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

Thief: Deadly Shadows

You are Garrett, the master thief. Rarely seen and never caught, Garrett is the best that ever was. Able to sneak past any guard, pick any lock, and break into the most ingeniously secured residences. Garrett steals from the wealthy and gives to himself, making his living in the dark and foreboding City.

Price -76% 2.13€
Rating 7.8
Release 29 Mar 2007

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.

Price -80% 1.40€
Rating 9.2
Release 29 Mar 2007

Dark Messiah of Might & Magic

Discover a new breed of Action-RPG game powered by an enhanced version of the Source™ Engine by Valve. Set in the Might & Magic® universe, players will experience ferocious combat in a dark and immersive fantasy environment. Swords, Stealth, Sorcery. Choose your way to kill.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 25 Oct 2006

DEFCON

Inspired by the 1983 cult classic film, Wargames, DEFCON superbly evokes the tension, paranoia and suspicion of the Cold War era, playing on the fascinating aspects of psychological gameplay that occur during strategic nuclear warfare.

Price -60% 3.90€
Rating 8.4
Release 29 Sep 2006

Uplink

Uplink lets you play as a freelance hacker tackling risky contracts for corporations. Break into systems, steal data, sabotage rivals, and upgrade your gear. Support factions or go rogue in this immersive, strategy-driven hacking simulation game where your choices shape the outcome.

Price -60% 7.80€
Rating 8.7
Release 23 Aug 2006

Dangerous Waters

S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters allows you total control over multiple air, surface, and submarine platforms in a modern-day naval environment. Take direct control of individual crew stations and also plan and execute combined arms naval strategies from a top-down 'Commanders Eye' perspective.

Price 14.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 07 Feb 2006

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 May 04th 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 18,898 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
26,493
5,287

18,898
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 1,808 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

1,808
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 1,492 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

1,492
players

4. Old Market Simulator

Old Market Simulator is a 1-4 player co-op game where you manage your market by ordering goods, growing produce, raising animals, fishing, and crafting items in your workshop, while hiring employees and expanding your business. Old Market Simulator is a simulation, online co-op and life sim game developed by Alcedo Games and published by Alcedo Games and Gamersky Games. Released on October 03rd 2024 has received 3,320 reviews of which 2,969 were positive and 351 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,161 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.6
2,969
351

1,161
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 1,022 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

1,022
players

6. 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 1,017 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
6.2
9,361
5,676

1,017
players

7. 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 661 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
6.1
1,764
1,087

661
players

8. 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 658 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.9
45,911
4,614

658
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 3,408 reviews of which 2,724 were positive and 684 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 577 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
7.7
2,724
684

577
players

10. 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 15,203 reviews of which 12,756 were positive and 2,447 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 489 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.2
12,756
2,447

489
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 May 04th 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. 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 2,658 reviews of which 1,892 were positive and 766 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in immersive sim games.
6.9
1,892
766

-94% 20.33€ 1.22€

3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in immersive sim games.
6.2
401
224

-93% 20.57€ 1.44€

4. 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 #4 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.6
1,286
345

-91% 25.11€ 2.26€

5. 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 2,047 reviews of which 1,372 were positive and 675 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 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.
6.5
1,372
675

-91% 19.22€ 1.73€

6. 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 8,782 reviews of which 8,228 were positive and 554 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 #6 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
9.1
8,228
554

-87% 24.31€ 3.16€

7. Weird West: Definitive Edition

Survive and unveil the mysteries of the Weird West through the intertwined destinies of its unusual heroes in an Action RPG from the co-creators of Dishonored and Prey. Weird West: Definitive Edition is a western, isometric and rpg game developed by WolfEye Studios and published by Devolver Digital. Released on March 31st 2022 has received 3,974 reviews of which 3,123 were positive and 851 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.6
3,123
851

-86% 38.93€ 5.45€

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. Electrician Simulator

Take on the electrician role and learn the profession's basics! Install sockets, repair worn-out equipment, assemble broken appliances, replace light bulbs, and lay wires at your customers' homes. Be sure to check everything twice, with electricity there are no jokes! Electrician Simulator is a simulation, education and immersive sim game developed by Take IT Studio! and published by Gaming Factory and Ultimate Games S.A.. Released on September 21st 2022 has received 2,704 reviews of which 2,173 were positive and 531 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.8
2,173
531

-85% 17.99€ 2.69€

10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
9.2
13,724
742

-80% 7.00€ 1.40€

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 May 04th 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

17
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 1,133 reviews of which 1,012 were positive and 121 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
1,012
121

14
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

12
players

4. 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 746 reviews of which 587 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.5
587
159

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

2
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 1,202 reviews of which 1,039 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
1,039
163

2
players

7. Truck World: Driving School

Learn the basics of truck driving! Truck World: Driving School is a free standalone truck simulator with challenges, grades, and much more. Truck World: Driving School is a exploration, immersive sim and racing game developed by Truck World Studio and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on January 10th 2023 has received 833 reviews of which 582 were positive and 251 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
6.7
582
251

2
players

8. 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 1,220 reviews of which 1,167 were positive and 53 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
9.0
1,167
53

1
players

9. Void Whispers

Assume the role of a broadcast engineer in a tranquil city. All seems peaceful until the sky above starts to reveal something deeply unsettling. Void Whispers is a free to play, horror and psychological horror game developed and published by Eduardo Scarpato. Released on April 06th 2024 has received 368 reviews of which 343 were positive and 25 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.6
343
25

1
players

10. Egg RTX

Experience one of the games of all time like never before with Egg RTX. Fully remastered for next gen performance, Egg RTX includes raytracing and advanced shadows, never before seen in a game about eggs! Egg RTX is a simulation, arcade and 3d game developed and published by Figglebottom Studios. Released on March 05th 2024 has received 370 reviews of which 302 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.6
302
68

1
players