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, check out lists of the most played, top deals and best free to play Simulation games on Steam.

Filters & Lists
CUPID - A free to play Visual Novel "Love is both poison and cure, both knife and remedy." Set in 18th Century France, this is a gothic romance tale about loss, revenge and the different faces of love.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.3
Release 04 Mar 2016
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.

Price -84% 1.63€
Rating 6.9
Release 02 Mar 2016
Lucy -The Eternity She Wished For- If there was a robot that could laugh, cry and smile. ...Does it have a soul?

Price -79% 2.09€
Rating 9.2
Release 28 Feb 2016
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?

Price -28% 10.21€
Rating 9.8
Release 26 Feb 2016
Bear Simulator It's a game where you play as a bear and explore stuff.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 26 Feb 2016
Age of Gladiators "Age of Gladiators" is a single-player strategy/management sim set at the height of the bloody gladiatorial games in ancient Rome. As your fighters increase in level, it will be up to you to decide how to forge their attributes and abilities.

Price -69% 2.50€
Rating 7.5
Release 25 Feb 2016
Atlantic Fleet Turn based tactical and strategic naval combat. Atlantic Fleet puts you in command of the Allies or Kriegsmarine (German Navy) in the longest military campaign of WWII, The Battle of the Atlantic.Take command of surface ships, submarines as well as carrier and land based aircraft in the deadly struggle for control of Atlantic shipping...

Price 9.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 25 Feb 2016
Battlevoid: Harbinger Battlevoid: Harbinger is a hard sci-fi space exploration game blending roguelike, turn-based, star map strategy, and real-time space battles. You are a young commander venturing out into enemy territories, to unknown galaxies, never knowing what you will face as you jump out from hyperspace.

Price -96% 0.45€
Rating 7.6
Release 24 Feb 2016
Gnomoria Gnomoria is a sandbox village management game where you help lead a small group of gnomes, who have set out on their own, to thrive into a bustling kingdom! Anything you see can be broken down and rebuilt elsewhere.

Price -43% 7.12€
Rating 7.3
Release 23 Feb 2016
Pixel Puzzles 2: Space Pixel Puzzles 2: Space is a traditional style jigsaw puzzle game in a universal style, each piece uniquely shaped like no physical puzzle could be.

Price -91% 0.47€
Rating 8.0
Release 19 Feb 2016
Governor of Poker 3 Governor of Poker 3 is the best multiplayer poker game with a great design. In this multi-player version of Governor of Poker you compete live with thousands of real poker players to prove you are the number 1 Texas Hold ’em poker star!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.8
Release 19 Feb 2016
Codename: Panzers, Phase One Codename: Panzers is an incredible real-time strategy thrill ride. Nerves of steel are required when you're a tank driver. One direct hit and you're done for, but you must throw yourself into the battle, because without your support, many will die. You are the tank commander - make the hard decisions that win wars!

Price -92% 1.25€
Rating 8.5
Release 18 Feb 2016
Bonsai Grow your tree, prune it, and watch over it as it matures into adulthood. The tree will become what you train it to be - you are the mastermind behind it's path in life.

Price 0.99€
Rating 7.1
Release 18 Feb 2016
Plague Inc: Evolved Plague Inc: Evolved is a unique mix of high strategy and terrifyingly realistic simulation. Your pathogen has just infected 'Patient Zero' - now you must bring about the end of human history by evolving a deadly, global Plague whilst adapting against everything humanity can do to defend itself.

Price -66% 5.05€
Rating 9.3
Release 18 Feb 2016
Toy Soldiers: Complete Bring your toys to life in this action-packed, Toy Soldiers game bundle which includes the original Toy Soldiers, Toy Soldiers: Cold War, and all four DLC’s – Kaiser’s Battle, Invasion, Napalm and Evil Empire.

Price 12.49€
Rating 7.6
Release 17 Feb 2016
Mystic Destinies: Serendipity of Aeons During your first year of university, immense magical powers are forced onto you, thus revealing the supernatural world hidden within ours. But you must learn to control your powers with the help of a partner or risk destroying everything around you. Will your new fate be one of tragedy or serendipity?

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 11 Feb 2016
Wayward Terran Frontier: Zero Falls 2d space combat like no other. From the perspective of a single crew member, explore the fully destructible interior of any ship in a massive living world. Engage in space combat with no hitpoints where you know your enemy is dead when you see them fall out of their ship into the cold dark of space.

Price 27.99€
Rating 6.6
Release 11 Feb 2016
The Political Machine 2016 Run for President of the United States as one of dozens of past or present presidential candidates or create your own ideal candidate. Give speeches, go on talk shows, hire unsavory operatives, and do whatever it takes to win on election day.

Price -96% 0.44€
Rating 7.2
Release 04 Feb 2016
American Truck Simulator Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. American Truck Simulator takes you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and widely recognized landmarks around the States.

Price -70% 6.16€
Rating 9.6
Release 02 Feb 2016
Plantera In Plantera you build your own garden and watch it grow with new plants, bushes, trees and animals. As you play and expand your garden you will attract Helpers, round blue creatures that will help you with your harvesting tasks.

Price -87% 0.39€
Rating 8.6
Release 28 Jan 2016
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!

Price -92% 0.82€
Rating 7.6
Release 25 Jan 2016
Rivalry Rivalry is a hotseat game where two players take turns moving their rag-doll character’s limbs and weapons until one is victorious. While the beginning stages of each game captures the strategic essence of swordplay, as damage and limbs are taken, the endgame turns rather Pythonesque.

Price 2.39€
Rating 8.6
Release 22 Jan 2016
The Westport Independent The Westport Independent is a censorship simulator taking place in a post-war country, governed by the recently elected Loyalist Party. As the editor of one of the last independent newspapers in the country, your job is to remove and edit the content of your paper, affecting the people’s opinion of both the rebels and the Loyalist...

Price Free to play
Rating 7.1
Release 21 Jan 2016
Scrap Mechanic Enter the creative paradise of Scrap Mechanic! Build fantastic machines, go on adventures with your friends and defend against waves of evil Farmbots in this imaginative multiplayer survival sandbox. With Scrap Mechanic’s powerful creation tools you can engineer your own adventures!

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 19 Jan 2016

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 (2020) 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!