Best Life 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 life sim games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free life sim games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
My Little Life
A relaxing life-sim that lives on the bottom of your screen while you do other things.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Embark on a cozy, open-world adventure with Hello Kitty and Friends. Befriend beloved characters as you explore and restore a mysterious island, solve ancient puzzles, cook delicious dishes, customize yourself and your cabins, and so much more.
Ropuka's Idle Island
A cozy idle game that sits anywhere on your desktop. Watch the frog cut grass, upgrade his tools, and decorate the island while you work or relax.
Rock Star Life Simulator
Rock Star Life Simulator is an extensive fame simulation game. Start this adventure by playing the guitar on the street, form your own band. Protect the fame, money, and charisma you earned with the right decisions and become a world star!
Streamer Life Simulator 2
In the second game of the series, competition has increased and now everyone wants to be a streamer. Are you ready to stream until your cpu burns out?
汉尘：腐草为萤
“The last day of Han dynasty”It is a survival simulation business game based on the background of the end of the Han Dynasty in China. From the perspective of ordinary people, you can spend a difficult but warm time, and keep warm together with the characters you know in the troubled times.
Play Together
Play Together is a popular casual social networking game enjoyed by players worldwide. Express yourself through character customization, decorate your home and host Home Parties for a fun time with friends. Enjoy tons of content with friends from all across the globe!
Behind Glass: Aquarium Simulator
Create stunning virtual aquariums on your PC! Our advanced 3D engine brings your fish tank to life with breathtaking realism, featuring lifelike fish, plants, decorations, and more. Transform your monitor into a vibrant, living aquarium. Virtual aquascaping has never been easier!
S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH
This is a modern adventure of young adults seeking love and meaning. Return to 2011's Castor Yard, tap on your keyboard, and make those letters dance: Use your online persona to make meaningful decisions for your clients and yourself.
Screen Cat
The cute cat on your desktop. He will purr when you are tired. He will hunt the cursor when you work. He will sleep while you play.
New Day
New Day is an upcoming life simulation game where almost anything can happen! Create your own islanders, design their apartments, and get involved with their day-to-day life as they divulge into unexpected friendships, problems, and more!
Office Life
It’s a story about after graduation life of college student. We guess it is a simulation game, besides which type of game it could be? We just want to provide a true real life with you in this way.
ENSCROLL
Fresh out of Magic Academy with a hefty student loan, you must craft and sell magic scrolls to pay off your debt. Create spells for demanding customers and manage your growing loan payments. Will your magical skills be enough to free you from student debt?
Night Shift Nurses
A washed-up mad doctor is hired back by a devious former test subject and asked to twist her hospital into a corrupt donation mill. Will he seize this second chance to practice his own vision of "science," or will his many failings drag him down once again in this pseudo-medical visual novel?
SimRail - The Railway Simulator
SimRail is new, advanced railway simulator. Master high-speed long-distance EMU, heavy freight hauls and suburban trains. Travel 500 km of geodetic-data based real routes. Become train dispatcher and control the traffic according to the schedule or cooperate with other players on multiplayer mode.
Chonkers
Chonkers is a cozy and relaxing idle game. Adopt the cutest fur balls and watch them ramp up the chonk scale as you play with them. Find them a new family. They’ll pay A LOT for your hefty chonker! Complete your collection by finding all the breeds and the rarest space cats!
Tobacco Shop Simulator
Run your tobacco shop. Sign contracts with leading brands, order products, hire workers, expand your store, and never let your customers leave the store empty-handed. Play with friends or go solo, and enjoy the growth of your shop.
Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story
A simulation game where you create a wonderful sweets shop with Doraemon
SchoolBoy Runaway
“You little rascal! Go study your lessons right now!” said the angry parents, grounding you. Try to outsmart them and find a way to have fun with your friends.
Sensei! I Like You So Much!
Sensei! I like you so much! is a fandom business simulation game. You will play as a fanfic author, create fanfic of all genres, release your fanzine, join comicons, gather followers, and become a legend. In the meantime, buy goods of your pairing, build itabags, and decorate your room.
