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, lists of the most played, top deals and best free simulation games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Gary Grigsby's War in the East 2
War in the East 2 is the most comprehensive, most realistic, and most advanced wargame modeling Eastern Front warfare in World War Two.
Breakwaters: Crystal Tides
Survive in a world ravaged by massive Titans and an ever changing ocean sim. Displace water to find resources for building and crafting unique items. Swim, sail, and fly to explore new islands and fight Titans.
Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX
The legendary monster training duology, “Monster Rancher” and “Monster Rancher 2”, is back!
Frontier Pilot Simulator
FPS is a Sci-Fi cargo pilot sim, with an engaging emergent mission-driven storyline, with a real-time economy with free flight and trading, on an alien world to explore. All in customizable upgradeable, well-simulated VTOL craft with real weather, and flight dynamics.
Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator
Buy, sell, and trade organs in a strange and evolving universe. Dive into the quivering innards of alien capitalism in the sci-fi body horror market tycoon game you didn't know you needed.
Heavenly Bodies
Wrangle the hands and arms of a 1970s space cosmonaut and push, pull and twist your way through an increasingly precarious range of physically simulated stellar scenarios, where without gravity, nothing is still, nothing is secure, and nothing is simple.
WorldBox - God Simulator
WorldBox is the ULTIMATE god simulator and sandbox game. A petri dish for your fantasy civilizations. Create your own world or destroy it using many powers. Watch civilizations grow, form kingdoms, colonize new lands, sail to far continents, wars to ignite, empires to fall and towns to burn!
The Slaverian Trucker
The Slaverian Trucker is a Survival/Truck/Life simulator game. Make enough money to survive and expand your wealth in the harsh semi-post apocalyptic lands of Slaveria, doing legal and illegal work, while maintaining, fixing, building, repairing, tuning your trucks, cars and other vehicles.
Cricket 22
Cricket 22 delivers the Ashes, the Big Bash, The Hundred, and a multitude of other fan-favourite competitions! All-new mechanics, commentary, and a captivating, narrative driven career mode, will immediately immerse you in the ultimate cricket experience to date.
Jigsaw Puzzle Dreams
Beautiful Multiplayer Jigsaw Puzzle game where you can design the room you play in!
Liftoff®: Micro Drones
Explore the world of FPV like never before! In Liftoff®: Micro Drones any indoor area becomes an exciting aerial playground. Explore, customize and compete in this simulator dedicated to the micro drones class.
MXGP 2021 - The Official Motocross Videogame
All the power of Motocross in your hands: the new MXGP 2021 is finally here! The official MXGP videogame is ready to show you what it's made of: warm up your engines and get ready for the most realistic, exciting two-wheeled experience ever!
Global City
Become the mayor and build the city of your dreams! In this game, anything is possible. Whatever you can imagine in a city-building and development simulator, you can do. Start from the very beginning and unlock new possibilities for developing your city in Global City!
ScooterFlow
The world’s most realistic freestyle scooter game is finally here. Ride the skatepark, hit the streets, boost the mega ramp, fully customize your scooter & throw down all of the real life trick combinations you could dream of within this physics based scooter game.
Andy's Apple Farm
Play minigames and discover the hidden truth in this retro-style horror game
DEEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game
Put simply, DEEEER Simulator is a “Slow-Life Town Destruction Game”. You can spend your days enjoying a nice, relaxed frolic here and there together with the other animals around town, or you can choose to relieve some stress and absolutely destroy the town and everything in it.
Duck Simulator 2
A genre-defying phenomenon that will take you on a journey to stop a rubber duck from taking over the developer's game!
Farming Simulator 22
Create your farm and let the good times grow! Harvest crops, tend to animals, manage productions, and take on seasonal challenges.
Next Space Rebels
SPACE IS FOR EVERYONE. In Next Space Rebels, you will develop from a naive rocket hobbyist into an experienced space activist by designing, building, and launching rockets of increasing complexity.
Animaze by FaceRig
Livestream, chat, or create videos as world-class 2D and 3D avatars. Use one of the over 60 avatars provided or import your own 2D, 3D, VRM, or Ready Player Me model. Animaze is powering PuffPuff, one of the top real-time mocap virtual beings on TikTok with 4.7 million followers.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 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!
Most played simulation games on Steam
Take a look at the top simulation games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 04th 2025.
1. Schedule I
From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more. Schedule I is a simulation, co-op and crime game developed and published by TVGS. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 168,496 reviews of which 165,982 were positive and 2,514 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played simulation game, thanks to its 102,282 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
165,982
2,514
102,282
players
2. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 748,348 reviews of which 477,680 were positive and 270,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. While seeing 50,513 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among simulation games based on player count.
