Games like Life is Hard on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Life is Hard are available at the bottom of the page.
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United Penguin Kingdom
A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, become the king, and lead the United Penguin Kingdom.
Ale Abbey - Monastery Brewery Tycoon
Build and expand your monastery, craft recipes and brew holy ales in this unique brewery tycoon. No pre-made recipes in Ale Abbey, oh no. It's a canvas for true beer alchemists. It's as simple as: brew, sip, repeat. Welcome to Ale Abbey!
Sacred Fire: A Role Playing Game
A text-based RPG full of choice and action. Fight for survival in the midst of the Roman invasion of ancient Caledonia. Strategize one dice roll at a time as emotions affect your performance. Use willpower to outsmart opponents, gain allies, wage war, or strive for peace. How will your story end?
Prehistoric Kingdom
Take control of limitless power in Prehistoric Kingdom to build, manage and grow the ultimate zoo for extinct animals.
Lords and Villeins
Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy!
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante
A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world ruled by real but unrelenting gods. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice has a price and entails consequences. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide!
Craft The World
Craft The World is a unique sandbox strategy game, the mix of Dungeon Keeper, Terraria and Dwarf Fortress.Explore a random generated world populated by dangerous creatures, build a dwarf fortress, gather resources, and craft all the items, weapons, and armor you need.
SurvivalZ Battlegrounds
SurvivalZ Battlegrounds is a mini Battle Royale in a cubic world!
Townsmen VR
Townsmen VR uses the exciting possibilities of virtual reality to further enhance the classic city building game with entirely new gameplay experiences and interactive mechanics. It combines elements of a God-game simulation and a classic building game with the interactive possibilities of VR.
Car Trader Simulator
Do you know how to profit from trading cars while maintaining a good reputation? Car Trader Simulator lets you play the role of an American car dealer. Your goal is to get rich. How you do it depends entirely on you.
The Long Dark
THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster.
The Rule of Land: Pioneers
This is a survival game. After the coronation, human beings had to move into the underground. Fifty years later, some people thought the disaster was over and organized a survival competition on the surface. Some brave people took part in the competition . You are one of them.
Nova Lands
Nova Lands is a factory building, exploration, and island management game. Explore, engage in combat, and automate your industry. The planet you’re on is full of mysteries, creatures, people, and things to do. Welcome to your new home amongst the stars!
Ravenfield
Fight upon the Ravenfield together with your Blue allies! Take down those pesky Reds using helicopters, tanks, guns, and active ragdoll physics!
The Escapists
The Escapists provides players the opportunity of experiencing a light-hearted insight into everyday prison life with the main objective being that of escaping!
Tavern Master
Tavern Master is all about managing your medieval tavern. You start with a very small room, couple of benches and tables and build your way up to a huge successful tavern with a kitchen, rooms for guests, group of loyal staff and much more!
Plague Inc: Evolved
Plague Inc: Evolved is a unique mix of high strategy and terrifyingly realistic simulation. Your pathogen has just infected 'Patient Zero' - now you must bring about the end of human history by evolving a deadly, global Plague whilst adapting against everything humanity can do to defend itself.
Beholder 2
You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make!
Travellers Rest
Craft, farm, build and cook! In Travellers Rest you will have to use all the available tools to become the best tavern keeper in the realm. Create unique dishes and drinks to please your customers as you discover the world and its colorful characters.
Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
Townsmen – A Kingdom Rebuilt hands the crown to you: Guide your people from their first steps in a small village to a massive medieval metropolis with thousands of inhabitants.
Kingdom Two Crowns
Gather coins, build defenses and reclaim your fallen Kingdom. Explore and uncover secrets, unlock new technologies and protect your crown versus waves of Greed monsters that come at night. Kingdom is a solo or co-op micro-strategy and tower defense game set in an atmospheric pixel world.
Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?!
Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?! is a whacky space exploration game where you manage your very own spaceship, craft hundreds of weapons, and explore the vastness of a veggie-filled universe.Most played games like Life is Hard on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Life is Hard that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Foundation
Similarity 63% Foundation is a grid-less, laidback medieval city-building game with a focus on organic development, monument construction and resource management. Foundation is a city builder, simulation and medieval game developed and published by Polymorph Games. Released on January 31st 2025 has received 19,701 reviews of which 16,835 were positive and 2,866 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Life is Hard, thanks to its 1,651 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
16,835
2,866
1,651
players
2. The Long Dark
Similarity 62% THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster. The Long Dark is a survival, open world survival craft and open world game developed and published by Hinterland Studio Inc.. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 110,114 reviews of which 99,880 were positive and 10,234 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 1,585 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Life is Hard based on player count.
9.0
99,880
10,234
1,585
players
3. Kingdom Two Crowns
Similarity 58% Gather coins, build defenses and reclaim your fallen Kingdom. Explore and uncover secrets, unlock new technologies and protect your crown versus waves of Greed monsters that come at night. Kingdom is a solo or co-op micro-strategy and tower defense game set in an atmospheric pixel world. Kingdom Two Crowns is a tower defense, minimalist and city builder game developed by Stumpy🐙Squid, Fury Studios and Coatsink and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 11th 2018 has received 7,063 reviews of which 6,244 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,401 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Life is Hard based on player count.
8.6
6,244
819
1,401
players
4. Ravenfield
Similarity 60% Fight upon the Ravenfield together with your Blue allies! Take down those pesky Reds using helicopters, tanks, guns, and active ragdoll physics! Ravenfield is a fps, war and singleplayer game developed and published by SteelRaven7. Released on May 18th 2017 has received 72,665 reviews of which 70,429 were positive and 2,236 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,193 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
9.5
70,429
2,236
1,193
players
5. Multiverse Loot Hunter
Similarity 62% This is a brush treasure adventure game across the heavens. The protagonist awakens his powers and freely passes through different planes such as Xiuxian, history, Wuxia, magic, and future. Collect equipment, spirits, characters and cheats distributed across all planes through battle. Multiverse Loot Hunter is a rpg, strategy and loot game developed and published by 游戏养家工作室. Released on January 02nd 2025 has received 1,443 reviews of which 1,191 were positive and 252 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 1,152 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
7.9
1,191
252
1,152
players
6. Mr.Mine
Similarity 58% Explore the depths of the earth and uncover hidden treasures in this addictive idle mining game. Unlock the power of your drill with hundreds of upgrades, discover mysterious relics, and unearth priceless gems. Can you master the mines and reveal their deepest secrets? Dive in and dig deep! Mr.Mine is a idler, clicker and simulation game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on September 30th 2020 has received 16,928 reviews of which 15,565 were positive and 1,363 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 963 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
9.0
15,565
1,363
963
players
7. Travellers Rest
Similarity 58% Craft, farm, build and cook! In Travellers Rest you will have to use all the available tools to become the best tavern keeper in the realm. Create unique dishes and drinks to please your customers as you discover the world and its colorful characters. Travellers Rest is a life sim, pixel graphics and management game developed by Isolated Games and published by Isolated Games and IndieArk. Released on July 28th 2020 has received 13,420 reviews of which 11,895 were positive and 1,525 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 961 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
8.6
11,895
1,525
961
players
8. Realm Grinder
Similarity 62% Grow your realm, build alliances, and explore one of the deepest idle RPGs ever! Realm Grinder is a free to play, clicker and pixel graphics game developed by Divine Games and published by Kongregate. Released on June 15th 2017 has received 7,047 reviews of which 6,139 were positive and 908 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 912 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
8.5
6,139
908
912
players
9. Plague Inc: Evolved
Similarity 59% Plague Inc: Evolved is a unique mix of high strategy and terrifyingly realistic simulation. Your pathogen has just infected 'Patient Zero' - now you must bring about the end of human history by evolving a deadly, global Plague whilst adapting against everything humanity can do to defend itself. Plague Inc: Evolved is a strategy, simulation and outbreak sim game developed and published by Ndemic Creations. Released on February 18th 2016 has received 54,904 reviews of which 51,886 were positive and 3,018 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 802 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
9.3
51,886
3,018
802
players
10. Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
Similarity 75% Design and simulate the starships of your dreams! Command your ship or fleet in epic battles and manage your crew while exploring a dangerous galaxy. Play alone or with friends, test your ships in online PvP, and let your imagination reach for the stars! Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander is a sci-fi, singleplayer and 2d game developed and published by Walternate Realities. Released on October 24th 2022 has received 10,940 reviews of which 10,407 were positive and 533 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 556 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Life is Hard.
