Best Simulation 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 simulation games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free simulation games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Bomb Squad Academy
Save the world one wire at a time with Bomb Squad Academy, a puzzle game where you have to defuse bombs under a time constraint.
Weapon Shop Fantasy
A shop game with RPG? Or is it RPG with a shop? Collect materials, Craft weapons, Train your staff and defeat your enemy! This is Weapon Shop Fantasy!
Battle Brothers
Battle Brothers is a turn based tactical RPG which has you leading a mercenary company in a gritty, low-power, medieval fantasy world. You decide where to go, whom to hire or to fight, what contracts to take and how to train and equip your men in a procedurally generated open world campaign.
The Cat Games
Do you like cats? Then this is the purrfect game for you!
Demonheart
Discover the secrets of the witches and demons in this dark fantasy romance game, featuring a female protagonist whose personality is completely up to the player thanks to extensive dialog choices.
Peace, Death!
Peace, Death! is an arcade simulator with difficulties. In this game you play as the Reaper working for your boss, Death, and send clients to Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory.
Grass Cutter - Mutated Lawns
Challenge lawn monsters!
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.
The Fishing Club 3D: Multiplayer Sport Angling
Bait your hooks and go sport-fishing around the world! Take part in epic fishing competitions or just go fishing and relax. Tight lines!
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.
Crisis in the Kremlin
Don’t let the Soviet Union collapse, and fall in the darkness of history or lead the Union by a new path – democracy and free market! But before you decide something, think – wouldn’t it cause more harm than good?
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!
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.
Maximum Override
Maximum Override is a chaotic city destruction game where the machines come alive. Wreak havoc in a fully destructible randomly generated city with anything you can find.
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.
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!
LEGO® Worlds
Experience a galaxy of Worlds made entirely from LEGO bricks. EXPLORE gigantic landscapes, DISCOVER countless surprises, and CREATE anything you can imagine by building with LEGO bricks.
The Golf Club VR
The Golf Club VR is built off the foundation laid by HB Studios’ original award winning game released in 2014, The Golf Club, taking advantage of the original game’s stunning visual presentation and over 130,000, two kilometer² procedurally and user-generated courses.
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!
Impulse of War
Stop! You haven't captured the train yet? Didn't build a base and haven't mastered the planet? I won't jump from a springboard to take the flag! I'll be waiting for you!
City Climber
City Climber is a silly physics-based game about a floppy ragdoll climber, who has to save the world. Find your way through diverse hand-crafted environments and enjoy funny challenges full of falling and destruction.
Pixel Privateers
Pixel Privateers is a Squad Based Tactical RPG “Loot ‘Em Up” that will send your team of mercenaries through a mysterious wormhole on a quest to gather technology for your employer. An entire galaxy awaits - full of worlds to explore, factions to encounter, and epic gear to collect!Simulation games offer players the chance to experience real-life scenarios in a virtual environment. Whether you want to build a thriving city, manage a farm, or pilot a plane, simulation games provide immersive experiences that can be both entertaining and educational. Here are some popular types of simulation games you can explore.
Life Simulation
Games that let you create and manage characters and their lives, like The Sims™ 4.
Vehicle Simulation
Experience driving, flying, or sailing in realistic environments, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition.
City-Building
Design and manage your own city, balancing resources and the needs of your citizens, like in Cities: Skylines.
Farming Simulation
Grow crops, raise animals, and manage your farm in games like Farming Simulator 25.
Each game offers unique gameplay mechanics and challenges, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
How to Find More Simulation Games
If you’re eager to explore even more simulation games, our site makes it easy! Use the category filters to narrow down your search. You can look for tags like "multiplayer" for games to play with friends or "realistic" for those that focus on authentic experiences. This way, you can quickly find games that match your interests.
Tips for Choosing the Right Simulation Game
Consider your interests
Think about what aspects of simulation you enjoy most. Do you prefer building and management, or are you more into exploration and adventure?
Look for games with strong community support
Games that have active communities often provide additional content, mods, and tips that can enhance your experience.
Check for user reviews
Reading reviews can give you insight into the game’s quality, gameplay experience, and any potential issues.
What are the best simulation games for beginners?
If you’re new to simulation games, consider starting with Stardew Valley or Two Point Hospital. Both are user-friendly and offer tutorials to help you get started.
What makes a simulation game great?
A great simulation game typically features engaging mechanics, a well-designed user interface, and a balance between challenge and fun. Realism and depth can also enhance the overall experience.
With a wide variety of options available, you’re sure to find a game that captivates you and provides hours of entertainment. Don’t forget to check back regularly for updates, as new games are released and ratings change. Happy gaming, and enjoy building, managing, and exploring in your virtual worlds!
