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™ Gold
Stalk your prey on the quest for stolen goods with your blackjack, sword, and an assortment of unique arrows. Steal for money and uncover the hidden agendas of your allies and enemies as you play through an unravelling story of deception and revenge.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity®
In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes.
Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm
Contains full Rising Storm content as well!
E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy
In a dark Cyberpunk world, you (and up to 3 friends) wage war against the all-powerful Federation in this Source-powered FPS/RPG.
Hacker Evolution
Hacker Evolution is a hacking simulation game, featuring unparalleled graphics and features. You play the role of a former intelligence agent, specializing in computer security. When a chain of events sets off worldwide, leaving critical service disabled, you assume the role a computer hacker to find out what happened and attempt to stop...
SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone.
Far Cry® 2
You are a gun for hire, trapped in a war-torn African state, stricken with malaria and forced to make deals with corrupt warlords on both sides of the conflict in order to make this country your home. You must identify and exploit your enemies' weaknesses, neutralizing their superior numbers and firepower with surprise, subversion,...
Arx Fatalis
This critically acclaimed first-person RPG from Arkane Studios takes the player on an amazing journey into the fantasy world of Arx. Arx is wrought with turmoil, brought to the brink of destruction by a violent war.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.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 15th 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 32,219 reviews of which 26,870 were positive and 5,349 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 13,438 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
26,870
5,349
13,438
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 52,605 reviews of which 47,331 were positive and 5,274 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 1,480 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
47,331
5,274
1,480
players
3. ANEURISM IV
A dystopian simulator where your choices shape a decaying city. Join other players to protect the metropolis from ruin, hasten its downfall, or simply work in the factories. With no set goals or rules, every action has consequences in a world teetering on the brink. ANEURISM IV is a dystopian , psychological horror and immersive sim game developed and published by Vellocet. Released on March 11th 2025 has received 1,961 reviews of which 1,735 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. While seeing 1,063 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among immersive sim games based on player count.
8.5
1,735
226
1,063
players
4. 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 4,414 reviews of which 3,453 were positive and 961 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 1,014 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
7.6
3,453
961
1,014
players
5. 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 15,057 reviews of which 9,377 were positive and 5,680 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. With 642 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
6.2
9,377
5,680
642
players
6. 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 3,477 reviews of which 2,781 were positive and 696 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 583 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
7.7
2,781
696
583
players
7. 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 2,300 reviews of which 1,703 were positive and 597 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 554 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
7.2
1,703
597
554
players
8. 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 15,253 reviews of which 12,797 were positive and 2,456 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 432 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.2
12,797
2,456
432
players
9. 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 2,891 reviews of which 1,804 were positive and 1,087 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. With 431 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
6.1
1,804
1,087
431
players
10. SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone. SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition is a city builder, immersive sim and base-building game developed by EA - Maxis and Aspyr (Mac) and published by Aspyr (Mac) and Electronic Arts. Released on July 20th 2010 has received 9,054 reviews of which 7,410 were positive and 1,644 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 343 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.0
7,410
1,644
343
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 15th 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 1,028 reviews of which 776 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
776
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 4,347 reviews of which 4,229 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
4,229
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 2,668 reviews of which 1,898 were positive and 770 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
1,898
770
-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. 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 8,858 reviews of which 8,297 were positive and 561 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 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.
9.1
8,297
561
-91%
25.78€
2.32€
6. 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 1,636 reviews of which 1,290 were positive and 346 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 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.
7.6
1,290
346
-91%
25.11€
2.26€
7. 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 2,048 reviews of which 1,373 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 #7 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
6.5
1,373
675
-91%
18.00€
1.62€
8. 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 3,984 reviews of which 3,130 were positive and 854 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 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.
7.6
3,130
854
-86%
41.00€
5.74€
9. 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 29,138 reviews of which 22,260 were positive and 6,878 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.5
22,260
6,878
-86%
59.21€
8.29€
10. NUTS
NUTS is a single-player walking simulator surveillance mystery. Record the squirrels, report your findings, and piece together what’s really going on in Melmoth Forest. NUTS is a story rich, detective and nature game developed by Joon, Pol, Muutsch and Char & Torfi and published by Noodlecake. Released on February 04th 2021 has received 882 reviews of which 774 were positive and 108 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
8.3
774
108
-85%
24.50€
3.67€
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 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play immersive sim games.
1. 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 1,164 reviews of which 1,039 were positive and 125 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.5
1,039
125
15
players
2. 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 4,506 reviews of which 4,244 were positive and 262 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
9.1
4,244
262
13
players
3. 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 1,208 reviews of which 1,045 were positive and 163 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.2
1,045
163
5
players
4. 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 412 reviews of which 370 were positive and 42 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.3
370
42
4
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 820 reviews of which 763 were positive and 57 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.7
763
57
3
players
6. 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 1,224 reviews of which 1,170 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
9.0
1,170
54
2
players
7. The Windows Are Gone
Haunted by grief and guilt after a tragic accident, you start seeing a house in your dreams. No matter what you do, you can't get its image out of your mind. You feel it calling for you, so you answer it. The Windows Are Gone is a psychological horror, atmospheric and immersive sim game developed and published by Scary Cube. Released on October 02nd 2023 has received 484 reviews of which 454 were positive and 30 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.7
454
30
1
players
8. House Builder: First Job
Become a one-man construction crew! Travel around the world and through the ages to build iconic designs! Beware unpleasant temperatures and dangerous fauna! House Builder: First Job is a exploration, immersive sim and city builder game developed by FreeMind S.A. and published by FreeMind S.A. and PlayWay S.A.. Released on July 15th 2021 has received 395 reviews of which 334 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.9
334
61
1
players
9. 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 373 reviews of which 305 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.6
305
68
1
players
10. 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 756 reviews of which 597 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.5
597
159
1
players