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
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare Besiege castles and raid villages in Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, a fast-paced medieval first person slasher with a focus on multiplayer battles

Price -97% 0.78€
Rating 8.1
Release 16 Oct 2012
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.

Price -48% 10.49€
Rating 9.7
Release 12 Oct 2012
New Star Soccer 5 Live the life of an up-and-coming superstar in this unique football career game. Start out as a 16 year old lad and work your way to the top to become a footballing legend!

Price 9.75€
Rating 6.7
Release 27 Sep 2012
Dogfight 1942 Piloting a wide range of aircraft, players engage in aerial dogfights and dangerous fighter missions across the major theaters of war during WWII.

Price -87% 1.33€
Rating 7.5
Release 21 Sep 2012
FTL: Faster Than Light This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.

Price -91% 0.96€
Rating 9.4
Release 14 Sep 2012
Galaxy on Fire 2™ Full HD A hyperdrive malfunction sends Keith T. Maxwell tumbling through space and time to fight for his life against a mysterious alien armada that is wreaking havoc.

Price 7.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 21 Aug 2012
ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition ENDLESS™ Space is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the Endless universe, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 04 Jul 2012
Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.

Price 18.49€
Rating 9.1
Release 12 Jun 2012
Magical Diary: Horse Hall You have been invited to attend a magical school. You can make new friends, learn spells, face exams, run for class office, and try to find a date for the May Day Ball.

Price -97% 0.59€
Rating 8.5
Release 31 May 2012
Port Royale 3 The Caribbean, in the turbulent 17th Century. The mighty kingdoms of Spain, England, France and the Netherlands fight over the colonies. And there you are, a young sea captain whose only goal is to become the most powerful man in the New World.

Price -98% 0.43€
Rating 7.1
Release 04 May 2012
Toy Soldiers Command your TOY SOLDIERS in epic, action-packed battles.

Price -43% 5.13€
Rating 8.5
Release 27 Apr 2012
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 -51% 4.86€
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% 7.54€
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 -77% 7.00€
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% 0.93€
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 -96% 0.49€
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 14.99€
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% 0.60€
Rating 6.2
Release 29 Sep 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!