9.2
10,407
533
556
players
Best deals on games like Life is Hard on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Life is Hard available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Life is Hard.
1. Lords and Villeins
Similarity 66% Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy! Lords and Villeins is a colony sim, strategy and city builder game developed by Honestly Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on November 10th 2022 has received 868 reviews of which 628 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
6.9
628
240
-96%
27.50€
1.10€
2. Beholder 2
Similarity 58% You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make! Beholder 2 is a dystopian , choices matter and strategy game developed by Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) and published by Alawar. Released on December 04th 2018 has received 6,889 reviews of which 6,038 were positive and 851 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Life is Hard.
8.5
6,038
851
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. RIOT: Civil Unrest
Similarity 58% As civil crisis deepens and inequality tears the very fabric of society the discontentment of the masses manifests itself in violent public disturbances and civil disorder. Play as the police or the angry horde as RIOT – Civil Unrest places you in some of the world’s most fractious disputes. RIOT: Civil Unrest is a strategy, simulation and indie game developed by Leonard Menchiari, IV Productions and Ivan Venturi Productions and published by Silver Lining Interactive. Released on February 12th 2019 has received 1,801 reviews of which 1,233 were positive and 568 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Life is Hard.
6.7
1,233
568
-93%
16.00€
1.12€
4. The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante
Similarity 63% A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world ruled by real but unrelenting gods. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice has a price and entails consequences. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide! The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is a choices matter, story rich and rpg game developed by Sever and published by 101XP. Released on March 04th 2021 has received 8,446 reviews of which 7,640 were positive and 806 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
8.8
7,640
806
-90%
20.00€
2.00€
5. Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?!
Similarity 58% Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?! is a whacky space exploration game where you manage your very own spaceship, craft hundreds of weapons, and explore the vastness of a veggie-filled universe. Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?! is a adventure, indie and simulation game developed by Daylight Studios and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on February 14th 2017 has received 956 reviews of which 637 were positive and 319 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
6.5
637
319
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
6. Sheltered
Similarity 60% Sheltered is a deep and emotional survival management game. You take on the role of protecting four family members who, after a global apocalypse, have found their way to a deserted shelter. Sheltered is a survival, base-building and post-apocalyptic game developed by Unicube and Team 17 Digital Ltd and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on March 15th 2016 has received 6,078 reviews of which 4,959 were positive and 1,119 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
7.9
4,959
1,119
-88%
12.75€
1.53€
7. Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
Similarity 58% Townsmen – A Kingdom Rebuilt hands the crown to you: Guide your people from their first steps in a small village to a massive medieval metropolis with thousands of inhabitants. Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt is a strategy, simulation and casual game developed and published by HandyGames. Released on February 26th 2019 has received 1,222 reviews of which 850 were positive and 372 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
6.7
850
372
-87%
19.23€
2.50€
8. The Escapists
Similarity 60% The Escapists provides players the opportunity of experiencing a light-hearted insight into everyday prison life with the main objective being that of escaping! The Escapists is a pixel graphics, strategy and crafting game developed by Mouldy Toof Studios and published by Team17. Released on February 13th 2015 has received 16,021 reviews of which 14,460 were positive and 1,561 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
8.8
14,460
1,561
-86%
15.50€
2.17€
9. Plebby Quest: The Crusades
Similarity 58% Survive ambitious rulers dreaming of an empire, outsmart treacherous neighbors longing to burn your spoils, and navigate the religion’s predictably unreasonable demands; you need ask only one question as you build your legacy – “Will you burn them, or be burnt?” Plebby Quest: The Crusades is a strategy, casual and indie game developed by PiedPipers Team and published by NEOWIZ. Released on April 08th 2020 has received 2,784 reviews of which 2,392 were positive and 392 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 82% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
8.3
2,392
392
-82%
16.33€
2.94€
10. The Escapists
Similarity 60% The Escapists provides players the opportunity of experiencing a light-hearted insight into everyday prison life with the main objective being that of escaping! The Escapists is a game developed and published by . Released on February 13th 2015 has received 16,021 reviews of which 14,460 were positive and 1,561 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Life is Hard.
