplay includes intergender wrestling, chain wrestling, barricade diving, the return of Promos + much more! WWE 2K25 is a simulation, sports and wrestling game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. Released on March 13th 2025 has received 2,365 reviews of which 1,556 were positive and 809 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. While seeing 1,538 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Thrive based on player count.
6.4
1,556
809
1,538
players
4. Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Similarity 41% Work your way to a service empire. Get your hands dirty in a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to details. Pay a visit to a new Auction house and buy cars in various conditions. Expand your range of services by investing in a new work space and equipment. Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is a simulation, automobile sim and realistic game developed by Red Dot Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on August 11th 2021 has received 29,841 reviews of which 28,630 were positive and 1,211 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,444 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Thrive.
9.4
28,630
1,211
1,444
players
5. The Sims™ 3
Similarity 48% The Sims 3: Create the perfect world with full customization at your fingertips. Refine personalities and help fulfill destinies. The Sims™ 3 is a life sim, simulation and character customization game developed by The Sims Studio and Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on January 27th 2011 has received 32,910 reviews of which 28,544 were positive and 4,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 1,324 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Thrive.
8.5
28,544
4,366
1,324
players
6. The Sims™ 2 Legacy Collection
Similarity 41% The game you know and love. For Windows 10/11. In The Sims 2, you direct your Sims over a lifetime. Give them a long existence or leave their lives in shambles. Guide their characteristics from one generation to the next. The Sims™ 2 Legacy Collection is a sandbox, life sim and building game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on January 31st 2025 has received 2,993 reviews of which 1,891 were positive and 1,102 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. With 499 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Thrive.
6.2
1,891
1,102
499
players
7. Universe Sandbox
Similarity 50% Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe. Universe Sandbox is a sandbox, space and simulation game developed and published by Giant Army. Released on August 24th 2015 has received 27,448 reviews of which 26,456 were positive and 992 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 390 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Thrive.
9.4
26,456
992
390
players
8. Goat Simulator 3
Similarity 44% Pilgor's baaack! Gather your herd and venture forth into Goat Simulator 3; an all-new (at least on Steam), totally realistic, sandbox farmyard experience. Invite up to three friends in local or online co-op, create carnage as a team, or compete in mini-games and then not be friends anymore. Goat Simulator 3 is a exploration, physics and sandbox game developed by Coffee Stain North and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on February 15th 2024 has received 10,395 reviews of which 10,177 were positive and 218 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 333 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Thrive.
9.5
10,177
218
333
players
9. BMX Streets
Similarity 41% Ready to hit the streets? BMX Streets brings the essence of street riding to your fingertips. Experience the next generation of BMX gaming with realistic physics, meaningful customization and a massive open world. Practice, experiment and explore to find your own unique style and master the streets. BMX Streets is a sports, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by Mash Games. Released on April 04th 2024 has received 2,501 reviews of which 1,911 were positive and 590 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 178 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Thrive.
7.4
1,911
590
178
players
10. PC Building Simulator
Similarity 45% Build and grow your very own computer repair enterprise as you learn to diagnose, fix and build PCs. With real-world licensed components and comprehensive hardware and software simulation, you can plan and bring your ultimate PC to life. PC Building Simulator is a simulation, education and immersive sim game developed by Claudiu Kiss and The Irregular Corporation and published by The Irregular Corporation. Released on January 29th 2019 has received 51,655 reviews of which 48,356 were positive and 3,299 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 148 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Thrive.
9.2
48,356
3,299
148
players
Best deals on games like Thrive on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Thrive 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 Thrive.
1. Size Matters
Similarity 59% You play as a scientist who is shrinking every second in a race against time! Find all the ingredients and formulas scattered around the laboratory, which are necessary for producing the life-saving antidote. But beware, your time is very precious. Size Matters is a simulation, casual and science game developed by Mazen Games and published by GrabTheGames. Released on March 12th 2021 has received 473 reviews of which 412 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Thrive.
