Best Economy games on Steam

Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated economy games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free economy games are available at the bottom of the page.

Filters & Lists

Ludus

Build the best ludus in the world! and survive in ancient Rome.

Price 9.75€
Rating 6.7
Release 20 Feb 2020

Mad Tower Tycoon

Design your own skyscraper with more than 100 Floors. Rent offices, apartments or shops and build a financially lucrative skyscraper. Build cinemas, bars or a theater to satisfy your visitors and create an effective transport system with elevators and stairs.

Price 14.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 14 Jan 2020

Medieval Monarch

In the medieval era, assume the role of a lord and engage with other lords,develop fiefdoms, and employ strategies involving intrigue, warfare, and plunder. Expand your territory and strengthen your house lineage Or, be a god, manipulate the world? This game primarily strategic role-playing elements

Price 8.19€
Rating 7.4
Release 01 Jan 2020

Winter Resort Simulator

Are you ready for the winter? Winter Resort simulator lets you operate detailed Doppelmayr cable cars and snow vehicles such as Pistenbully snowcats. Set in a realistic alpine landscape, you are responsible for managing your ski resort and keeping your guests happy.

Price 19.95€
Rating 7.7
Release 12 Dec 2019

Transport Fever 2

The classic transport simulation genre has a new gold standard with Transport Fever 2. Discover a whole new world by navigating transport routes through land, water and air. May progress and prosperity find their way!

Price -70% 11.87€
Rating 8.9
Release 11 Dec 2019

Biker Garage: Mechanic Simulator

Become an ace motorcycle mechanic. Buy used motorcycles, repair, and sell them for a profit. Work with 15 types of motorbikes. Develop a workshop and attract as many customers as you can. Customize bikes or create your own dream bike from hundreds of available parts.

Price 20.99€
Rating 6.6
Release 28 Nov 2019

Plutocracy

The business simulator Plutocracy gives you the chance to become wealthy and powerful to take control over the world. Where policy, laws, officials and people are only the chess pieces how do you play your game?

Price 24.50€
Rating 7.6
Release 21 Nov 2019

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War

A Turn-based Strategy game in a futuristic global cold war from the award-winning creators of Out There. Recruit a squad of special agents and run your intel agency to secure the control of the singularity.

Price -83% 3.06€
Rating 7.3
Release 21 Nov 2019

Automation Empire

Build and manage a massive industrial network of factories, mines, and farms. Employ a fleet of trains, trucks, and robotic drones. In the age of automation, efficiency is survival!

Price 24.99€
Rating 6.5
Release 20 Nov 2019

Railroad Corporation

Relive the pioneering spirit of the Golden Age of Steam by establishing your own railroad empire across 19th century North America. Bring settlements together, produce and trade goods and develop new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Want more? RAILROAD CORPORATION 2 Out Now!

Price 35.10€
Rating 7.1
Release 18 Nov 2019

Putin Life

Putin Life - a game that allows you to feel not only the leader of the Russian Federation, but perhaps the Lord of the world.Rob, steal, enslave.

Price 0.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 13 Nov 2019

Basement

Basement is a strategy game, where you start doing illegal business to fund the development of your dream video game. It won't be easy, so get ready to deal with other gangs, cops, crazy junkies, mysterious investor and even ghosts from the past.

Price 16.79€
Rating 6.9
Release 10 Nov 2019

Planet Zoo

Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them.

Price -84% 7.11€
Rating 9.0
Release 05 Nov 2019

Internet Cafe Simulator

Internet Cafe Simulator is an internet cafe business simulation game. Build the best internet café in the world!

Price 9.75€
Rating 7.2
Release 25 Oct 2019

AI War 2

The most devious and acclaimed artificial intelligence in strategy gaming is better than ever. A grand strategy/RTS hybrid that reverses many conventions of both genres. Take territory without attracting attention, build your empire with care, and adapt to an ever-evolving galactic battleground.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.4
Release 22 Oct 2019

Little Big Workshop

Manage your workers, stations, machines and create awesome stuff as your little big workshop grows into your dream factory!

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 17 Oct 2019

Rec Center Tycoon - Management Simulator

Design, build and manage a recreation center! Host fitness classes, build swimming pools, arcade & entertainment areas, build event rooms to host parties & much more. With endless customisation, Rec Center Tycoon goes much more in-depth than your average business management simulator.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 06 Sep 2019

Battle Royale Tycoon

Design and build arenas for your guests to fight in, keep them happy, your workers paid and make a profit!