Lost But Found
Organize and give out lost items! Lost But Found is a job simulator game where you are an officer who oversees the lost items in an airport. Organize those items and distribute them to people who lost their belongings. Upgrade your office, manage requests, collect stickers, and more.
Coconut Simulator
Coconut Simulator is a game in which you can become a coconut.
Most played life sim games on Steam
Take a look at the top life sim games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Stardew Valley
You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? Stardew Valley is a farming sim, pixel graphics and multiplayer game developed and published by ConcernedApe. Released on February 26th 2016 has received 886,195 reviews of which 872,384 were positive and 13,811 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played life sim game, thanks to its 39,396 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.8
872,384
13,811
39,396
players
2. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more. The Sims™ 4 is a life sim, character customization and free to play game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 170,727 reviews of which 149,064 were positive and 21,663 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 27,271 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among life sim games based on player count.
8.6
149,064
21,663
27,271
players
3. 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. Palia is a free to play, multiplayer and life sim game developed and published by Singularity 6 Corporation. Released on March 25th 2024 has received 28,923 reviews of which 24,670 were positive and 4,253 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. While seeing 11,401 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among life sim games based on player count.
8.4
24,670
4,253
11,401
players
4. inZOI
"Every life becomes a story" Create your unique story by controlling and observing the lives of 'Zois'. Customize characters and build houses using inZOI's easy-to-use tools to live the life of your dreams and experience the different emotions of life created by its deep and detailed simulation. inZOI is a life sim and character customization game developed by inZOI Studio and published by KRAFTON and Inc.. Released on March 27th 2025 has received 20,859 reviews of which 16,548 were positive and 4,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,813 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played life sim games.
7.8
16,548
4,311
2,813
players
5. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Explore a world filled with the magic of Disney as you discover rich stories and build the perfect neighborhood alongside Disney and Pixar heroes and villains in this new life-sim adventure game. Welcome to Disney Dreamlight Valley. Disney Dreamlight Valley is a relaxing, life sim and character customization game developed and published by Gameloft. Released on December 05th 2023 has received 20,793 reviews of which 19,111 were positive and 1,682 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,668 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played life sim games.
9.0
19,111
1,682
2,668
players
6. Dinkum
Dinkum is a survival life simulation game set on an island inspired by the rugged Australian outback. Farm, hunt, mine, fish, and forage to gather resources, expand your town, and discover what makes Dinkum so special—either solo or with friends. Dinkum is a open world survival craft, agriculture and farming sim game developed by James Bendon and published by KRAFTON and Inc.. Released on April 22nd 2025 has received 24,584 reviews of which 22,671 were positive and 1,913 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,924 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played life sim games.
9.0
22,671
1,913
1,924
players
7. Cash Cleaner Simulator
Check it, clean it, sort it, ship it. Welcome to the life of a cash cleaner. Take jobs from underworld contacts and clean some cash. Just don't try to leave... Cash Cleaner Simulator is a life sim, management and simulation game developed by Mind Control Games and published by Forklift Interactive and Digital Pajamas. Released on May 08th 2025 has received 2,923 reviews of which 2,580 were positive and 343 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 1,890 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played life sim games.
8.5
2,580
343
1,890
players
8. Fields of Mistria
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG! Fields of Mistria is a early access, farming sim and dating sim game developed and published by NPC Studio. Released on August 05th 2024 has received 19,958 reviews of which 19,544 were positive and 414 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,519 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played life sim games.
9.6
19,544
414
1,519
players
9. Coral Island
Coral Island is a vibrant and laid-back reimagining of farm sim games. Be who you want and experience enchanting island living at your own pace—live off the land, nurture animals, build relationships with a diverse cast of townsfolk, and make the world around you a more vital and harmonious place. Coral Island is a farming sim, life sim and relaxing game developed by Stairway Games and published by Humble Games. Released on November 14th 2023 has received 21,728 reviews of which 19,184 were positive and 2,544 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,435 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played life sim games.
