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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Mount & Blade: Warband In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia!

Price -91% 1.96€
Rating 9.7
Release 31 Mar 2010
Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition Complete your Total War collection with this Definitive Edition of Total War: NAPOLEON, which includes all DLC and feature updates since the game’s release

Price 24.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 25 Feb 2010
Wings of Prey Wings of Prey is based around the large-scale aerial combat and ground military operations of World War II. Players can participate in some of the war’s most famous battles piloting fighters, battle planes and bombers across a range of thrilling missions.

Price 9.75€
Rating 6.2
Release 08 Jan 2010
Altitude Now Available on PC, Mac and Linux!

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 04 Dec 2009
Crash Time 3 Like its predecessors, Crash Time 3, the new installment of the well-known action racing game series, offers varied gameplay in top quality. The German game forge Synetic has once more taken the graphics engine a significant step further.

Price -90% 0.65€
Rating 7.9
Release 25 Nov 2009
Gratuitous Space Battles Who needs backstory? Who needs resource-gathering? Diplomacy is so last year. Gratuitous Space Battles cuts right to the chase of sci-fi strategy games, and deals with large, completely unjustified space battles between huge opposing space fleets.

Price 14.79€
Rating 6.9
Release 16 Nov 2009
Tropico 3 Become the dictator of a remote island during the Cold War. Charm, persuade, intimidate, oppress, or cheat your people to stay in power! Are you a kind and generous leader? A corrupt and ruthless tyrant ruling with an iron fist?

Price -92% 0.87€
Rating 8.5
Release 13 Nov 2009
AI War: Fleet Command "You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...

Price -95% 0.54€
Rating 7.9
Release 21 Oct 2009
Combat Wings: Battle of Britain Destroy the Luftwaffe! There’s something new in the air, and it’s more than the hum of hundreds of aero engines... As the Luftwaffe launches its aerial offensive, the outnumbered Royal Air Force is scrambling to bring into combat new planes that will ensure victory over a stronger foe. Will they succeed?

Price -79% 1.09€
Rating 7.6
Release 14 Oct 2009
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is a game about a fictitious conflict on one of the Sakhalin islands.

Price 12.32€
Rating 6.7
Release 06 Oct 2009
Majesty 2 In the world of Majesty, you are the ruler of the kingdom Ardania. At your service are your loyal and somewhat obnoxious subordinates, who have their own minds about how things should be done. In fact, Majesty is the only game where your heroes decide on their own what should be done and when, leaving you to try to control them through...

Price -95% 0.57€
Rating 6.7
Release 17 Sep 2009
Majesty Gold HD The High Definition edition of Majesty Gold contains main game, the Northern Expansion Pack as well as 2 new quests and several other graphics and gameplay updates.Majesty is a Real-time strategy game with indirect control – your heroes have a will of their own!

Price -2% 9.81€
Rating 8.7
Release 04 Sep 2009
Silent Hunter®: Wolves of the Pacific U-Boat Missions Experience the thrill of the hunt! Prowl the waters as the captain of a German submarine in a never-before-seen theatre of operations — the Indian Ocean. Take part in the war against British supply lines off the coast of North Africa and support the Japanese war against the U.S. Navy.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 27 Aug 2009
Silent Hunter®: Wolves of the Pacific Hunt, hide and kill as you take command of U.S. submarines and crews and navigate the treacherous waters of the Pacific during WWII. Silent Hunter, the industry-leading naval warfare simulation franchise for over a decade, returns to its roots with next-generation graphical realism, immersive gameplay, innovative crew evolution and more...

Price 9.99€
Rating 6.7
Release 27 Aug 2009
Osmos Enter the ambient world of Osmos: elegant, physics-based gameplay, dreamlike visuals, and a minimalist, electronic soundtrack. Your objective is to grow by absorbing other motes. Propel yourself by ejecting matter behind you. But be wise: ejecting matter also shrinks you. Relax - good things come to those who wait.

Price -75% 2.07€
Rating 8.2
Release 18 Aug 2009
Hearts of Iron III Hearts of Iron III lets you play the most engaging conflict in world history, World War 2, on all fronts as any country and through multiple different scenarios. Guide your nation to glory between 1936 and 1948 and wage war, conduct diplomacy and build your industry in the most detailed World War 2 game ever made.

Price -50% 5.01€
Rating 7.4
Release 07 Aug 2009
Tropico Reloaded TROPICO RELOADED is the ultimate game compilation for hobby-dictators and those dreaming of their own Caribbean island. Tropico combines real-time strategy and simulation elements with a healthy dose of political intrigue and Caribbean flair to create a unique and critically acclaimed game experience.

Price -89% 0.80€
Rating 8.3
Release 24 Jul 2009
Sniper Elite As World War II draws to a close, the first covert battles of the Cold War begin. Caught in the life and death struggle between Soviets and Germans in war-torn Berlin, you control the fate of a lone American OSS Sniper.

Price -95% 0.41€
Rating 7.4
Release 16 Jul 2009
Thrillville®: Off the Rails™ Thrillville™: Off the Rails lives up to its name with 20 death-defying rides! Players can build incredible coasters to leap from one track to another, launch through the air like cannonballs, blast through a burning rings of fire and more!

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.7
Release 08 Jul 2009
Hunting Unlimited 2010 Get the Shot. Get the Game. Experience fast-paced hunting action in pursuit of the biggest trophy bucks throughout North America, Canada and Now the Bavarian Forest! Wilderness Madness! Free Hunt Mode drops you right in the action with game a plenty, or for exacting hunting adventures try Challenge Mode. Calling All Predators.

Price -68% 3.21€
Rating 7.8
Release 07 Jul 2009
SPORE™ Galactic Adventures Take Your Creature From Zero To Galactic HeroGet out of your starship and turn your Spore creatures into legendary Space Captains. For the first time, beam down with your allies to take on action-packed, planetside adventures. Complete quests, collect rewards, and even create your own missions.

Price -75% 4.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 23 Jun 2009
Evil Genius Everybody wants to rule the world! Achieve global power with EVIL GENIUS, the one and only complete world domination simulator. All the everyday tasks of the deliciously wicked mastermind are available to experience and master from building your ultra-secret base to developing spectacular super-weapons to carry out your nefarious master...

Price -93% 0.78€
Rating 9.0
Release 22 Jun 2009
America's Army 3 Download AA3 Today and Become a Member of the elite America's Army Team! America's Army fans and new players alike can now experience America's Army 3, the official U.S. Army game.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.9
Release 17 Jun 2009
Restaurant Empire II Restaurant Empire 2 is the most realistic and comprehensive restaurant business simulation available, featuring 4 cuisines, 600 recipes, 4 huge cities, 2 campaigns with a total of 34 missions, 1400 interior objects, and a mix of business strategy and role-playing gameplay such as cooking contests.

Price -36% 12.66€
Rating 7.1
Release 27 May 2009

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!