Best Realistic 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 realistic games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free realistic games are available at the bottom of the page.

Filters & Lists
X-Plane 11 The future of flight simulation is now! X-Plane 11 is the detailed, realistic, and modern simulator you’ve been waiting for. Intuitive user interface, 3-D cockpits, new effects, 3-D sound, living airports and world-wide scenery.

Price 24.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 30 Mar 2017
Day of Infamy Experience close-quarters battles in iconic WWII settings. Defend the line, storm the beach, torch the enemy, or use a radio to call in fire support. Day of Infamy is a teamwork-oriented shooter that will keep you on your toes and coming back for more with its diverse game modes and authentic arsenal.

Price -96% 0.52€
Rating 8.1
Release 23 Mar 2017
The Fishing Club 3D: Co-op Sport Angling Go fishing and relax. Craft baits, catch legendary fish and complete your catch album - or take part in epic fishing competitions against other anglers or fishing clubs. Create or join a fishing club and chat with fellow anglers in the in-game chat. Play now for free! Tight lines!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.3
Release 23 Mar 2017
Train Mechanic Simulator 2017 Take your opportunity as real Train Mechanic. Find locomotives around game world that needs your help and repair them in one of 3 workshops localized in huge 25 km2 open world. You will be face all types of damages in all genres of trains: Diesel, Electric and even Old-School Steam units.

Price 6.59€
Rating 6.5
Release 23 Mar 2017
Virtual Rides 3 - Funfair Simulator Design! Control! Ride! Virtual Rides III is here! Set foot in an even bigger, more colorful, and more impressive fairground than ever before! Let your imagination be your guide! Design, control, and ride more than 15 unique attractions!

Price 24.50€
Rating 8.4
Release 16 Mar 2017
Train Sim World® 2020 Train Sim World is an immersive first-person simulator perfect for everyone, with complete in-cab interactivity, accurate detail on locos, real-world routes and hours of gameplay. Take to the rails with the brand-new Train Sim World 2020 Edition and find everything you need to master new skills.

Price 29.99€
Rating 7.6
Release 16 Mar 2017
Revhead Revhead is a car racing simulation game, where you have to build your own race car. You start your journey somewhere in a small village in Australia. You have to think as a real Revhead! You can buy or sell cars and components, fix and tweak your car to make it the fastest around.

Price 19.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 09 Mar 2017
Tower!3D Pro Tower!3D Pro will put you in the position of an airport tower controller, one of the most stressful job on the world!

Price 58.99€
Rating 6.5
Release 08 Mar 2017
911 Operator Game about the difficult work of people that manage emergency lines and services. Answer incoming calls and react properly - give first aid instructions, advise, dispatch correct number of firemen / police / ambulances, or sometimes - just ignore the call. Play on ANY CITY in the world!

Price -96% 0.74€
Rating 8.7
Release 24 Feb 2017
Syrian Warfare Real Time Strategy with a high degree of realism. The game is based on a true story.

Price -92% 0.94€
Rating 8.4
Release 21 Feb 2017
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.

Price 19.50€
Rating 8.8
Release 16 Feb 2017
Youtubers Life Become the most successful youtuber on the planet! Create videos, get subscribers, attend events, interact with your fans… and grow your channel. Live a youtuber’s life!

Price -90% 2.13€
Rating 7.6
Release 02 Feb 2017
Gods and Idols Take the role of a newly ascended deity in Gods and Idols. Carve your place among the stars in an open, dynamic, and massive MMORTS universe. Command the powers of the cosmos, form alliances, and use your worshipers as instruments to further your goals.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.8
Release 12 Dec 2016
Steep™ Ride a massive open world across the Alps, where the powder is always fresh and the run never ends. Defy and master the mountain alone or with friends on skis, wingsuits, snowboards and paragliders. Record and share your best stunts.

Price 29.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 02 Dec 2016
Maize Maize is a first-person adventure game about what happens when two scientists misinterpret a memo from the U.S. Government and create sentient corn. And that last sentence is pretty much the least ridiculous thing about the game.

Price -98% 0.56€
Rating 7.8
Release 01 Dec 2016
Planet Coaster Planet Coaster® - the future of coaster park simulation games has arrived! Surprise, delight and thrill incredible crowds as you build your coaster park empire - let your imagination run wild, and share your success with the world.

