Best Immersive Sim 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 immersive sim games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free immersive sim games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
theHunter: Call of the Wild™
Discover an atmospheric hunting game like no other in this realistic, stunning open world – regularly updated in collaboration with the community. Immerse yourself in the single player campaign, or share the ultimate hunting experience with friends.
Dishonored 2
Reprise your role as a supernatural assassin in Dishonored 2. Declared a “masterpiece” by Eurogamer and hailed “a must-play revenge tale” by Game Informer, Dishonored 2 is the follow up to Arkane’s 1st-person action blockbuster & winner of 100+ 'Game of the Year' awards, Dishonored.
BioShock™ 2 Remastered
In BioShock 2, you step into the boots of the most iconic denizen of Rapture, the Big Daddy, as you explore through the decrepit and beautiful fallen city, chasing an unseen foe in search of answers and your own survival.
BioShock™ Remastered
BioShock is a shooter unlike any other, loaded with unique weapons and tactics. Complete with an arsenal of revolvers, shotguns, and grenade launchers, players will be forced to genetically modify their DNA to become an even deadlier weapon.
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science
Principia: Master of Science is a simulation game with the theme of European science in 17th century. Choose one of 12 real scientists from the era of Isaac Newton and proceed with your research. It is a time when even the term "Science" did not exist. Who can be the master of science?
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Now an experienced covert operative, Adam Jensen is forced to operate in a world that has grown to despise his kind. Armed with a new arsenal of state-of-the-art weapons and augmentations, he must choose the right approach, along with who to trust, in order to unravel a vast worldwide conspiracy.
Quadrilateral Cowboy
When you have a top-of-the-line hacking deck armed with a 56.6k modem and a staggering 256k RAM, it means just one thing: you answer only to the highest bidder.
Domino Sky
Domino Sky is a physics based game where you place and topple domino pieces to solve puzzles. Free build mode also available.
WolfQuest: Classic
LIVE THE LIFE OF A WILD WOLF! As a two-year-old gray wolf in Yellowstone National Park, hunt elk and moose, find a mate, and then establish a territory and raise your pups.
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence - Ascension
In the simulation game series "Nobunaga's Ambition", players aim to unify Japan in the troubled times of the Warring States era. In this release we include "Officer Play" for the first time in the series, allowing players to advance from retainer to Castle Lord and then on to Daimyo.
Sophie's Curse
You got a job, which is to take care of an old man during the night in a recently purchased house; this house does not have electricity and you have to rely on some kind of hand crank generators to light the place up, but there is something in the darkness draining their power, don’t let it happen!
Cue Club 2: Pool & Snooker
Experience pool and snooker like never before, thanks to the stunning HD graphics, fantastic playability and ultra realistic ball physics. Challenge a variety of stylish new opponents of different ability from beginner right up to pro level!
UnReal World
The cult classic open-ended wilderness survival roguelike RPG taking place in the ancient North. Throughout the years, UnReal World has been praised for its incredible depth, realism, atmosphere and immersion. Lose yourself in the most intricate, detailed and enchanting iron-age game world.
American Truck Simulator
Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. American Truck Simulator takes you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and widely recognized landmarks around the States.
INFRA
INFRA puts you into the boots of a structural analyst on a routine mission. Quickly though, your task turns into a fight for survival, all caused by deep-rooted schemes of the past. Your tools are simple: your camera and the wits to navigate a labyrinth of debris.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Maker
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms Maker" celebrates the 30th anniversary of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" series. It has been realized through a collaboration between the creators of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" series, Koei Tecmo Games, and the creators of the "TSUKURU" series, KADOKAWA.
System Shock: Enhanced Edition
Re-discover what made System Shock the first of it's kind, a ground breaking immersive sim that would inspire a generation of games to come....
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence
Become a Daimyo of the Warring States period of Japanese history in NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION, a historical simulation game of conquest and domination. It is the 30th anniversary of this series and this current release, NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence, is the crown of the series.
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Kakushin with Power Up Kit
An extension of the 12th release in the Nobunaga’s Ambition series, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle, has appeared at the Steam Store as Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle w/Power-up Kit!
Barony
Barony is the premier first-person roguelike with cooperative play! Adventure alone, or gather a party with iconic and unusual RPG classes to face off against the brutal dungeons. Test your resourcefulness, wits, and friendships, on your quest to lift the evil lich's curse!
