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
Wargame: Airland Battle
2 SIDES, 12 NATIONS, 750 UNITS: THE STRATEGY GAME REFERENCE IS BACK! Richer, more beautiful and more accessible, Wargame AirLand Battle is the sequel to the explosive real-time strategy game Wargame European Escalation! 1985.
Receiver
Receiver was created for the 7-day FPS challenge to explore gun handling mechanics, randomized levels, and unordered storytelling. Armed only with a handgun and an audio cassette player, you must uncover the secrets of the Mindkill in a building complex infested with automated turrets and hovering shock drones.
Euro Truck Simulator
The original Euro Truck Simulator - the game which has become the classic of the genre and is still relevant today. The first truck simulation game in a European setting, with European long haul trucks!
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.
The Journey Down: Chapter One
The Journey Down is a point-and-click series with an Afro-Caribbean twist. Get ready to embark on a journey of exploration, mystery and grave danger - but also a journey of warmth, friendship and love.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits.
Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2.
Lunar Flight
A modern take on the classic arcade game, Lunar Lander, Lunar Flight extends the experience to a fully fictionalized and accessible lunar module simulator
Wargame: European Escalation
The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls.
Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm
Contains full Rising Storm content as well!
ARMA: Cold War Assault
Bohemia Interactive's debut game published by Codemasters as Operation Flashpoint in 2001, became genre-defining combat military simulation and the No. 1 bestselling PC game around the world and has won many international awards, including “Game of The Year” and “Best Action Game”. Over 2 million copies have been sold since its release.
ARMA: Gold Edition
ARMA: Gold is pack of ARMA: Armed Assault and an expansion pack ARMA: Queen's Gambit. ARMA is a first person tactical military shooter with large elements of realism and simulation. This game features a blend of large-scale military conflict spread over large areas alongside the more closed quarters battle.
Trainz™ Simulator 12
Released 2011. See also Trainz A New Era and TRS19.
Men of War: Assault Squad
Men of War: Assault Squad features a completely new cooperative skirmish game mode with access to five different nations (Russia, Germany, USA, Commonwealth and, for the first time ever in the Men of War series, Japan) as well as increased realism and accessibility.
Medal of Honor™
Fight Today's War: Elite Special Forces in a gritty combat campaign using the surgical tactics of Tier 1 Operators combined with the sledgehammer force of Army Rangers.
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.
Day of Defeat: Source
Valve's WWII Multiplayer Classic - Now available for Mac.
Theatre of War
Command a special task force composed of different kinds of units, including tanks, APCs, field guns, mortars, various infantry regiments and will also have an opportunity to call for artillery and air support.
Moonbase Alpha
NASA has once again landed on the lunar surface with the goal of colonization, research, and further exploration. Shortly after the return to the Moon, NASA has established a small outpost on the south pole of the moon called Moonbase Alpha.
Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead
Three years after the conflict in Chernarus, portrayed in the original Arma 2, a new flashpoint explodes in the Green Sea Region. Coalition forces led by the US Army are deployed to Takistan to quickly restore peace and prevent further civilian casualties.
Mount & Blade: Warband
In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia!
Wings of Prey
Wings of Prey is based around the large-scale aerial combat and ground military operations of World War II. Players can participate in some of the war’s most famous battles piloting fighters, battle planes and bombers across a range of thrilling missions.
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is a game about a fictitious conflict on one of the Sakhalin islands.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 April 30th 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 316,795 reviews of which 308,580 were positive and 8,215 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 13,689 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
308,580
8,215
13,689
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 31,780 reviews of which 26,493 were positive and 5,287 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 12,081 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among realistic games based on player count.
8.2
26,493
5,287
12,081
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 27,917 reviews of which 20,990 were positive and 6,927 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. While seeing 11,247 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among realistic games based on player count.
7.4
20,990
6,927
11,247
players
4. 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 95,068 reviews of which 89,464 were positive and 5,604 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 10,333 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played realistic games.
9.3
89,464
5,604
10,333
players
5. 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 207,162 reviews of which 172,119 were positive and 35,043 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 9,252 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.2
172,119
35,043
9,252
players
6. 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 232,241 reviews of which 206,958 were positive and 25,283 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 5,343 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.8
206,958
25,283
5,343
players
7. Microsoft Flight Simulator 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 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 65,070 reviews of which 51,343 were positive and 13,727 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 3,765 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played realistic games.
