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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The Pale Beyond You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond.

Price -98% 0.39€
Rating 8.5
Release 24 Feb 2023
Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator Create and manage your dream restaurant! Menus, purchasing, décor, staff, equipment, customers… and don't forget the actual cooking! Experience the daily life of a restaurateur and earn your awards from the Michelin Guide.

Price -93% 2.11€
Rating 8.2
Release 23 Feb 2023
Redemption Reapers Descending suddenly on the world, the macabre Mort armies destroy nation after nation, leaving humanity decimated in their wake. Among the forces resisting the Mort is a small band of mercenaries known as the Ashen Hawk Brigade.

Price 24.99€
Rating 7.0
Release 22 Feb 2023
Engine Evolution 2022 PvP racing action is back - with more and better content and with formulas! Enjoy multiplayer racing action more intensely than ever before!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.2
Release 21 Feb 2023
Golgotha Dare to explore the most haunted vicinity in all of England? You will leave no stone unturned as you walk along the eerie grounds of the Black Waters Station and uncover the horror that lies within.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.8
Release 21 Feb 2023
Digimon World: Next Order The Digital World has run rampant with Machinedramon and is now in a state of utter chaos. As a Digidestined, it’s up to you to restore order to the world in Digimon World: Next Order, a monster collecting RPG.

Price -87% 6.90€
Rating 7.9
Release 21 Feb 2023
My Dream Setup My Dream Setup is a simulation game about building the room you've always dreamed of. A huge selection of furniture, computers and their accessories, posters, pictures, plants, and other interior details await you. Try all of them and create your dream setup.

Price 5.89€
Rating 8.7
Release 20 Feb 2023
The Test: Secrets of the Soul You will answer a series of questions that will reveal things from deep within. Some will be uncomfortable, but with great knowledge comes great sacrifice. Can you make it all the way through The Test, and are you SURE you want the answers you seek? For it is time to unlock "Secrets of the Soul..."

Price Free to play
Rating 9.3
Release 20 Feb 2023
Ages of Conflict: World War Simulator Ages of Conflict is a versatile Map Simulation game where you create and observe custom AI nations battle it out across an infinite number of worlds. Paint beautiful maps and scenarios, and command nations to change history into your liking!

Price 6.89€
Rating 9.3
Release 17 Feb 2023
The Last Haven The world after a nuclear war. Manage the settlement, learn technology, make decisions, produce weapons, ammunition, organize defense, raid for supplies on other areas, do not let residents die, survive the nuclear winter.

Price -52% 8.20€
Rating 6.0
Release 17 Feb 2023
Operation: Harsh Doorstop Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate, free to play, tactical shooter sandbox. Play singleplayer, multiplayer, or co-op modes and explore thousands of community-created maps, weapons, and vehicles via the Steam Workshop. Created by ex-developers of Squad, Red Orchestra, and Insurgency.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 15 Feb 2023
Pharaoh™: A New Era The legendary city-builder returns! Lead the creation of one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever seen in this HD remake with modernized UI. Build monuments, manage your population and explore 4,000 years of history through over a hundred hours of gameplay.

Price 22.99€
Rating 7.2
Release 15 Feb 2023
Plan B: Terraform Terraform a lifeless rock into a lush and habitable world. Build trucks, trains, and sprawling factories on an enormous hexagonal planet. Grow its population to millions. Enjoy a dynamic simulation of atmosphere, temperature, water, and forests.

Price -30% 11.28€
Rating 8.8
Release 15 Feb 2023
The Last Starship The Last Starship is a 2D space construction game where you design and upgrade your starship. Choose your path: pirate hunter, miner, engineer, spacebus driver, and more, whilst exploring vibrant star systems. Enjoy a growing sandbox world, with regular free updates. Your cosmic adventure awaits!

Price 24.50€
Rating 7.6
Release 15 Feb 2023
Ten Dates Ten Dates is the sequel to the interactive rom-com, Five Dates. Misha, a millennial from London in search of that elusive in-person connection, tricks her best friend Ryan into going to a speed dating event with her.

Price -38% 9.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 13 Feb 2023
The Farmer Was Replaced Program and optimize a drone to automate a farm and watch it do the work for you. Collect resources to unlock better technology and become the most efficient farmer in the world. Improve your problem solving and coding skills.

Price 6.89€
Rating 9.2
Release 10 Feb 2023
Waves of Steel If you like warships but wish they could kickflip, Waves of Steel is for you! Build your own custom warship and embark on a sprawling campaign filled with enemy ships, planes, submarines, and bizarre superweapons. Fast-paced arcade naval action is here!

Price -34% 12.90€
Rating 8.5
Release 06 Feb 2023
Broken Universe - Tower Defense Get ready to rethink all your defense strategies! Build barricades to stop monsters, or lure them into a maze and attack. A variety of stages that change each time depending on how you play them.

Price 8.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 04 Feb 2023
Your Only Move Is HUSTLE Master your technique, execute flashy combos, and outsmart opponents across the world, frame-by-frame. Slow down the clock to fine-tune your fighting style in this innovative, turn-based combat simulator. Pulverize your friends and choreograph spectacular fight scenes. No training mode required.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.4
Release 02 Feb 2023
Underworld Idle An idle dungeon management game, where high tier units can create low tier units.

Price Free to play
Rating 6.9
Release 02 Feb 2023
memories memories is a sapphic visual novel dress-up game where clothes are linked to painful memories of a failed relationship.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 02 Feb 2023
The Symbiant The Symbiant is a BL / Yaoi / Gay visual novel about two men, both from vastly different worlds, embracing their sexuality and their newfound romance. It is also a tale of interstellar friendship and being gay in space!

Price 19.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 02 Feb 2023
Cooking Live - Italian Kitchen Simulator Hello everyone! My name is Jane, and I need your help! I travel around the world and create a blog about local restaurants and cuisine. I’ve seen how big corporations squeeze out talented local cooks and their restaurants! Let’s take matters into our own hands and give them back their zest for life!

Price Free to play
Rating 7.2
Release 02 Feb 2023
Don't get lost A procedurally-generated, open-world, first-person colony sim. Build colonies in an infinite world, alone or with friends via Steam or self-hosted multiplayer.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.5
Release 01 Feb 2023

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!