60 Seconds!
60 Seconds! is a dark comedy atomic adventure of scavenge and survival. Collect supplies and rescue your family before the nuke hits. Stay alive in your fallout shelter. Make difficult decisions, ration food and hunt mutant cockroaches. And maybe survive. Or not.
NEON STRUCT
You are Jillian Cleary: an ex-spy on the run, framed for treason and hunted by your former agency. You must move in secret, survive off the grid, and find a way to clear your name. Old friends and new allies will lend their support; but with the eyes of the world upon you, who can you trust?
Space Colony: Steam Edition
Space Colony: Steam Edition is a remaster of the real-time base builder and strategy game from Firefly Studios, creators of the Stronghold series. In Space Colony you colonize to survive, designing intergalactic bases that keep your crew productive, happy and defended against hostile alien threats.Most played immersive sim games on Steam
Take a look at the top immersive sim games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Farming Simulator 25
Farming Simulator 25 invites you to join the rewarding farm life, single-handedly or cooperatively in multiplayer. This Farm is Your Farm! Farming Simulator 25 is a simulation, farming sim and realistic game developed and published by Giants Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 31,780 reviews of which 26,493 were positive and 5,287 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played immersive sim game, thanks to its 12,081 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
26,493
5,287
12,081
players
2. Stormworks: Build and Rescue
Join a world where you design, create and pilot your own air sea rescue service. Release your inner hero as you battle fierce storms out at sea to rescue those in need. Stormworks: Build and Rescue is a sandbox, base-building and open world game developed and published by Geometa. Released on September 17th 2020 has received 52,467 reviews of which 47,207 were positive and 5,260 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 1,305 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among immersive sim games based on player count.
8.9
47,207
5,260
1,305
players
3. F1® Manager 2024
Lead your team to glory in F1® Manager 2024. A new Formula 1® season has arrived, and with it, the most comprehensive F1® management experience to date. Build a legacy with one of 10 official F1® constructors or create your own team for the very first time. F1® Manager 2024 is a strategy, simulation and racing game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on July 23rd 2024 has received 4,308 reviews of which 3,357 were positive and 951 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,150 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among immersive sim games based on player count.
7.6
3,357
951
1,150
players
4. ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV
Triumph over the land, take charge of the fate of China! Conquer territories and fly your colors! ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV is a turn-based tactics, wargame and military game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on January 15th 2020 has received 15,037 reviews of which 9,361 were positive and 5,676 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. With 729 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
6.2
9,361
5,676
729
players
5. NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening
Conquer Warring States Japan under one banner NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening is a wargame, real time tactics and grand strategy game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on July 20th 2022 has received 2,282 reviews of which 1,691 were positive and 591 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 654 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
7.2
1,691
591
654
players
6. Prey
In Prey, you awaken aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. You are the key subject of an experiment meant to alter humanity forever – but things have gone terribly wrong. The space station has been overrun by hostile aliens and you are now being hunted. Prey is a sci-fi, immersive sim and space game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on May 04th 2017 has received 50,525 reviews of which 45,911 were positive and 4,614 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 563 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.9
45,911
4,614
563
players
7. Shadows of Doubt
An immersive sandbox detective stealth game set in a fully simulated sci-fi noir city of crime and corruption. Think like a private investigator and take on jobs to earn cash on your path to catching a serial killer. If you don’t catch them - they will kill again… Shadows of Doubt is a detective, immersive sim and sandbox game developed by ColePowered Games and published by Fireshine Games. Released on September 26th 2024 has received 15,131 reviews of which 12,705 were positive and 2,426 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 522 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.2
12,705
2,426
522
players
8. The Sims™ 2 Legacy Collection
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 2,851 reviews of which 1,764 were positive and 1,087 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. With 438 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
6.1
1,764
1,087
438
players
9. Train Sim World® 5
The Rails are Yours in Train Sim World 5! Take on new challenges and new roles as you master the tracks and trains of iconic cities across 3 new routes. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rail hobby and embark on your next journey. Train Sim World® 5 is a simulation, adventure and trains game developed by Dovetail Games and published by Dovetail Games - TSW. Released on September 17th 2024 has received 3,358 reviews of which 2,686 were positive and 672 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 422 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
7.7
2,686
672
422
players
10. Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI with Power Up Kit
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms 11 with Power Up Kit" is an expanded version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms 11," which was released in 2006 as the 11th game in the series. The grand battles that shaped the course of Chinese history are shown in 3D space! In Administration, players freely develop cities. Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI with Power Up Kit is a turn-based tactics, wargame and war game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on January 16th 2018 has received 3,545 reviews of which 3,275 were positive and 270 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 363 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.9
3,275
270
363
players
Best deals on immersive sim games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of immersive sim games available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted immersive sim games.
1. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter
Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter brings you an authentic and historically accurate destroyer simulation along with gripping anti-submarine warfare set in the turmoils of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter is a simulation, naval combat and world war ii game developed by Iron Wolf Studio S.A. and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2023 has received 1,026 reviews of which 774 were positive and 252 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for immersive sim category.
7.2
774
252
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator
A unique artist sim game with realistic paint mixing, physics and numerous painting tools. Upgrade and customize your studio, complete tasks, sell and expose art, buy instruments and get famous! SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator is a design & illustration, sandbox and immersive sim game developed by Goose Minded and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 4,340 reviews of which 4,222 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in immersive sim games.
9.4
4,222
118
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
3. Lawn Mowing Simulator
Experience the beauty and detail of mowing the Great British countryside in Lawn Mowing Simulator, the only simulator that allows you to ride an authentic and expansive roster of real-world licensed lawn mowers from prestigious manufacturers; Toro, SCAG and STIGA as you manage your business. Lawn Mowing Simulator is a simulation, relaxing and realistic game developed by Skyhook Games and published by Curve Games. Released on August 10th 2021 has received 2,648 reviews of which 1,885 were positive and 763 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in immersive sim games.
6.9
1,885
763
-94%
20.33€
1.22€
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 immersive sim games.
6.2
401
224
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
5. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis
A medieval city under siege and a handful of civilians are all that keep the walls from falling. Mixing survival strategy and resource management, build your camp, craft supplies, and scavenge the occupied city to supply the last troops holding back the invaders. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis is a singleplayer, city builder and immersive sim game developed by Black Eye Games and published by Ravenscourt. Released on May 18th 2021 has received 1,631 reviews of which 1,286 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.6
1,286
345
-91%
25.11€
2.26€
6. To The Rescue!
To The Rescue! is a charming dog shelter simulator. Take care of unique dogs and find the right homes for as many of them as you can. Upgrade your shelter, control disease outbreaks, learn each dog's preferences, and make tough decisions, all while helping support real-world animal shelters! To The Rescue! is a dog, management and immersive sim game developed by Little Rock Games and indie.io and published by indie.io. Released on November 02nd 2021 has received 2,045 reviews of which 1,373 were positive and 672 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
6.5
1,373
672
-91%
19.22€
1.73€
7. Amnesia: The Bunker
Amnesia: The Bunker is a first-person horror game set in a WW1 bunker. A relentless, AI-driven monster stalks you. Survival depends on finding tools, crafting items, and keeping the lights on. Amnesia: The Bunker is a horror, survival horror and atmospheric game developed and published by Frictional Games. Released on June 06th 2023 has received 8,680 reviews of which 8,134 were positive and 546 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
9.1
8,134
546
-87%
24.31€
3.16€
8. DEATHLOOP
DEATHLOOP is a next-gen FPS from Arkane Lyon, the award-winning studio behind Dishonored. In DEATHLOOP, two rival assassins are trapped in a mysterious timeloop on the island of Blackreef, doomed to repeat the same day for eternity. DEATHLOOP is a fps, action and stealth game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on September 13th 2021 has received 29,109 reviews of which 22,243 were positive and 6,866 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.5
22,243
6,866
-86%
59.21€
8.29€
9. Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition
The year is 2052 and the world is a dangerous and chaotic place. Terrorists operate openly - killing thousands; drugs, disease and pollution kill even more. The world's economies are close to collapse and the gap between the insanely wealthy and the desperately poor grows ever wider. Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition is a cyberpunk, rpg and stealth game developed by Ion Storm and published by Eidos Interactive Corp.. Released on March 29th 2007 has received 14,466 reviews of which 13,724 were positive and 742 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
9.2
13,724
742
-80%
7.00€
1.40€
10. Legend Bowl
Legend Bowl is a throwback to the classic 8-bit and 16-bit football games of the past. Take to the gridiron and fight your way to becoming a football legend! Enjoy sim-style gameplay, realistic weather, detailed stats, franchise mode, tournament mode, fully customizable rosters, and much much more! Legend Bowl is a sports, football (american) and controller game developed and published by Super Pixel Games. Released on September 02nd 2021 has received 885 reviews of which 779 were positive and 106 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
8.3
779
106
-80%
20.99€
4.19€
Free immersive sim games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play immersive sim games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play immersive sim games.