6.4
477,680
270,668
50,513
players
3. Football Manager 2024
Build a world-class team ready to dominate your rivals in football’s most prestigious competitions. Progress never stops when you’re pursuing footballing greatness. Football Manager 2024 is a simulation, sports and management game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on November 06th 2023 has received 22,151 reviews of which 20,099 were positive and 2,052 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 43,447 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among simulation games based on player count.
8.9
20,099
2,052
43,447
players
4. 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. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a driving, transportation and simulation game developed and published by SCS Software. Released on October 12th 2012 has received 860,745 reviews of which 838,003 were positive and 22,742 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 22,205 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.7
838,003
22,742
22,205
players
5. Crusader Kings III
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages. Crusader Kings III is a strategy, medieval and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 124,733 reviews of which 112,689 were positive and 12,044 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 21,754 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.9
112,689
12,044
21,754
players
6. Farming Simulator 25
Farming Simulator 25 invites you to join the rewarding farm life, single-handedly or cooperatively in multiplayer. This Farm is Your Farm! Farming Simulator 25 is a simulation, farming sim and realistic game developed and published by Giants Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 31,780 reviews of which 26,493 were positive and 5,287 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 18,898 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.2
26,493
5,287
18,898
players
7. BeamNG.drive
A dynamic soft-body physics vehicle simulator capable of doing just about anything. BeamNG.drive is a simulation, driving and physics game developed and published by BeamNG. Released on May 29th 2015 has received 316,795 reviews of which 308,580 were positive and 8,215 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 18,359 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.6
308,580
8,215
18,359
players
8. Arma Reforger
Experience authentic Cold War combat and join the struggle for the sprawling, mid-Atlantic island of Everon and its smaller, offshore territory, Arland – or take on the role of Game Master and create your very own scenarios for others to enjoy. Arma Reforger is a military, simulation and action game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 28,327 reviews of which 21,348 were positive and 6,979 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 17,334 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played simulation games.
7.4
21,348
6,979
17,334
players
9. Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 14,541 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.6
115,671
17,940
14,541
players
10. Arma 3
Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploying a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, and limitless opportunities for content creation, this is the PC’s premier military game. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war. Arma 3 is a military, action and multiplayer game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on September 12th 2013 has received 281,978 reviews of which 254,964 were positive and 27,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 13,115 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.0
254,964
27,014
13,115
players
Best deals on simulation games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of simulation games available on Steam right now, updated on May 04th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted simulation games.
1. Distant Worlds 2
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Distant Worlds 2 is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by CodeForce and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on March 10th 2022 has received 3,203 reviews of which 2,277 were positive and 926 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for simulation category.
6.9
2,277
926
-98%
50.00€
1.00€
2. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter
Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter brings you an authentic and historically accurate destroyer simulation along with gripping anti-submarine warfare set in the turmoils of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter is a simulation, naval combat and world war ii game developed by Iron Wolf Studio S.A. and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2023 has received 1,026 reviews of which 774 were positive and 252 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in simulation games.
7.2
774
252
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
3. Automobilista
AUTOMOBILISTA places you in the driving seat of an advanced racing simulator, featuring elite brazilian racing series along with a wide range of racing vehicles and international tracks for a uniquely diverse motorsports experience. Automobilista is a racing, simulation and automobile sim game developed and published by Reiza Studios. Released on August 24th 2016 has received 2,417 reviews of which 2,178 were positive and 239 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in simulation games.
8.6
2,178
239
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
4. Field of Glory II
Field of Glory II is a turn-based tactical game set during the Rise of Rome from 280 BC to 25 BC. Field of Glory II is a strategy, simulation and turn-based strategy game developed by Byzantine Games and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 1,149 reviews of which 956 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for simulation games.
7.9
956
193
-96%
30.00€
1.20€
5. Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master
A dungeon in danger ! Build, manage, and defend your tower in the satirical heroic fantasy universe of Dungeon of Naheulbeuk. From a shaky establishment to an infamous lair! Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master is a management, simulation and funny game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Dear Villagers. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,391 reviews of which 998 were positive and 393 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for simulation games.