Most played simulation games on Steam
Take a look at the top simulation games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 03rd 2025.
1. Schedule I
From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more. Schedule I is a simulation, co-op and crime game developed and published by TVGS. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 168,496 reviews of which 165,982 were positive and 2,514 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played simulation game, thanks to its 89,210 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
165,982
2,514
89,210
players
2. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 748,348 reviews of which 477,680 were positive and 270,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. While seeing 45,538 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among simulation games based on player count.
6.4
477,680
270,668
45,538
players
3. Football Manager 2024
Build a world-class team ready to dominate your rivals in football’s most prestigious competitions. Progress never stops when you’re pursuing footballing greatness. Football Manager 2024 is a simulation, sports and management game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on November 06th 2023 has received 22,151 reviews of which 20,099 were positive and 2,052 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 41,991 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among simulation games based on player count.
8.9
20,099
2,052
41,991
players
4. 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. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a driving, transportation and simulation game developed and published by SCS Software. Released on October 12th 2012 has received 860,745 reviews of which 838,003 were positive and 22,742 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 19,823 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.7
838,003
22,742
19,823
players
5. Crusader Kings III
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages. Crusader Kings III is a strategy, medieval and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 124,733 reviews of which 112,689 were positive and 12,044 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 18,866 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.9
112,689
12,044
18,866
players
6. 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. With 16,359 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.6
308,580
8,215
16,359
players
7. 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. With 15,494 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.2
26,493
5,287
15,494
players
8. 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. With 14,698 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played simulation games.
7.4
20,990
6,927
14,698
players
9. Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 13,406 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.6
115,671
17,940
13,406
players
10. Arma 3
Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploying a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, and limitless opportunities for content creation, this is the PC’s premier military game. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war. Arma 3 is a military, action and multiplayer game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on September 12th 2013 has received 281,978 reviews of which 254,964 were positive and 27,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 11,302 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.0
254,964
27,014
11,302
players
Best deals on simulation games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of simulation games available on Steam right now, updated on May 03rd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted simulation games.
1. Distant Worlds 2
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Distant Worlds 2 is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by CodeForce and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on March 10th 2022 has received 3,203 reviews of which 2,277 were positive and 926 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for simulation category.
6.9
2,277
926
-98%
50.00€
1.00€
2. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter
Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter brings you an authentic and historically accurate destroyer simulation along with gripping anti-submarine warfare set in the turmoils of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter is a simulation, naval combat and world war ii game developed by Iron Wolf Studio S.A. and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2023 has received 1,026 reviews of which 774 were positive and 252 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in simulation games.
7.2
774
252
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
3. Automobilista
AUTOMOBILISTA places you in the driving seat of an advanced racing simulator, featuring elite brazilian racing series along with a wide range of racing vehicles and international tracks for a uniquely diverse motorsports experience. Automobilista is a racing, simulation and automobile sim game developed and published by Reiza Studios. Released on August 24th 2016 has received 2,417 reviews of which 2,178 were positive and 239 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in simulation games.
8.6
2,178
239
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
4. Field of Glory II
Field of Glory II is a turn-based tactical game set during the Rise of Rome from 280 BC to 25 BC. Field of Glory II is a strategy, simulation and turn-based strategy game developed by Byzantine Games and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 1,149 reviews of which 956 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for simulation games.
7.9
956
193
-96%
30.00€
1.20€
5. Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master
A dungeon in danger ! Build, manage, and defend your tower in the satirical heroic fantasy universe of Dungeon of Naheulbeuk. From a shaky establishment to an infamous lair! Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master is a management, simulation and funny game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Dear Villagers. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,391 reviews of which 998 were positive and 393 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for simulation games.
6.9
998
393
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
6. Terraformers
Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one! Terraformers is a simulation, procedural generation and survival game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 3,234 reviews of which 2,853 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.5
2,853
381
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
7. The Pale Beyond
You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond. The Pale Beyond is a resource management, survival and choices matter game developed by Bellular Studios and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on February 24th 2023 has received 1,825 reviews of which 1,624 were positive and 201 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.5
1,624
201
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
8. Eastside Hockey Manager
EHM offers fans the most realistic, in-depth and immersive simulation of hockey management available, giving them the chance to manage either club or country in any of the world’s top hockey-playing nations. Eastside Hockey Manager is a hockey, sports and simulation game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on December 01st 2015 has received 1,330 reviews of which 1,140 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.2
1,140
190
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
9. PGA TOUR 2K21
Play against the pros. Play with your crew. In PGA TOUR 2K21, you can play by the rules or create your own featuring a new PGA TOUR Career Mode, licensed courses and more! Powered by The Golf Club. PGA TOUR 2K21 is a sports, simulation and local multiplayer game developed by HB Studios Multimedia Ltd. and published by 2K. Released on August 20th 2020 has received 7,607 reviews of which 6,374 were positive and 1,233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.2
6,374
1,233
-95%
63.40€
3.17€
10. Black Skylands
Become the captain of an airship and explore the world of the skies, gather resources and build powerful weapons, uncover ancient secrets and fight beneath your ship's sails. Black Skylands is a pixel graphics, open world and sandbox game developed by Hungry Couch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on August 15th 2023 has received 3,836 reviews of which 3,181 were positive and 655 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.0
3,181
655
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
Free simulation games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play simulation games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 03rd 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play simulation games.
1. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 748,348 reviews of which 477,680 were positive and 270,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 45,538 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free simulation games on Steam.
6.4
477,680
270,668
45,538
players
2. Supermarket Together
The multiplayer supermarket has arrived to your neighbourhood for free! Stock your shop space, unlock perks and franchises, hire employees or chase those pesky shoplifters. The more players, the more action! Supermarket Together is a simulation, online co-op and multiplayer game developed and published by DeadDevsTellNoLies. Released on August 09th 2024 has received 64,362 reviews of which 61,131 were positive and 3,231 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 5,321, this simulation game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free simulation games on Steam.
9.3
61,131
3,231
5,321
players
3. Unnamed Space Idle
Destroy endless waves of alien ships that have all but wiped out humanity in this long form, unfolding, sci-fi idle game. Customize your ship with different weapons and defenses to defeat specific enemy types and utilize a ton of different systems to increase your overall power. Unnamed Space Idle is a idler, casual and free to play game developed by Sylv and published by Jdog Corp. Released on July 27th 2023 has received 2,723 reviews of which 2,533 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 4,375, this simulation game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free simulation games on Steam.
8.9
2,533
190
4,375
players
4. Aimlabs
Aimlabs is the aim trainer of choice for over 40 Million players, from beginners to esports pros. Our unique aim analysis optimizes your gameplay, targets your weaknesses & builds key skills for any FPS game! Time to warm up with our unlimited scenarios & rank up in-game! Aimlabs is a free to play, fps and shooter game developed and published by State Space Labs and Inc.. Released on June 16th 2023 has received 84,332 reviews of which 79,517 were positive and 4,815 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,908 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
9.3
79,517
4,815
2,908
players
5. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends is a clicker, free to play and simulation game developed and published by Computer Lunch. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 23,393 reviews of which 21,027 were positive and 2,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,759 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.8
21,027
2,366
2,759
players
6. Fishing Planet
Fishing Planet® is a free-to-play and highly realistic first-person online multiplayer fishing simulator. Developed by avid fishing enthusiasts to bring you the full thrill of actual angling on your PC. Fishing Planet is a fishing, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by Fishing Planet LLC. Released on August 28th 2017 has received 64,747 reviews of which 56,209 were positive and 8,538 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,238 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.6
56,209
8,538
2,238
players
7. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle
Pick up your sword and fight off waves of Potatoes by upgrading your stats constantly, use Equipment, choose between different Classes, put your many Talents to good use, and so much more designed to keep you entertained for a long time. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Oni Gaming. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 7,044 reviews of which 6,718 were positive and 326 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,120 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
9.2
6,718
326
2,120
players
8. Idling to Rule the Gods
Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play Idle-Game with a lot of content and some Minigames. Depending on your play-style, you can play it fast or slow. Either way it can be fun for hundreds of hours! Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by Shugasu GmbH. Released on May 27th 2016 has received 1,891 reviews of which 1,618 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,302 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.2
1,618
273
1,302
players
9. Incremental Epic Hero 2
A mixture of incremental/idle and roleplaying game set in fantasy world filled with monsters and things to explore, where battling is constant, almost everything can be upgraded, and with wide array of various prestige mechanics to always keep things interesting and moving forward! Incremental Epic Hero 2 is a simulation, idler and rpg game developed by Hapiwaku and published by Idle System and Inc.. Released on January 02nd 2025 has received 1,381 reviews of which 986 were positive and 395 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 984 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
6.9
986
395
984
players
10. DCS World Steam Edition
Feel the excitement of flying the Su-25T "Frogfoot" attack jet and the TF-51D "Mustang" in the free-to-play Digital Combat Simulator World! DCS World Steam Edition is a simulation, flight and free to play game developed and published by Eagle Dynamics SA. Released on August 02nd 2013 has received 36,863 reviews of which 31,382 were positive and 5,481 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 948 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.4
31,382
5,481
948
players