1. Ale & Tale Tavern: First Pints
This is the free version of the game "Ale & Tale Tavern". Get ready for a thrilling mix of genres: a cooperative, first-person, open-world fantasy tavern simulator, action, fishing, hunting, exploration, and completing fun and diverse quests. And, of course, COOKING! Ale & Tale Tavern: First Pints is a simulation, action and sandbox game developed by Scienart Games and published by GrabTheGames and UpgradePoint. Released on June 20th 2024 has received 4,494 reviews of which 4,233 were positive and 261 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
9.1
4,233
261
12
players
2. Pathologic 3: Quarantine
In this free prologue to a narrative-driven adventure, watch a mysterious plague break out in a small town. Learn what drove a celebrated academic to leave his acclaimed lab. Examine patients, uncover strange secrets, and make first steps towards immortality. Pathologic 3: Quarantine is a adventure, rpg and simulation game developed by Ice-Pick Lodge and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on March 17th 2025 has received 1,117 reviews of which 999 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.5
999
118
6
players
3. Beat Around The Bush
Beat Around the Bush is a series done over YouTube shorts where the top comment got the next addition to the game. Beat Around the Bush is a game where your primary goal is to Beat around the Bush. Once you do, you did it. You won. Therefore, there's no more reason to keep playing this game. Beat Around The Bush is a casual, arcade and point & click game developed by JustJeff and published by The Reef Production Co.. Released on February 07th 2025 has received 401 reviews of which 362 were positive and 39 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.4
362
39
6
players
4. High Entropy: Challenges
Use computers (via GUIs or the command line), unlock doors, crawl through vents, fight enemies head on or find other ways to neutralize or avoid them... High Entropy: Challenges is a action, adventure and immersive sim game developed and published by Álvaro García (binarynonsense). Released on September 01st 2020 has received 1,215 reviews of which 1,162 were positive and 53 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
9.0
1,162
53
5
players
5. Break a Leg
Break a Leg is a series done over YouTube shorts where the top comment got the next addition to the game. Break a Leg is a game where your primary goal is to break your leg. Once you do, you did it. You won. Therefore, there's no more reason to keep playing this game. Break a Leg is a simulation, casual and education game developed by JustJeff and published by The Reef Production Co.. Released on June 30th 2024 has received 813 reviews of which 758 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.8
758
55
3
players
6. Check it Out!
Ever dreamt of working a cash register with no pay or real-life customer interaction? Look no further! This simulation game brings a fresh-take to the notoriously dull tasks of customer service, introducing you to a cast of wacky characters and the baggage they carry. Check it Out! is a casual, simulation and point & click game developed and published by Open Alpha. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 1,201 reviews of which 1,038 were positive and 163 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.2
1,038
163
2
players
7. EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator
3D Google Earth Driving Simulator EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator is a exploration, immersive sim and racing game developed by Colton Hutchins and published by Cold Hut Games. Released on October 09th 2023 has received 737 reviews of which 581 were positive and 156 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.5
581
156
2
players
8. Vivaland: Dream House
Dream House is the build mode of the life simulation game called Vivaland, where you can construct and furnish your dream home. Play solo or with friends in co-op mode. Vivaland: Dream House is a simulation, building and life sim game developed by Hive5 Interactive and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on March 01st 2024 has received 1,134 reviews of which 782 were positive and 352 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
6.7
782
352
1
players
9. Lilith Wants to Buy Your Soul
Take a personality test with a definitely-not-clingy demon girl. Lilith Wants to Buy Your Soul is a visual novel, immersive sim and interactive fiction game developed and published by Pyon Pyon Platinum. Released on August 08th 2023 has received 735 reviews of which 711 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
9.0
711
24
10. In The Rural Village of Nagoro
In The Rural Village of Nagoro is a short, side-scrolling game with minimalist gameplay ‘Interact button’ to tell a fate that falls on Nagoro village. Explore and press ‘F' button’ to greet all cheerful neighborhoods. In The Rural Village of Nagoro is a casual, walking simulator and immersive sim game developed and published by Sohun Studio. Released on November 07th 2022 has received 320 reviews of which 308 were positive and 12 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.8
308
12