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
Anarchy Arcade Turn your entire digital life into a game. AArcade is a 3D desktop that launches shortcuts to absolutely anything you like. Join the anarchy of the persistent online metaverse, or remain in your own private reality. Casual in-game building features, plus hundreds of thousands of addons.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.7
Release 03 Sep 2014
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Souzou The 14th entry of the the historical simulation series "Nobunaga's Ambition." Become a daimyō of the Warring States era, and unite the land! With "the creation of a new age" as the key concept, this title features beautifully recreated castle towns, dynamic battlefield action and dramatic event scenes.

Price 21.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 27 Aug 2014
NoLimits 2 Roller Coaster Simulation NoLimits 2 is the ultimate roller coaster simulation that lets you experience authentic roller coaster thrills. Climb into the world's most famous roller coasters and experience the excitement in real time. Or design a new roller coaster that is engineered to your specifications.

Price 35.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 21 Aug 2014
Depth Hunter 2: Deep Dive Depth Hunter 2 is an underwater hunting game, allowing the complete experience of the spearfishing extreme sport!

Price -96% 0.44€
Rating 7.1
Release 20 Aug 2014
Mountain Existential Nature Simulation

Price -56% 0.44€
Rating 8.6
Release 18 Aug 2014
Victory At Sea Engage in epic RTS warfare across 3 huge campaigns as well as other battle modes. Create your own fleet of ships, pick your side and enter into World War II naval combat on a global scale.

Price -96% 0.96€
Rating 7.1
Release 08 Aug 2014
GamersGoMakers In GamersGoMakers, you found a little company creating the first video games in history. Create your first game with only basic sound and simple graphics available in the year 1980. You´re one of the pioneers entering the rising global market for computer games.

Price 7.39€
Rating 7.3
Release 08 Aug 2014
Orbital Gear Orbital Gear is a fast paced sidescroller shooter where you utilize the gravitation of celestial objects to give you momentum through space. Arm your Mech with two of the twelve different weapons and destroy your enemies.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.0
Release 07 Aug 2014
Pixel Piracy Embark on an epic 2D pirate simulator RPG adventure, where you navigate both land and sea. Upgrade your ship, recruit and level up your crew, and uncover hidden treasures as you become a legendary pirate.

Price -38% 9.19€
Rating 6.4
Release 31 Jul 2014
Mount Your Friends Experience the extreme simulated sporting sensation that's sweeping our digital nation! Mount Your Friends is a fiercely competitive sporting event for you to play with your friends in the contextual security of your own home, assuming that your home is not composed of sexual innuendo.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 29 Jul 2014
Rodina A single-developer passion project. A seamless full scale solar system. Thrilling action. Be part of an incredible journey as a Universe is built from the ground up!

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 28 Jul 2014
Only If Only If is a surreal first person adventure-puzzle game. It takes idiom into reality.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.1
Release 25 Jul 2014
Wildlife Park 2 Now’s the chance to build the Zoo of your dreams! Just like in a real Zoo, your animals must receive complete care. Feed them, train them, cure them and even relocate them. Observe their realistic interactions with one another, the landscape, the play equipment and even Zoo visitors.

Price 6.99€
Rating 6.9
Release 17 Jul 2014
Sakura Spirit Rising Judo Star Gushiken Takahiro was two weeks away from the match that would make or break his career -- a championship match where the winner is then signed up to be a young national athlete for Japan. He was very determined to win, in order to fulfill his dreams of finally representing his country for a sport he loves so much.

Price -95% 0.52€
Rating 7.6
Release 09 Jul 2014
Contraption Maker The spiritual successor to The Incredible Machine from its original designer and programmer. Play 100s of puzzles. Build and share elaborate contraptions with an huge variety of parts and critters.

Price -84% 2.07€
Rating 8.7
Release 07 Jul 2014
Soldiers: Heroes of World War II - Enhanced Edition The first installment in the real-time tactics series that would become known as Men of War, now refreshed and enhanced! Take command of American, British, Soviet, or German forces and fight on the battlefields of World War II in 32 single-player missions or with others in PvP and co-op sessions.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.1
Release 03 Jul 2014
The Howler Use gravity, tension, and wind currents to get your hot air balloon to its destination, dropping off cargo on your way, in this ultra-challenging physics-based game. All art used in the Howler was meticulously created by classically-trained experienced painters.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.5
Release 03 Jul 2014
Civil War II You take the part of the military and political leadership, trying to lead your nation to victory, in the midst of some of the toughest operations of the Civil War. You will build, organize and command your armies over one of the largest maps of the USA ever made for a Civil War game.

Price -90% 4.06€
Rating 7.4
Release 03 Jul 2014
Real Boxing™ Real Boxing™ brings you the most exhilarating, no holds barred boxing experience ever seen on Steam. Featuring ultra-realistic motion capture from real boxers, with amazing graphics built using the powerful Unreal Engine, you’ll be sure to feel every hook, jab, and uppercut.

Price 4.99€
Rating 6.3
Release 02 Jul 2014
Sniper Elite 3 Sniper Elite 3 is a tactical third-person shooter that combines stealth, gameplay choice and genre-defining ballistics with huge, open levels and the exotic terrain of World War 2 North Africa.

Price -98% 0.78€
Rating 8.1
Release 27 Jun 2014
Don Bradman Cricket 14 The first thing to think about when you start playing Don Bradman Cricket 14 is to forget what you know about Cricket games and start afresh…it's cricket like you've never seen it before!

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 25 Jun 2014
Xenonauts Xenonauts is a strategy game in which you control a multi-national military organisation defending a Cold War-era Earth from alien invasion, using small squads of persistent soldiers to eliminate the extraterrestrials and recover their technology in turn-based ground combat.

Price -84% 3.81€
Rating 8.4
Release 16 Jun 2014
Farm for your Life Your community was taken down by a heavy storm which caused an apocalypse and unleashed the living dead. Together with the other survivors, it is your task to rebuild and to allow that sustainable life can still be assured. Cultivate your farm and manage your restaurant to provide food and deal with all the zombies.

Price -74% 2.63€
Rating 7.7
Release 16 Jun 2014
Qvadriga Qvadriga is a tactical game of chariot racing in ancient Roman circuses, where you take control of a four horse chariot team. Choose your preferred upgrade combinations and prove your skills at the arena.

Price -97% 0.63€
Rating 7.9
Release 13 Jun 2014

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!