Price -88% 4.73€
Rating 9.0
Release 17 Nov 2016
Google Earth VR Google Earth VR lets you explore the world from totally new perspectives in virtual reality. Stroll the streets of Tokyo, soar over the Grand Canyon, or walk around the Eiffel Tower.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.1
Release 16 Nov 2016
World of Tanks Blitz Tanks, not war: jump into a free-to-play MMO action shooter with over 400 tanks. Enjoy stunning graphics and intuitive touch controls. Engage in 7vs7 battles, strategize with your team to conquer diverse maps. Customize tanks, unlock upgrades, and dive into adrenaline-pumping action on mobile and PC

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 09 Nov 2016
Notruf 112 | Emergency Call 112 Emergency Call 112 – The Fire Fighting Simulation is an exciting, fully detailed simulation of the eventful life of a big city fire department. It was developed in cooperation with and modelled on the fire brigade of Mülheim, Germany. Mülheim has one of the largest and most modern fire stations in Europe.

Price 14.95€
Rating 7.4
Release 09 Nov 2016
Transport Fever Transport Fever is a railroad-focused tycoon game. Players start in 1850 and build up a thriving transport company. As an emerging transport tycoon, the player constructs stations, airports, harbors and makes money by connecting areas requiring transport services. Build up your own Empire!

Price -98% 0.67€
Rating 8.1
Release 08 Nov 2016
EmergeNYC EmergeNYC is a simulation of New York City's Emergency Services. Drive over 30 different Emergency Vehicles with up to 32 of your friends through busy City Streets with blazing sirens and air horns. Take the role of a firefighter, medic, or police officer and ride with your friends to emergencies

Price -30% 14.86€
Rating 6.3
Release 03 Nov 2016
City Car Driving City Car Driving – realistic car driving simulator, which will help you master the basic skills of the car driving in various traffic conditions, with plunging into the environment most closely resembling the real one.

Price 23.49€
Rating 8.1
Release 03 Nov 2016
Through the Woods Through the Woods is a third-person Norse horror adventure set in a forest on the western shores of Norway that tells the story of a mother and her missing son.

Price -98% 0.54€
Rating 6.9
Release 27 Oct 2016
The Survey In the end, everybody gets what they deserve. The sins of the past always manifest within the minds of the sinners. An eternity of suffering awaits, welcome to The Survey.

Price 4.99€
Rating 6.9
Release 27 Oct 2016

Most played realistic games on Steam

Take a look at the top realistic games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.

1. BeamNG.drive

A dynamic soft-body physics vehicle simulator capable of doing just about anything. BeamNG.drive is a simulation, driving and physics game developed and published by BeamNG. Released on May 29th 2015 has received 322,278 reviews of which 313,873 were positive and 8,405 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played realistic game, thanks to its 16,131 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
313,873
8,405

16,131
players

2. 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 33,575 reviews of which 28,079 were positive and 5,496 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 15,059 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among realistic games based on player count.
8.2
28,079
5,496

15,059
players

3. Arma Reforger

Experience authentic Cold War combat and join the struggle for the sprawling, mid-Atlantic island of Everon and its smaller, offshore territory, Arland – or take on the role of Game Master and create your very own scenarios for others to enjoy. Arma Reforger is a military, simulation and action game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 30,623 reviews of which 23,326 were positive and 7,297 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. While seeing 12,733 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among realistic games based on player count.
7.5
23,326
7,297

12,733
players

4. Squad

Squad is a tactical FPS that provides authentic combat experiences through teamwork, communication, and realistic combat. It bridges the gap between arcade shooter and military realism with 100-player battles, combined-arms warfare, and base building. Squad is a military, realistic and fps game developed and published by Offworld. Released on September 23rd 2020 has received 210,551 reviews of which 175,088 were positive and 35,463 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 9,033 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.2
175,088
35,463

9,033
players

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

A thrilling story-driven action RPG, with a rich open world, set in 15th century Medieval Europe. Experience the ultimate medieval adventure - through the eyes of young Henry - as you embark on a journey of epic proportions. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a rpg, medieval and open world game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver. Released on February 04th 2025 has received 102,337 reviews of which 96,279 were positive and 6,058 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 7,903 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played realistic games.
9.3
96,279
6,058

7,903
players

6. Gray Zone Warfare

In Gray Zone Warfare, realism meets tactics in an open-world MMOFPS where every move matters. Deploy with a Private Military Company, survive intense PvEvP or PvE encounters against players and AI, unravel the secrets of Lamang Island, and thrive through hard-earned progression. Gray Zone Warfare is a early access, online co-op and tactical game developed and published by MADFINGER Games and a.s.. Released on April 30th 2024 has received 59,318 reviews of which 40,235 were positive and 19,083 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 6,305 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played realistic games.
6.7
40,235
19,083

6,305
players

7. Hell Let Loose

Join the ever expanding experience of Hell Let Loose - a hardcore World War Two first person shooter with epic battles of 100 players with infantry, tanks, artillery, a dynamically shifting front line and a unique resource based RTS-inspired meta-game. Hell Let Loose is a shooter, realistic and world war ii game developed and published by Team17. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 137,677 reviews of which 113,447 were positive and 24,230 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 5,403 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.2
113,447
24,230