Price 9.75€
Rating 6.7
Release 02 Sep 2019

MicroTown

Build and manage your own settlement! A relaxing village construction and management simulator.

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 30 Aug 2019

Cliff Empire

After a nuclear war life on the surface became impossible. A 300m thick radioactive fog covered the Earth. We are looking for bold active people to manage the process of restoring life on Earth. Join!

Price 12.49€
Rating 8.4
Release 06 Aug 2019

Age of Wonders: Planetfall

Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.

Price -77% 6.96€
Rating 7.8
Release 06 Aug 2019

Super Life (RPG)

Welcome home to Sun Villa! After a long summer at grandpa's ranch, it's time to finish school, get a job and move into your own place. Let the adventure of life begin!

Price 8.19€
Rating 8.5
Release 18 Jul 2019

Pro Cycling Manager 2019

Manage your own team of professional cyclists in the new 2019 season. Take the lead in over 200 races and 600 stages around the world and try to win legendary races like La Vuelta and the Tour de France.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 27 Jun 2019

Seeds of Resilience

Ready to start anew? Build a village from scratch in Seeds of Resilience. Learn to choose the right items, understand nature's patterns, use real life-based constructions and craft techniques in this turn-based tycoon game.

Price -56% 6.10€
Rating 6.6
Release 13 Jun 2019

Most played economy games on Steam

Take a look at the top economy games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 01st 2025.

1. Victoria 3

Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history. Victoria 3 is a grand strategy, economy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 25th 2022 has received 51,921 reviews of which 34,526 were positive and 17,395 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played economy game, thanks to its 4,428 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
34,526
17,395

4,428
players

2. Supermarket Simulator

Run your own supermarket. Stock shelves, set prices as you'd like, take payments, hire staff, expand and design your store. Online orders & delivery, shoplifters, security, local market are upcoming. Supermarket Simulator is a simulation, management and economy game developed and published by Nokta Games. Released on February 20th 2024 has received 67,137 reviews of which 63,025 were positive and 4,112 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 2,936 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among economy games based on player count.
9.2
63,025
4,112

2,936
players

3. X4: Foundations

Thrilling space battles meet deep strategy. X4 invites you to explore, fight, trade, and build an empire in a dynamic, fully simulated space sandbox, where every decision shapes your journey. Now featuring the 2025 flight model overhaul. X4: Foundations is a space sim, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on November 30th 2018 has received 23,455 reviews of which 18,628 were positive and 4,827 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. While seeing 2,801 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among economy games based on player count.
7.8
18,628
4,827

2,801
players

4. Anno 1800

Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you. Anno 1800 is a city builder, strategy and simulation game developed by Ubisoft Mainz and published by Ubisoft. Released on April 16th 2019 has received 24,406 reviews of which 19,801 were positive and 4,605 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,799 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played economy games.
8.0
19,801
4,605

2,799
players

5. TCG Card Shop Simulator

Open your own local game store. Stock shelves with the latest booster packs, or crack them and collect the cards for yourself. Set your own prices, hire staff, host events, and expand your card shop. TCG Card Shop Simulator is a simulation, management and economy game developed and published by OPNeon Games. Released on September 15th 2024 has received 38,866 reviews of which 37,810 were positive and 1,056 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,716 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played economy games.
9.5
37,810
1,056

1,716
players

6. Eco

Build a civilization of real people, working together to advance society and stop a meteor, all without destroying the ecosystem in the process. Eco is a early access, simulation and building game developed and published by Strange Loop Games. Released on February 06th 2018 has received 13,140 reviews of which 10,687 were positive and 2,453 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 796 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played economy games.
8.0
10,687
2,453

796
players

7. Tropico 6

El Presidente is back! Prove yourself once again as a feared dictator or peace-loving statesman on the island state of Tropico and shape the fate of your very own banana republic through four distinctive eras. Tropico 6 is a city builder, strategy and simulation game developed by Limbic Entertainment and Realmforge Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on March 29th 2019 has received 27,049 reviews of which 23,648 were positive and 3,401 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 682 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played economy games.
8.6
23,648
3,401

682
players

8. Big Ambitions

Big Ambitions is a revolutionary role-playing business sim. Go from nothing to the biggest entrepreneur in New York by opening small businesses or slowly building huge corporations any way you like. Big Ambitions is a early access, management and economy game developed and published by Hovgaard Games. Released on March 10th 2023 has received 10,526 reviews of which 9,788 were positive and 738 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 477 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played economy games.
9.0
9,788
738