8.1
412
61
-99%
9.75€
0.19€
2. Rover Mechanic Simulator
Similarity 47% As an Engineer - crew member of one of the first Mars colonies - you are responsible for repairing and maintaining Mars Rovers. In this advanced simulator you will learn the internal details of various Mars Rovers and their components. Rover Mechanic Simulator is a simulation, indie and building game developed by ▲ Pyramid Games and published by Pyramid Games S.A. and PlayWay S.A.. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 637 reviews of which 489 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Thrive.
7.3
489
148
-98%
11.79€
0.35€
3. Equilinox
Similarity 43% Equilinox is a relaxing nature simulation game in which you can create and nurture your own ecosystems. Shape the world to your liking, cultivate and raise hundreds of different species, and evolve your wildlife to unlock more exotic plants and animals. Equilinox is a simulation, indie and casual game developed and published by ThinMatrix. Released on November 23rd 2018 has received 2,949 reviews of which 2,731 were positive and 218 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Thrive.
8.9
2,731
218
-95%
8.50€
0.45€
4. Brewmaster: Beer Brewing Simulator
Similarity 41% Brew your perfect beer in this relaxing home brewing sim. Use a realistic chemistry simulation to brew hoppy IPAs to creamy stouts. Customise your brewing space, create recipes and label your beer, unlock new equipment and enter competitions. Learn to brew, refine your craft and become a Brewmaster! Brewmaster: Beer Brewing Simulator is a simulation, crafting and sandbox game developed by Auroch Digital and published by Fireshine Games. Released on September 29th 2022 has received 1,070 reviews of which 834 were positive and 236 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Thrive.
7.5
834
236
-95%
17.99€
0.95€
5. Kerbal Space Program
Similarity 49% In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. Kerbal Space Program is a space, simulation and sandbox game developed by Squad and published by Private Division. Released on April 27th 2015 has received 127,162 reviews of which 121,084 were positive and 6,078 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Thrive.
9.4
121,084
6,078
-93%
39.99€
3.11€
6. Size Matters
Similarity 59% You play as a scientist who is shrinking every second in a race against time! Find all the ingredients and formulas scattered around the laboratory, which are necessary for producing the life-saving antidote. But beware, your time is very precious. Size Matters is a game developed and published by . Released on March 12th 2021 has received 473 reviews of which 412 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Thrive.
8.1
412
61
-99%
9.75€
0.19€
7. SimpleRockets
Similarity 45% I am excited to release my first game on Steam! SimpleRockets was released in 2013 for mobile and I've put a ton of work into it to get it ready for PC and Mac. It was inspired by KSP, and it offers a simpler 2D experience for building rockets and exploring space with realistic orbital mechanics. SimpleRockets is a simulation, sandbox and physics game developed and published by Jundroo and LLC. Released on June 03rd 2015 has received 358 reviews of which 306 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Thrive.
7.9
306
52
-89%
7.79€
0.89€
8. Aquarist
Similarity 50% A relaxing sandbox casual simulation game where you perform various, even strange, aquarium-related tasks on very diverse levels. As an Aquarist you must create and manage a home to amazing fish🐟, sea turtles🐢, sharks🦈, octopuses🐙, and more🐬. Aquarium is their world and life. Make it worth... Aquarist is a indie, sandbox and simulation game developed by FreeMind S.A. and published by FreeMind S.A. and PlayWay S.A.. Released on March 29th 2024 has received 581 reviews of which 499 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Thrive.
8.1
499
82
-88%
15.79€
2.01€
9. Youtubers Life 2
Similarity 46% Start from humble beginnings and take charge of the daily life of a wannabe influencer. Balance your day between creating trend-based content, completing tasks to earn money, and building trust with your neighbors to uncover their stories. Are you ready to embark on your road to fame? Youtubers Life 2 is a life sim, character customization and simulation game developed and published by UPLAY Online. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 2,174 reviews of which 1,591 were positive and 583 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Thrive.
7.1
1,591
583
-88%
24.99€
3.01€
10. Kerbal Space Program
Similarity 49% In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. Kerbal Space Program is a game developed and published by . Released on April 27th 2015 has received 127,162 reviews of which 121,084 were positive and 6,078 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Thrive.
