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
Reign of Guilds
Reign of Guilds is an indie old-school MMORPG where everyone influences other players and the game world. The game doesn't hold your hand, nor does it impose casual restrictions on players' actions. Here, everyone can find their path to power.
Palia
Discover a welcoming world in Palia, a free-to-play fantasy life sim adventure where you can craft, explore, and create the life and home of your dreams. With nearly endless ways to make Palia your home, you’ll find relaxation and joy in every corner of this vibrant, heartwarming world.
Grim Realms
A dark fantasy colony sim - will your colony end the Dread Storm and redeem mankind, or will they harness the dark powers for themselves? Guide your villagers as they struggle to stay alive in a world overrun by the undead.
Dune: Imperium
The award-winning board game of strategy and intrigue in the iconic universe of Dune. The Spice must flow.
United Penguin Kingdom
A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, become the king, and lead the United Penguin Kingdom.
WE ARE FOOTBALL 2024
Welcome to WE ARE FOOTBALL 2024! Dive into the world of football like never before. Choose an existing club or start your own. Manage either men or women, lead your club to new heights, and become the next manager legend!
The Brew Barons
A tranquil world becomes ever more corrupt by the day, spoiled by a pirate organization that forcefully impose their brewing monopoly over the lands. It's up to you to explore, forage, craft, sell and deliver your brews to overthrow the corrupt pirate organization and restore peace.
Rail Route
In Rail Route, you will design, construct, upgrade, and automate your railway network in one of the many maps based on real-life cities worldwide. Dispatch the trains to make the traffic flow and the network grow!
Supermarket Simulator
Run your own supermarket. Stock shelves, set prices as you'd like, take payments, hire staff, expand, deal with shoplifters, and design your store. Purchase goods from online or local markets around the town. Online orders & delivery are upcoming.
News Tower
Develop your newspaper and become New York’s new media mogul! In this tycoon, build and manage your newspaper from printer to toilet. Create your editorial line and lead your journalists through unique 1930's stories and dig out the latest scoops!
Exotica: Petshop Simulator
Exotica is a simulation game where you run an exotic pet shop in the city.
My Recycling Center
Operate, configure and expand your own recycling center in this first-person simulator! Work fast and sort the trash. Use the compactors to destroy the bulky waste. Earn satisfaction and cash to buy new containers and unlock new trash types. Use the second hand shop to sell re-usable items.
Arena Renovation
Take on the role of a one-man renovation team tasked with restoring various sports facilities to their former glory. Many of them have been destroyed as a result of time or lack of care. Don't let them go into complete oblivion - roll up your sleeves and breathe new life into them!
Immortal Life
Embark on a magical journey in this captivating life simulation game. Escape to a welcoming valley, farm with spells, and master skills like fishing, crafting, and cooking. Engage in epic battles, strengthen the bonds with your companions, and build your dream home to achieve Immortal Life!
House Builder
Become a one-man construction crew! Travel around the world and through the ages to build iconic designs! Beware of unpleasant temperatures and dangerous fauna!
Empires and Tribes
Empires and Tribes is a unique hybrid of a medieval city builder and a role-playing game. You will undertake the duties of a mayor in the 13th century and manage the expansion of your city, ensure the production of resources and raise a powerful army to protect yourself from rival principalities.
World Warfare & Economics
Take control of any nation and shape its future. Manage resources, trade, and taxes, engage in real-time warfare, navigate global diplomacy, and react to dynamic world events. Build a thriving economy, forge alliances, and command armies in a constantly evolving world!
Love Tavern
After your death due to a car accident, you have been summoned by the goddess to take care of a tavern in an Isekai world. Your job is to hire different girls from various tribes and races to help out the business there, as well as build up room by room of the tavern to expand the business.
United Penguin Kingdom: Huddle up
This free version of the United Penguin Kingdom covers the content from one year of in-game time. A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales.
Return from Core
Dig, explore, build, farm, automate, and meet charming Monster Girls in this sandbox RPG. Build your camp, plant crops, set up automated production lines and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
Ancient Russian Life Simulator
The most realistic simulator of the life of ancient Rus during the war with lizards! A historical saga about the greatness of our ancestors, bravely fighting the green plague that outnumbered them!
(the) Gnorp Apologue
(the) Gnorp Apologue is the journey of the gnorps as you guide them towards their goal of delightfully excessive wealth accumulation.
Pioneers of Pagonia
This city builder challenges you to build a thriving community while facing the dangers of an untamed land. Lead your people to success in a procedurally generated and dynamic world. Construct detailed settlements, defend against emerging threats, and optimize resource management.
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 June 18th 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 52,618 reviews of which 35,043 were positive and 17,575 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 10,987 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
35,043
17,575
10,987
players
2. 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 25,091 reviews of which 20,368 were positive and 4,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 2,417 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among economy games based on player count.