5,403
players

8. Ready or Not

Ready or Not is an intense, tactical, first-person shooter that depicts a modern-day world in which SWAT police units are called to defuse hostile and confronting situations. Ready or Not is a tactical, realistic and fps game developed by and published by Void Interactive. Released on December 13th 2023 has received 236,196 reviews of which 210,654 were positive and 25,542 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 5,190 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.8
210,654
25,542

5,190
players

9. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition

From gliders and helicopters to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and accurate aircraft in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition. The world is at your fingertips. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition is a simulation, flight and realistic game developed by Asobo Studio and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on August 17th 2020 has received 65,666 reviews of which 51,794 were positive and 13,872 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 3,739 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played realistic games.
7.8
51,794
13,872

3,739
players

10. 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 2,717 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played realistic games.
7.8
16,548
4,311

2,717
players

Best deals on realistic games on Steam

Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of realistic games available on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted realistic games.

1. Tin Can

You've barely managed to escape your exploding spaceship. Now in an old escape pod, you hurtle through space at the mercy of the cosmos. With no knowledge of the pod’s complex systems, your life depends on a technical manual and your own wits. How long can you survive? Tin Can is a simulation, space and survival game developed by Tin Can Studio and published by Tin Can Studio and IndieArk. Released on May 12th 2022 has received 1,198 reviews of which 1,015 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for realistic category.
8.1
1,015
183

-98% 17.99€ 0.46€

2. Starsand

Starsand is a mystic survival game set among the dunes of an arcane desert. An open-world full of danger, vast environments and mysterious happenings await you! Explore, hunt, craft, build – and SURVIVE. Starsand is a open world survival craft, survival and open world game developed by Tunnel Vision Studio and published by Toplitz Productions. Released on November 17th 2022 has received 1,157 reviews of which 773 were positive and 384 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in realistic games.
6.5
773
384

-98% 16.79€ 0.44€

3. Car Mechanic Simulator 2018

Build and expand your repair service empire in this incredibly detailed and highly realistic simulation game, where attention to car detail is astonishing. Find classic, unique cars in the new Barn Find module and Junkyard module. You can even add your self-made car in the Car Editor. Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is a simulation, automobile sim and driving game developed by Red Dot Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on July 28th 2017 has received 51,521 reviews of which 47,065 were positive and 4,456 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in realistic games.
9.0
47,065
4,456

-97% 19.50€ 0.72€

4. 112 Operator

Manage emergency services in any city in the world! Take calls and dispatch rescue forces. Handle difficult situations, now depending on the weather, and traffic. Help the citizens through cataclysms and natural disasters, becoming a better emergency number operator every day! 112 Operator is a simulation, realistic and casual game developed by Jutsu Games and published by Games Operators. Released on April 23rd 2020 has received 6,608 reviews of which 5,916 were positive and 692 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for realistic games.
8.7
5,916
692

-97% 20.99€ 0.71€

5. Day of Infamy

Experience close-quarters battles in iconic WWII settings. Defend the line, storm the beach, torch the enemy, or use a radio to call in fire support. Day of Infamy is a teamwork-oriented shooter that will keep you on your toes and coming back for more with its diverse game modes and authentic arsenal. Day of Infamy is a world war ii, fps and multiplayer game developed and published by New World Interactive. Released on March 23rd 2017 has received 22,055 reviews of which 18,172 were positive and 3,883 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for realistic games.
8.1
18,172
3,883

-96% 12.49€ 0.52€

6. 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 2,705 reviews of which 1,924 were positive and 781 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for realistic games.
6.9
1,924
781

-96% 19.99€ 0.99€

7. Bakery Simulator

Get up before dawn and see what it's like to be a baker! Learn to bake several dozen types of bread. Use realistic bakery machines. Deliver orders to stores, earn, and invest. Use original recipes or experiment with ingredients. Bakery Simulator is a simulation, time management and economy game developed by Live Motion Games and published by Ultimate Games S.A. and Gaming Factory. Released on May 03rd 2022 has received 1,907 reviews of which 1,301 were positive and 606 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for realistic games.
6.6
1,301
606

-96% 15.99€ 0.68€

8. Car Detailing Simulator

Car Detailing Simulator, you get a chance to renew any car and restore its splendor at the request of demanding customers! A nice and well-groomed vehicle can be the pride of every human being! Clean, polish and marvel at your creations in this highly realistic game where every little detail counts! Car Detailing Simulator is a simulation, automobile sim and singleplayer game developed by Games Incubator and GameFormatic S.A. and published by Games Incubator and PlayWay S.A.. Released on April 13th 2022 has received 1,041 reviews of which 791 were positive and 250 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for realistic games.
7.3
791
250