7.8
51,343
13,727
3,765
players
8. 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 136,949 reviews of which 112,848 were positive and 24,101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 3,764 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.2
112,848
24,101
3,764
players
9. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Story-driven open-world RPG that immerses you in an epic adventure in the Holy Roman Empire. Avenge your parents' death as you battle invading forces, go on game-changing quests, and make influential choices. Explore castles, forests, villages and other realistic settings in medieval Bohemia! Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a medieval, rpg and open world game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Warhorse Studios and Deep Silver. Released on February 13th 2018 has received 160,368 reviews of which 134,805 were positive and 25,563 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 3,170 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.3
134,805
25,563
3,170
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, character customization and realistic game developed by inZOI Studio and published by KRAFTON and Inc.. Released on March 27th 2025 has received 18,767 reviews of which 15,429 were positive and 3,338 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 3,110 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.1
15,429
3,338
3,110
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted realistic games.
1. 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 6,492 reviews of which 5,810 were positive and 682 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for realistic category.
8.7
5,810
682
-94%
22.33€
1.34€
2. 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 1,181 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in realistic games.
8.1
1,000
181
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. Lawn Mowing Simulator
Experience the beauty and detail of mowing the Great British countryside in Lawn Mowing Simulator, the only simulator that allows you to ride an authentic and expansive roster of real-world licensed lawn mowers from prestigious manufacturers; Toro, SCAG and STIGA as you manage your business. Lawn Mowing Simulator is a simulation, relaxing and realistic game developed by Skyhook Games and published by Curve Games. Released on August 10th 2021 has received 2,648 reviews of which 1,885 were positive and 763 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in realistic games.
6.9
1,885
763
-94%
20.33€
1.22€
4. 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 1,139 reviews of which 763 were positive and 376 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for realistic games.
6.5
763
376
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
5. 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 51,304 reviews of which 46,857 were positive and 4,447 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for realistic games.
9.0
46,857
4,447
-91%
20.22€
1.82€
6. Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm
Contains full Rising Storm content as well! Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm is a world war ii, realistic and multiplayer game developed and published by Tripwire Interactive. Released on September 13th 2011 has received 37,534 reviews of which 34,679 were positive and 2,855 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for realistic games.
9.1
34,679
2,855
-90%
24.99€
2.49€
7. 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 22,064 reviews of which 18,191 were positive and 3,873 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for realistic games.
8.1
18,191
3,873
-89%
12.64€
1.39€
8. Tank Mechanic Simulator
Renovate & build II World War tanks. Experience highly detailed & realistic simulation game. Take tanks fully apart by using different tools. Transform them from rusty and ruined to fully working. Check them on the training ground, sell or put into your own museum. Tank Mechanic Simulator is a tanks, simulation and world war ii game developed by DeGenerals S.A. and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on February 20th 2020 has received 8,267 reviews of which 7,311 were positive and 956 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for realistic games.
8.6
7,311
956
-88%
16.83€
2.02€
9. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator
Fresh Start is a relaxing single player game, in which you embark on a mission to clean up the world and restore nature to its fresh and colorful shape. Watch as the world changes in front of your eyes as you help animals, solve puzzles and grow plants around you. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator is a first-person, 3d and realistic game developed by Chicken Launcher and published by Awaken Realms. Released on December 20th 2022 has received 1,860 reviews of which 1,631 were positive and 229 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for realistic games.
8.4
1,631
229
-88%
8.33€
1.00€
10. 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 1,014 reviews of which 774 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for realistic games.
7.3
774
240
-87%
13.00€
1.69€
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 April 30th 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 23,326 reviews of which 17,570 were positive and 5,756 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 472 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free realistic games on Steam.
7.4
17,570
5,756
472
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 multiplayer game developed by Drakeling Labs and published by . Released on February 15th 2023 has received 18,167 reviews of which 13,961 were positive and 4,206 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 133, this realistic game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free realistic games on Steam.
7.5
13,961
4,206
133
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 4,885 reviews of which 3,201 were positive and 1,684 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
6.4
3,201
1,684
95
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 2,079 reviews of which 1,449 were positive and 630 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
1,449
630
85
players
5. 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 1,857 reviews of which 1,498 were positive and 359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
7.8
1,498
359
2
players
6. 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 2,643 reviews of which 2,491 were positive and 152 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 realistic games on Steam.
9.0
2,491
152
1
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 504 reviews of which 475 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
8.8
475
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