8.0
20,368
4,723
2,417
players
3. Supermarket Simulator
Run your own supermarket. Stock shelves, set prices as you'd like, take payments, hire staff, expand, deal with shoplifters, and design your store. Purchase goods from online or local markets around the town. Online orders & delivery are upcoming. Supermarket Simulator is a simulation, management and economy game developed and published by Nokta Games. Released on February 20th 2024 has received 68,341 reviews of which 64,104 were positive and 4,237 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 2,359 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among economy games based on player count.
9.2
64,104
4,237
2,359
players
4. 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 23,847 reviews of which 18,951 were positive and 4,896 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,811 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played economy games.
7.8
18,951
4,896
1,811
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 39,499 reviews of which 38,392 were positive and 1,107 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,539 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played economy games.
9.5
38,392
1,107
1,539
players
6. 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 27,191 reviews of which 23,776 were positive and 3,415 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 721 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played economy games.
8.6
23,776
3,415
721
players
7. 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 13,212 reviews of which 10,744 were positive and 2,468 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 571 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played economy games.
8.0
10,744
2,468
571
players
8. 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 14,394 reviews of which 13,845 were positive and 549 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 425 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played economy games.
9.4
13,845
549
425
players
9. 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 25,043 reviews of which 22,007 were positive and 3,036 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 417 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played economy games.
8.6
22,007
3,036
417
players
10. 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 10,712 reviews of which 9,952 were positive and 760 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 398 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played economy games.
9.0
9,952
760
398
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 June 18th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted economy games.
1. 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 628 reviews of which 403 were positive and 225 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for economy category.
6.2
403
225
-99%
19.50€
0.34€
2. 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 635 reviews of which 519 were positive and 116 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in economy games.
7.7
519
116
-98%
12.79€
0.33€
3. Nebuchadnezzar
Create and customize cities in Nebuchadnezzar, a classic isometric city-builder where careful planning and define your rise as a ruler in ancient Mesopotamia. Nebuchadnezzar is a city builder, sandbox and building game developed by Nepos Games and published by Astra Logical. Released on February 17th 2021 has received 1,706 reviews of which 1,354 were positive and 352 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in economy games.
7.6
1,354
352
-98%
19.99€
0.43€
4. 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 1,637 reviews of which 1,283 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.5
1,283
354
-98%
17.99€
0.53€
5. 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. Sigma Theory: Global Cold War is a political sim, sandbox and economy game developed by Mi-Clos Studio, Goblinz Studio and FibreTigre and published by Goblinz Publishing and Fractale. Released on November 21st 2019 has received 1,347 reviews of which 1,029 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.3
1,029
318
-98%
17.99€
0.37€
6. 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 4,100 reviews of which 3,001 were positive and 1,099 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.1
3,001
1,099
-98%
28.99€
0.62€
7. 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 9,416 reviews of which 7,797 were positive and 1,619 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for economy games.
8.1
7,797
1,619
-97%
29.99€
0.93€
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 3,714 reviews of which 2,603 were positive and 1,111 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.8
2,603
1,111
-97%
16.99€
0.55€
9. SteamWorld Build
SteamWorld Build is a casual city-building and dungeon-management cross-over set in the SteamWorld Universe, where you build and manage a town on a dying planet. You'll need to balance resources, construction, and exploration to its depths to ensure your town's survival and eventual escape. SteamWorld Build is a city builder, relaxing and casual game developed by The Station and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released on December 01st 2023 has received 1,616 reviews of which 1,352 were positive and 264 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for economy games.
8
1,352
264
-96%
24.99€
1.02€
10. Bakery Simulator
Get up before dawn and see what it's like to be a baker! Learn to bake several dozen types of bread. Use realistic bakery machines. Deliver orders to stores, earn, and invest. Use original recipes or experiment with ingredients. Bakery Simulator is a simulation, time management and economy game developed by Live Motion Games and published by Ultimate Games S.A. and Gaming Factory. Released on May 03rd 2022 has received 1,907 reviews of which 1,301 were positive and 606 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.6
1,301
606
-96%
15.99€
0.70€
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 June 18th 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 14,394 reviews of which 13,845 were positive and 549 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 425 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free economy games on Steam.
9.4
13,845
549
425
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 866 reviews of which 689 were positive and 177 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 145, this economy game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free economy games on Steam.
7.6
689
177
145
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 5,794 reviews of which 5,726 were positive and 68 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
5,726
68
37
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 899 reviews of which 674 were positive and 225 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
674
225
24
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 1,290 reviews of which 1,145 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
1,145
145
6
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 by Juggler Interactive and published by Juggler Interactive and Adventales. Released on April 05th 2024 has received 987 reviews of which 936 were positive and 51 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
936
51
3
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 1,467 reviews of which 1,270 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.3
1,270
197
1
players
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 378 reviews of which 256 were positive and 122 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
256
122