9.4
121,084
6,078
-93%
39.99€
3.11€
Free games like Thrive on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Thrive 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 Thrive.
1. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
Similarity 42% The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends is a clicker, free to play and simulation game developed and published by Computer Lunch. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 23,690 reviews of which 21,284 were positive and 2,406 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 2,539 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Thrive.
8.8
21,284
2,406
2,539
players
2. The Powder Toy
Similarity 43% The Powder Toy is a classic physics sandbox game, which simulates air pressure and velocity, heat, gravity and a countless number of interactions between different substances The Powder Toy is a simulation, sandbox and 2d game developed and published by The Powder Toy Team. Released on June 14th 2024 has received 1,852 reviews of which 1,824 were positive and 28 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Thrive.
9.4
1,824
28
89
players
3. Mash Box
Similarity 45% Mash Box is a prototype sandbox game from an indie team, offering endless creative possibilities. Be part of its evolution with regular updates and help shape the tech foundation for future games. Dive in and influence the development of something special! Mash Box is a casual, simulation and sports game developed and published by Mash Games. Released on October 17th 2024 has received 569 reviews of which 526 were positive and 43 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Thrive.
8.6
526
43
33
players
4. Pyroworks
Similarity 45% Pyroworks is a free-to-play online multiplayer game containing fireworks from real-life companies from all over the globe. You can choose to make your own show, cause destruction and chaos or simulate new years. Don't miss out on playing with your friends - the most fun part. Pyroworks is a sandbox, choose your own adventure and simulation game developed and published by Deepest Inertia Studio. Released on September 08th 2023 has received 1,566 reviews of which 1,441 were positive and 125 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Thrive.
8.7
1,441
125
10
players
5. Plasma
Similarity 40% Plasma is a pure engineering sandbox. Use advanced visual programming and robotics tools to create anything you can imagine. Plasma is a simulation, sandbox and 3d game developed by Dry Cactus and Licorice ehf and published by Dry Licorice. Released on September 13th 2023 has received 888 reviews of which 789 were positive and 99 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Thrive.
8.4
789
99
10
players
6. Rock Life: The Rock Simulator
Similarity 41% Built from the ground up, Rock Life is the next generation of immersion and simulations. Live, do, and experience what it is like to truly become one with nature... as a rock! Rock Life: The Rock Simulator is a idler, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by BGNB Studios. Released on July 20th 2022 has received 2,325 reviews of which 2,211 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Thrive.
9.1
2,211
114
7
players
7. Terra Firma
Similarity 43% Play god and create your own world in this complex simulation. Plate tectonics, wind and water erosion and plant life all develop and interact to produce a world that is viewable from a single tree to kilometres across. Terra Firma is a simulation, strategy and god game game developed and published by Working as Intended. Released on February 20th 2025 has received 359 reviews of which 333 were positive and 26 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Thrive.
8.6
333
26
4
players
8. Electrician Simulator - First Shock
Similarity 41% Learn the ropes from your Dad to become an electrician. Repair and assemble sockets, panels, strips, plugs, chandeliers and even change light bulbs. Oh... and don't mix up the wires! Results might be shocking. Electrician Simulator - First Shock is a simulation, education and singleplayer game developed by Take IT Studio! and published by Gaming Factory and Ultimate Games S.A.. Released on January 06th 2022 has received 1,860 reviews of which 1,502 were positive and 358 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 Thrive.
7.8
1,502
358
3
players
9. *NEW* SCUFFED BHOP SIMULATION 2026 GOTY EDITION
Similarity 44% The long-awaited sequel to the hit game *NEW* SCUFFED EPIC BHOP SIMULATOR 2023 (POG CHAMP) is here! All new SinglePlayer maps with popular maps returning from the first game! Play online multiplayer cross platform with all new modes and experiences! *NEW* SCUFFED BHOP SIMULATION 2026 GOTY EDITION is a simulation, casual and platformer game developed by Chris Shanaz and Scuffed Development and published by shanaz game studios. Released on March 25th 2022 has received 424 reviews of which 337 were positive and 87 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Thrive.
7.5
337
87