6.9
998
393
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
6. 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. The Pale Beyond is a resource management, survival and choices matter game developed by Bellular Studios and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on February 24th 2023 has received 1,831 reviews of which 1,630 were positive and 201 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.5
1,630
201
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
7. Terraformers
Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one! Terraformers is a simulation, procedural generation and survival game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 3,234 reviews of which 2,853 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.5
2,853
381
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
8. Eastside Hockey Manager
EHM offers fans the most realistic, in-depth and immersive simulation of hockey management available, giving them the chance to manage either club or country in any of the world’s top hockey-playing nations. Eastside Hockey Manager is a hockey, sports and simulation game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on December 01st 2015 has received 1,330 reviews of which 1,140 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.2
1,140
190
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
9. PGA TOUR 2K21
Play against the pros. Play with your crew. In PGA TOUR 2K21, you can play by the rules or create your own featuring a new PGA TOUR Career Mode, licensed courses and more! Powered by The Golf Club. PGA TOUR 2K21 is a sports, simulation and local multiplayer game developed by HB Studios Multimedia Ltd. and published by 2K. Released on August 20th 2020 has received 7,607 reviews of which 6,374 were positive and 1,233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.2
6,374
1,233
-95%
63.40€
3.17€
10. Black Skylands
Become the captain of an airship and explore the world of the skies, gather resources and build powerful weapons, uncover ancient secrets and fight beneath your ship's sails. Black Skylands is a pixel graphics, open world and sandbox game developed by Hungry Couch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on August 15th 2023 has received 3,836 reviews of which 3,181 were positive and 655 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.0
3,181
655
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
Free simulation games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play simulation games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 04th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play simulation games.
1. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 748,348 reviews of which 477,680 were positive and 270,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 50,513 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free simulation games on Steam.
6.4
477,680
270,668
50,513
players
2. Revolution Idle
Join an experience where each revolution takes you further into the unknown! Revolution Idle challenges you to multiply your accumulators to reach unimaginable heights. Will you manage to reach infinity? Revolution Idle is a casual, simulation and idler game developed by Oni Gaming and Nu Games and published by Oni Gaming. Released on May 01st 2025 has received 3,934 reviews of which 3,347 were positive and 587 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 10,454, this simulation game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free simulation games on Steam.
8.2
3,347
587
10,454
players
3. Supermarket Together
The multiplayer supermarket has arrived to your neighbourhood for free! Stock your shop space, unlock perks and franchises, hire employees or chase those pesky shoplifters. The more players, the more action! Supermarket Together is a simulation, online co-op and multiplayer game developed and published by DeadDevsTellNoLies. Released on August 09th 2024 has received 64,362 reviews of which 61,131 were positive and 3,231 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 6,554, this simulation game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free simulation games on Steam.
9.3
61,131
3,231
6,554
players
4. Unnamed Space Idle
Destroy endless waves of alien ships that have all but wiped out humanity in this long form, unfolding, sci-fi idle game. Customize your ship with different weapons and defenses to defeat specific enemy types and utilize a ton of different systems to increase your overall power. Unnamed Space Idle is a idler, casual and free to play game developed by Sylv and published by Jdog Corp. Released on July 27th 2023 has received 2,764 reviews of which 2,568 were positive and 196 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,339 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.9
2,568
196
4,339
players
5. Aimlabs
Aimlabs is the aim trainer of choice for over 40 Million players, from beginners to esports pros. Our unique aim analysis optimizes your gameplay, targets your weaknesses & builds key skills for any FPS game! Time to warm up with our unlimited scenarios & rank up in-game! Aimlabs is a free to play, fps and shooter game developed and published by State Space Labs and Inc.. Released on June 16th 2023 has received 84,332 reviews of which 79,517 were positive and 4,815 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,966 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
9.3
79,517
4,815
2,966
players
6. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends is a clicker, free to play and simulation game developed and published by Computer Lunch. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 23,393 reviews of which 21,027 were positive and 2,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,584 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.8
21,027
2,366
2,584
players
7. Fishing Planet
Fishing Planet® is a free-to-play and highly realistic first-person online multiplayer fishing simulator. Developed by avid fishing enthusiasts to bring you the full thrill of actual angling on your PC. Fishing Planet is a fishing, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by Fishing Planet LLC. Released on August 28th 2017 has received 64,747 reviews of which 56,209 were positive and 8,538 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,559 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.6
56,209
8,538
2,559
players
8. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle
Pick up your sword and fight off waves of Potatoes by upgrading your stats constantly, use Equipment, choose between different Classes, put your many Talents to good use, and so much more designed to keep you entertained for a long time. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Oni Gaming. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 7,044 reviews of which 6,718 were positive and 326 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,111 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
9.2
6,718
326
2,111
players
9. Idling to Rule the Gods
Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play Idle-Game with a lot of content and some Minigames. Depending on your play-style, you can play it fast or slow. Either way it can be fun for hundreds of hours! Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by Shugasu GmbH. Released on May 27th 2016 has received 1,891 reviews of which 1,618 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,290 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.2
1,618
273
1,290
players
10. DCS World Steam Edition
Feel the excitement of flying the Su-25T "Frogfoot" attack jet and the TF-51D "Mustang" in the free-to-play Digital Combat Simulator World! DCS World Steam Edition is a simulation, flight and free to play game developed and published by Eagle Dynamics SA. Released on August 02nd 2013 has received 36,863 reviews of which 31,382 were positive and 5,481 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,084 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.4
31,382
5,481
1,084
players