-95% 13.29€ 0.74€

9. Rugby 22

Crouch, bind, set! Discover the true rugby experience. Play with best clubs and top nations, enjoy dynamic gameplay that stays faithful to the sport, and experience the intensity of big matches. Rugby 22 is a sports, simulation and management game developed by Eko Software and published by Nacon. Released on January 27th 2022 has received 466 reviews of which 357 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for realistic games.
7.2
357
109

-94% 39.99€ 2.55€

10. Bus Simulator 16

Get behind the wheel of 13 realistic city buses licensed by known city bus manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and MAN. Keep an eye on the traffic code and drive your passengers safely to their destinations through five characteristic city districts. Bus Simulator 16 is a simulation, automobile sim and driving game developed by stillalive studios and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on March 02nd 2016 has received 3,708 reviews of which 2,624 were positive and 1,084 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for realistic games.
6.9
2,624
1,084

-94% 9.99€ 0.62€

Free realistic games on Steam

Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play realistic games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play realistic games.

1. RaceRoom Racing Experience

RaceRoom is the premier free-to-play racing simulation on PC and home to official race series like DTM, WTCR, the WTCC and ADAC GT Masters. Enter RaceRoom and enter the world of a professional race car driver. RaceRoom Racing Experience is a free to play, racing and automobile sim game developed by KW Studios and published by KW Studios and RaceRoom Entertainment AG. Released on February 12th 2013 has received 23,618 reviews of which 17,812 were positive and 5,806 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 522 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free realistic games on Steam.
7.4
17,812
5,806

522
players

2. Operation: Harsh Doorstop

Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate, free to play, tactical shooter sandbox. Play singleplayer, multiplayer, or co-op modes and explore thousands of community-created maps, weapons, and vehicles via the Steam Workshop. Created by ex-developers of Squad, Red Orchestra, and Insurgency. Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a free to play, military and fps game developed by Drakeling Labs and published by . Released on February 15th 2023 has received 18,420 reviews of which 14,167 were positive and 4,253 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 112, this realistic game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free realistic games on Steam.
7.6
14,167
4,253

112
players

3. Armored Warfare

Wage war against players around the world with an unstoppable arsenal of powerful armored combat vehicles. Use 300+ vehicles to engage in furious PvP tank combat, complete co-op missions, and crush your enemies on breathtaking maps, from scorching deserts to neon-drenched urban jungles. Armored Warfare is a realistic, shooter and alternate history game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and Wishlist Games and published by Wishlist Games. Released on November 17th 2017 has received 4,951 reviews of which 3,238 were positive and 1,713 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 108, this realistic game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free realistic games on Steam.
6.4
3,238
1,713

108
players

4. Pinball FX

Pinball FX is digital pinball evolved. Get the highest score on tables inspired by the biggest brands in entertainment. New tables arrive frequently! Pinball FX is a free to play, pinball and arcade game developed and published by Zen Studios. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 2,122 reviews of which 1,489 were positive and 633 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
6.8
1,489
633

71
players

5. Intravenous 2: Mercenarism

Playing as Gideon, a cold-hearted mercenary willing to kill for money without any moral principles, you'll have tactical freedom with a wide variety of weapons and special gadgets to complete your mission in the prologue of Intravenous 2. Intravenous 2: Mercenarism is a tactical, realistic and shooter game developed by Explosive Squat Games and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on January 19th 2024 has received 2,659 reviews of which 2,507 were positive and 152 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
9.0
2,507
152

4
players

6. Electrician Simulator - First Shock

Learn the ropes from your Dad to become an electrician. Repair and assemble sockets, panels, strips, plugs, chandeliers and even change light bulbs. Oh... and don't mix up the wires! Results might be shocking. Electrician Simulator - First Shock is a simulation, education and singleplayer game developed by Take IT Studio! and published by Gaming Factory and Ultimate Games S.A.. Released on January 06th 2022 has received 1,860 reviews of which 1,502 were positive and 358 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
7.8
1,502
358

2
players

7. Whiteboyz Wit Attitude: The Pursuit of Money

First there was the Whip/Nae Nae, now it’s time to Wear The Purp with the greatest rappers of all time*! Dance along with the Whiteboyz Wit Attitude in an epic FMV rhythm game, and celebrate the launch of their new album The Pursuit of Money. Whiteboyz Wit Attitude: The Pursuit of Money is a rhythm, fmv and realistic game developed and published by MichaelArts. Released on October 09th 2020 has received 502 reviews of which 473 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
8.7
473
29

8. Engine Evolution 2021

Engine Evolution is a multiplayer racing game that uses principles similar to those of the World of Tanks. With each PvP race against 11 other players, you gain experience and credits, which you can use to buy various upgrades or unlock the next motorbike. Engine Evolution 2021 is a racing, multiplayer and action game developed and published by Petr Šimůnek. Released on January 12th 2022 has received 747 reviews of which 553 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
7.1
553
194