477
players

9. OpenTTD

OpenTTD is a business simulation game in which players earn money by transporting passengers and cargo via road, rail, water, and air. It is an open-source remake and expansion of the 1995 Chris Sawyer video game Transport Tycoon Deluxe. OpenTTD is a simulation, building and free to play game developed and published by OpenTTD. Released on April 01st 2021 has received 14,214 reviews of which 13,670 were positive and 544 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 457 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played economy games.
9.4
13,670
544

457
players

10. Gas Station Simulator

Buy an abandoned gas station and restore it to its full glory. Renovate, upgrade and expand upon the offered services to keep up with your clients demands. Gas Station Simulator is a simulation, economy and building game developed by DRAGO entertainment and published by DRAGO entertainment and HeartBeat Games. Released on September 15th 2021 has received 24,721 reviews of which 21,745 were positive and 2,976 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 363 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played economy games.
8.6
21,745
2,976

363
players

Best deals on economy games on Steam

Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of economy games available on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted economy games.

1. Rise of Industry

Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test in the first title in the ROI series as you create & optimise intricate production lines. As an early 20th-Century industrialist, grow your empire & adapt to an ever-changing business landscape with unexpected events that could lead to boom…or bust. Rise of Industry is a management, strategy and economy game developed by Dapper Penguin Studios and published by Kasedo Games. Released on May 02nd 2019 has received 4,091 reviews of which 2,996 were positive and 1,095 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for economy category.
7.1
2,996
1,095

-95% 31.60€ 1.58€

2. TransOcean: The Shipping Company

TransOcean – The Shipping Company is your ticket to the world of gigantic ships and transnational transport empires. Build a mighty fleet of modern merchant ships and conquer the seven seas. TransOcean: The Shipping Company is a simulation, strategy and management game developed by Deck13 Hamburg and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on September 23rd 2014 has received 1,267 reviews of which 937 were positive and 330 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in economy games.
7.1
937
330

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

3. Railway Empire

In Railway Empire, you will create an elaborate and wide-ranging rail network, purchase over 40 different trains modelled in extraordinary detail, and buy or build railway stations, maintenance buildings, factories and tourist attractions to keep your travel network ahead of the competition. Railway Empire is a strategy, simulation and management game developed by Gaming Minds Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on January 26th 2018 has received 9,386 reviews of which 7,770 were positive and 1,616 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in economy games.
8.1
7,770
1,616

-93% 31.14€ 2.18€

4. Mech Mechanic Simulator

Become a Mech Mechanic to deconstruct, rebuild, paint and fix gigantic iron machines. You live in an age of enormous machines and you better get ready to get your hands dirty! Mech Mechanic Simulator is a mechs, crafting and sandbox game developed by Polyslash and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on March 25th 2021 has received 625 reviews of which 401 were positive and 224 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.2
401
224

-93% 20.57€ 1.44€

5. The Invisible Hand

Want to get rich, quick? Welcome to FERIOS, where you’ll be empowered to pursue wealth and success as a mid-level stockbroker! Your wildest dreams of wealth can come true… at the cost of everything else. The Invisible Hand is a capitalism, trading and economy game developed by Power Struggle Games and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on May 07th 2021 has received 628 reviews of which 512 were positive and 116 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.7
512
116

-92% 12.50€ 1.00€

6. The Guild Gold Edition

It’s the year 1400- the late Middle Ages. Europe sees the dawn of the golden age of the new departures and the free spirit. Under the rule of the bourgeoisie and businessmen, more and more towns are emerging from the clutches of the aristocracy and are achieving independence, power and wealth. The Guild Gold Edition is a strategy, simulation and medieval game developed by 4HEAD Studios and published by THQ Nordic. Released on September 09th 2014 has received 541 reviews of which 400 were positive and 141 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.0
400
141

-90% 10.00€ 1.00€

7. Sid Meier's Railroads!

Sid Meier's Railroads! marks the return of the watershed title in simulation/strategy gaming that launched the popular "tycoon" genre, and inspired a new generation of games. Sid Meier's Railroads! Sid Meier's Railroads! is a trains, strategy and management game developed by Firaxis Games and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and 2K. Released on May 04th 2007 has received 3,234 reviews of which 2,283 were positive and 951 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.9
2,283
951

-90% 10.00€ 1.00€

8. Frozenheim

Lead your Viking clan onto unknown shores and carve out a future for your people in the fjords of Frozenheim. Gather resources, expand, and watch your settlement grow to a bustling town that will withstand the harshness of winter and wrath of other clans. Frozenheim is a economy, resource management and co-op game developed by Paranoid Interactive and published by Untold Tales, Hyperstrange and Gamersky Games. Released on June 16th 2022 has received 3,693 reviews of which 2,589 were positive and 1,104 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.8
2,589
1,104