8.6
19,184
2,544
1,435
players
10. Farm Together 2
Grow your own farm all by yourself, or cooperate with your friends in the long awaited sequel to the cozy, relaxing farming experience! Farm Together 2 is a farming sim, agriculture and sandbox game developed and published by Milkstone Studios. Released on May 30th 2025 has received 3,710 reviews of which 3,437 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,432 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played life sim games.
8.9
3,437
273
1,432
players
Best deals on life sim games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of life sim games available on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted life sim games.
1. Summer in Mara
Take care of your own island and sail with your boat in this cozy farming adventure! Relax and unwind exploring a tropical archipelago or harvesting your own crops while helping others. Discover the story of Summer in Mara, with farming, crafting and exploring mechanics. Summer in Mara is a life sim, relaxing and farming sim game developed and published by Chibig. Released on June 16th 2020 has received 1,932 reviews of which 1,460 were positive and 472 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for life sim category.
7.3
1,460
472
-98%
19.99€
0.51€
2. Hokko Life
Hop off the train and into your new life in the village of Hokko! Take over the old workshop and get creative; use crafted materials and design everything in town! With complete creative freedom, what type of town will you build? Hokko Life is a life sim, farming sim and casual game developed by Gizmo Garden and published by Team17. Released on September 27th 2022 has received 2,570 reviews of which 1,722 were positive and 848 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in life sim games.
6.5
1,722
848
-97%
19.99€
0.72€
3. Spirit of the Island
A beautiful Life Sim Sandbox RPG with Cross-Platform Online COOP set on a tropical Archipelago. Build your farm, grow crops and animals, craft various items, cook dishes, gather resources, build shops and museum to attract visitors, and turn a desolate Island into a prosperous tourist destination! Spirit of the Island is a family friendly, relaxing and indie game developed by 1M Bits Horde and published by META Publishing. Released on August 17th 2022 has received 1,742 reviews of which 1,165 were positive and 577 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in life sim games.
6.5
1,165
577
-97%
14.79€
0.57€
4. Animal Shelter
In Animal Shelter, your main target is to make your four-legged friends happy. Pet them, hand out treats, play with toys - and they will pay you back with great trust. Get to know the animals well enough to find them the best home! Don't wait any longer, open your animal shelter now! Animal Shelter is a dog, life sim and cats game developed by Games Incubator and published by Games Incubator and PlayWay S.A.. Released on March 23rd 2022 has received 3,495 reviews of which 3,058 were positive and 437 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for life sim games.
8.4
3,058
437
-96%
19.50€
0.83€
5. Not Tonight
Person of European Heritage #112: Welcome to Relocation Block B, your new home. Your designated role is 'Bouncer'. Work hard, stay out of trouble, and we might let you stay in the UK. Not Tonight is a simulation, life sim and pixel graphics game developed by PanicBarn and published by No More Robots. Released on August 17th 2018 has received 2,493 reviews of which 2,081 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for life sim games.
8.0
2,081
412
-96%
16.79€
0.75€
6. Streamer Life Simulator
Streamer Life Simulator is a very comprehensive streamer life simulation game. Be the most popular streamer in the world. Streamer Life Simulator is a simulation, life sim and casual game developed and published by Cheesecake Dev. Released on August 21st 2020 has received 7,488 reviews of which 5,770 were positive and 1,718 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.5
5,770
1,718
-96%
19.50€
0.86€
7. Potion Permit
Moonbury's residents need healing, and you're the best chemist around! With your trusty tools, a brewing cauldron, and a canine companion at your side, you'll need to diagnose symptoms, gather ingredients, brew potions, and cure ailments in this open-ended sim RPG. Potion Permit is a singleplayer, colorful and jrpg game developed by MassHive Media and published by PQube. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 4,703 reviews of which 3,759 were positive and 944 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.8
3,759
944
-95%
19.99€
1.11€
8. The Tenants
Become a landlord and deal with problematic tenants as you build your rental property empire. Decide how to react to annoyed neighbors or police interventions. Will you design your apartment for a group of gamer friends or an aspiring musician looking for a new home? The Tenants is a management, design & illustration and life sim game developed by Ancient Forge and published by Frozen District. Released on October 20th 2022 has received 7,042 reviews of which 5,644 were positive and 1,398 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.8
5,644
1,398
-94%
18.68€
1.16€
9. The Guild II
The Guild 2 is the shining successor of the ultra successful medieval life sim, Europe 1400. The Guild 2 is a unique mixture of RPG and life simulation in an immersive middle ages scenario. The player and his party become part of history and can even change it in real-time. Go back to the dark middle ages and found a new dynasty! The Guild II is a simulation, strategy and life sim game developed by 4HEAD Studios and published by THQ Nordic. Released on June 24th 2010 has received 816 reviews of which 580 were positive and 236 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for life sim games.
