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.

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Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut In this original and adult psychological survival horror, the masked protagonist must escape from a city ravaged by disease, by any means necessary.

Price -32% 6.67€
Rating 8.1
Release 23 Apr 2012
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

Price -50% 7.52€
Rating 7.7
Release 10 Apr 2012
A Total War Saga: FALL OF THE SAMURAI Experience the dramatic conflict of samurai culture and modern weaponry between the Imperial throne and the last Shogunate in 19th century Japan.

Price 29.99€
Rating 6.7
Release 22 Mar 2012
Stronghold Kingdoms A massively multiplayer grand strategy game, Stronghold Kingdoms is about forging alliances, political mind games, city-building and castle sieges with thousands of other players!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.3
Release 27 Feb 2012
Wargame: European Escalation The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls.

Price -91% 0.94€
Rating 7.6
Release 22 Feb 2012
Crusader Kings II Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 14 Feb 2012
Jagged Alliance - Back in Action A contemporary remake of the much-loved series of turn-based mercenary-themed strategy games.

Price 19.99€
Rating 7.0
Release 08 Feb 2012
Evochron Mercenary The life of an independent mercenary is rarely without excitement. Your spacecraft awaits and your adventure begins in the Sapphire star system.

Price 14.79€
Rating 7.3
Release 16 Jan 2012
AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! for the Awesome 82 remastered levels from the original and 43 brand new ones that are twice as fast!

Price -90% 1.02€
Rating 7.1
Release 23 Nov 2011
Tropico 4 The world is changing and Tropico is moving with the times - geographical powers rise and fall and the world market is dominated by new players with new demands and offers - and you, as El Presidente, face a whole new set of challenges.

Price -95% 0.89€
Rating 8.9
Release 27 Oct 2011
PAYDAY™ The Heist Take on the role of a hardened career criminal executing intense, dynamic heists in constant pursuit of the next “big score”

Price -90% 1.49€
Rating 9.2
Release 20 Oct 2011
Memoir '44 Online Days of Wonder’s best-selling World War II board game is now available as a turn-based multiplayer online game on Steam!

Price Free to play
Rating 6.2
Release 12 Oct 2011
Off-Road Drive Off-Road Drive, the off-road racing simulation for PC, is the first game ever to deliver a true-to-life, off-road, extreme racing experience. Players will take part in The Russian trophy, Off-Road Trial, Thai Trophy and many other events through the worst driving conditions with a variety of natural obstacles like swamps, rocks, snow and...

Price -88% 0.63€
Rating 6.2
Release 29 Sep 2011
Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm Contains full Rising Storm content as well!

Price 17.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 13 Sep 2011
From Dust Immerse yourself in a world as exotically beautiful as it is dangerous in this modern God-Game where Nature is the Star!

Price 9.99€
Rating 6.6
Release 17 Aug 2011
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.

Price -80% 0.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 08 Aug 2011
Demolition Company Gold Edition Demolition Company Gold Edition: the complete Demolition Company experience! Includes Demolition Company, the DLC Kit Pack PLUS brand new equipment, new missions and a HUGE new city district 4 times bigger than the old Demolition Company districts!

Price -47% 4.39€
Rating 8.2
Release 04 Aug 2011
IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover Join the Royal Air Force, face off against the deadly German Luftwaffe and the Italian air forces and battle for Britain!

Price -87% 2.67€
Rating 6.5
Release 19 Jul 2011
Air Conflicts: Secret Wars Soar through the unfriendly skies in Air Conflicts: Secret Wars - an arcade flight simulation set in World War I and II era. Buy before July 21st and save!

Price -87% 0.81€
Rating 6.6
Release 15 Jul 2011
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.

Price -80% 1.59€
Rating 7.3
Release 13 Jul 2011
Solar 2 Dynamic abstract sandbox universe. Changes and evolves as you do.

Price -85% 1.42€
Rating 8.7
Release 17 Jun 2011
Trainz™ Simulator 12 Released 2011. See also Trainz A New Era and TRS19.

Price -60% 3.90€
Rating 7.2
Release 08 Jun 2011
DETOUR A true test your wits and spatial reasoning. Detour combines highway-building fun with the excitement of a competitive real-time strategy game. Construct a path for your convoy to reach its destination in this incredibly addictive title. With online multiplayer!

Price 0.99€
Rating 6.0
Release 16 May 2011
Dwarfs!? Dig! Dig! Dig! Manage the small underground Dwarf base and make it as rich as possible before they meet their inevitable doom. Purchase before May 11th and save!

Price -99% 0.14€
Rating 7.4
Release 04 May 2011

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!