-89% 16.55€ 1.82€

9. Before We Leave

Before We Leave is a city building game set in a cozy corner of the universe. Nurture your Peeps and their surroundings while rebuilding and rediscovering civilisation. Settle new lands and planets while avoiding hungry Space Whales. Before We Leave is a city builder, casual and economy game developed by Balancing Monkey Games and published by Team17. Released on May 13th 2021 has received 1,621 reviews of which 1,270 were positive and 351 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.5
1,270
351

-88% 17.33€ 2.08€

10. Cafe Owner Simulator

Open your dream restaurant at FPP. Create a unique exterior and interior, hire the best workers and chefs, create a place where people will love to eat, spend time and spend their money. Simulation of the restaurant business. Cafe Owner Simulator is a design & illustration, economy and simulation game developed by Second Reality and published by RockGame S.A.. Released on December 05th 2022 has received 934 reviews of which 616 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.4
616
318

-86% 18.29€ 2.56€

Free economy games on Steam

Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play economy games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play economy games.

1. OpenTTD

OpenTTD is a business simulation game in which players earn money by transporting passengers and cargo via road, rail, water, and air. It is an open-source remake and expansion of the 1995 Chris Sawyer video game Transport Tycoon Deluxe. OpenTTD is a simulation, building and free to play game developed and published by OpenTTD. Released on April 01st 2021 has received 14,214 reviews of which 13,670 were positive and 544 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 457 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free economy games on Steam.
9.4
13,670
544

457
players

2. Sim Companies

Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience. Sim Companies is a economy, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Sim Companies s.r.o.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 837 reviews of which 668 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 152, this economy game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free economy games on Steam.
7.6
668
169

152
players

3. Magic Archery

Train a commoner to become the greatest archer in this short incremental game! Increase your stats, gather wealth from quests, buy upgrades, and infuse your arrows with magic. Magic Archery is a clicker, idler and fantasy game developed and published by Barribob. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 5,412 reviews of which 5,349 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
9.5
5,349
63

34
players

4. Prosperous Universe

In Prosperous Universe start your galactic empire by trading on the real-time market exchange with other real players. Build your 1st base from humble beginnings & watch as your business flourishes with complex supply chain strategies. Economics, politics & realism fuel this immersive business MMO. Prosperous Universe is a early access, economy and resource management game developed and published by simulogics. Released on April 20th 2022 has received 886 reviews of which 666 were positive and 220 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
7.2
666
220

21
players

5. Crypto Miner Tycoon Simulator Starter Edition

Start in your bedroom in year 2010. Build rigs to mine Bitcoin, Ethereum and other crypto coins. Trade on the market to grow wealth. Expand your business into new offices. Hire skilled employees and assign tasks. Use cash from your mega farms to research new technologies. Crypto Miner Tycoon Simulator Starter Edition is a simulation, free to play and management game developed by Bigosaur and published by CreativeForge Games and G-DEVS.com. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 1,282 reviews of which 1,137 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.4
1,137
145

5
players

6. Lemonade Apocalypse

Lead the world to apocalyse with lemonades! Price affects demand, but take into account the cost of each lemonade when selling. Upgrades reduce cost and increase demand. Invest in a factory, and eventually control the politics of the world to increase climate's temperature and beverage consumption. Lemonade Apocalypse is a clicker, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Juggler Interactive. Released on April 05th 2024 has received 973 reviews of which 923 were positive and 50 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.9
923
50

1
players

7. Bakery Magnate: Beginning

Bakery Magnate is a game with a small plot in which you have to solve economic problems to keep the store afloat. At the same time, you intend to provide for your son, who constantly gets into trouble. Bakery Magnate: Beginning is a life sim, simulation and time management game developed and published by GidAzGames. Released on August 23rd 2020 has received 1,466 reviews of which 1,268 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.2
1,268
198

8. Auto Sale Life: Fresh Start

This is a free prologue version. Build an automotive empire. Buy, sell, and customize cars to create your own brands and showrooms. Become a shrewd entrepreneur in this immersive car trading and customization game. Auto Sale Life: Fresh Start is a immersive sim, driving and economy game developed by OTTO Games and published by GrabTheGames. Released on April 05th 2024 has received 380 reviews of which 259 were positive and 121 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
6.5
259
121