6.8
580
236
-94%
9.99€
0.64€
10. World's Dawn
Bring life back to a sleepy seaside village by building friendships, finding love, harvesting crops, tending livestock, competing in festivals, fishing, mining, discovering magical secrets and more! World's Dawn is a farming sim, life sim and casual game developed and published by Wayward Prophet. Released on January 25th 2016 has received 867 reviews of which 690 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.6
690
177
-93%
9.99€
0.76€
Free life sim games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play life sim games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play life sim games.
1. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more. The Sims™ 4 is a life sim, character customization and free to play game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 170,727 reviews of which 149,064 were positive and 21,663 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 27,271 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free life sim games on Steam.
8.6
149,064
21,663
27,271
players
2. 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. Palia is a free to play, multiplayer and life sim game developed and published by Singularity 6 Corporation. Released on March 25th 2024 has received 28,923 reviews of which 24,670 were positive and 4,253 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 11,401, this life sim game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free life sim games on Steam.
8.4
24,670
4,253
11,401
players
3. Virtual Cottage
Virtual Cottage gives you a comfy place to rest and be productive without any distractions. Open the game, set yourself a goal and enjoy the atmosphere. Virtual Cottage is a cozy, relaxing and casual game developed and published by DU&I. Released on October 07th 2020 has received 10,402 reviews of which 10,173 were positive and 229 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 154, this life sim game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free life sim games on Steam.
9.5
10,173
229
154
players
4. Star Chef 2: Cooking Game
Kitchen Simulation | Learn Cuisines | Cook Delicious Food | Become A Chef Star Chef 2: Cooking Game is a casual, simulation and farming sim game developed and published by 99Games Online Private Limited. Released on August 09th 2021 has received 493 reviews of which 342 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 135 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free life sim games on Steam.
6.6
342
151
135
players
5. Nothing Together
A game about doing Nothing Together Nothing Together is a life sim, idler and psychological horror game developed and published by VacuumDev. Released on February 02nd 2024 has received 1,731 reviews of which 1,634 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
9.0
1,634
97
23
players
6. New Day
New Day is an upcoming life simulation game where almost anything can happen! Create your own islanders, design their apartments, and get involved with their day-to-day life as they divulge into unexpected friendships, problems, and more! New Day is a choose your own adventure, life sim and character customization game developed and published by Scrapbook Studios. Released on December 25th 2024 has received 305 reviews of which 272 were positive and 33 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.2
272
33
5
players
7. 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 841 reviews of which 780 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.7
780
61
2
players
8. Espresso Tycoon Prologue: Underwater
A completely FREE underwater mission from the Espresso Tycoon - a coffee shop simulator. Build your own cafe from scratch, hire staff, create the most delicious recipes in the whole Pacific Ocean and make customers happy! Decorate, manage, and build a successful coffee business in Sydney! Espresso Tycoon Prologue: Underwater is a life sim, sandbox and strategy game developed by DreamWay Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on November 04th 2022 has received 640 reviews of which 576 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.4
576
64
2
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.3
1,270
197
2
players
10. Terra Firma
Play god and create your own world in this complex simulation. Plate tectonics, wind and water erosion and plant life all develop and interact to produce a world that is viewable from a single tree to kilometres across. Terra Firma is a simulation, strategy and god game game developed and published by Working as Intended. Released on February 20th 2025 has received 360 reviews of which 333 were positive and 27 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.5
333
27
1
players