8.8
14,460
1,561
-86%
15.50€
2.17€
Free games like Life is Hard on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Life is Hard you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Life is Hard.
1. Mr.Mine
Similarity 58% Explore the depths of the earth and uncover hidden treasures in this addictive idle mining game. Unlock the power of your drill with hundreds of upgrades, discover mysterious relics, and unearth priceless gems. Can you master the mines and reveal their deepest secrets? Dive in and dig deep! Mr.Mine is a idler, clicker and simulation game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on September 30th 2020 has received 16,928 reviews of which 15,565 were positive and 1,363 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 963 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Life is Hard.
9.0
15,565
1,363
963
players
2. Realm Grinder
Similarity 62% Grow your realm, build alliances, and explore one of the deepest idle RPGs ever! Realm Grinder is a free to play, clicker and pixel graphics game developed by Divine Games and published by Kongregate. Released on June 15th 2017 has received 7,047 reviews of which 6,139 were positive and 908 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 912, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Life is Hard.
8.5
6,139
908
912
players
3. Soda Dungeon 2
Similarity 66% Everyone’s favorite laid-back dungeon crawler returns in Soda Dungeon 2. Featuring a new adventure, a whole town to upgrade, crafting, new classes, alternate dimensions, and more! It’s everything you loved about the original plus all the stuff you’ve been asking for. Soda Dungeon 2 is a free to play, rpg and idler game developed by AN Productions and Poxpower and published by Armor Games Studios. Released on July 09th 2020 has received 5,387 reviews of which 5,086 were positive and 301 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 240, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Life is Hard.
9.1
5,086
301
240
players
4. Idle Research
Similarity 59% Idle Research is an addictive, resource management, incremental game with both idle and active playstyles. Research and craft colorful Flasks and Tubes to earn as much Energy as possible! Big numbers guaranteed. Idle Research is a idler, clicker and free to play game developed by Considera Games LLC and published by Considera Core LLC. Released on July 31st 2022 has received 1,666 reviews of which 1,419 were positive and 247 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 130 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Life is Hard.
8.1
1,419
247
130
players
5. Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator
Similarity 59% Start your own Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria with Freddy Fazbear Pizzeria Simulator! Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria Simulator is a free to play, horror and singleplayer game developed and published by Scott Cawthon. Released on December 04th 2017 has received 29,934 reviews of which 28,134 were positive and 1,800 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 113 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like Life is Hard.
9.2
28,134
1,800
113
players
6. Kingdom: Classic
Similarity 67% Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic. Kingdom: Classic is a free to play, singleplayer and strategy game developed by Noio and Licorice and published by Raw Fury. Released on October 21st 2015 has received 21,983 reviews of which 19,934 were positive and 2,049 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
8.9
19,934
2,049
62
players
7. ChilloutVR
Similarity 60% ChilloutVR is a social sandbox game enabling players and content creators to create, share and explore content in a massive multiplayer metaverse alone, with friends or anyone around the world. Meet new people and explore virtual worlds together. Playable with and without a VR-Headset. ChilloutVR is a massively multiplayer, free to play and casual game developed and published by Alpha Blend Interactive. Released on February 08th 2021 has received 2,351 reviews of which 1,908 were positive and 443 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
7.8
1,908
443
36
players
8. Midas Gold Plus
Similarity 60% Discover Midas Gold Plus, an engaging idle clicker set in a mythical world! Harness King Midas' golden touch, build a legendary city, and unlock powerful champions. Master unique gameplay styles, explore pet battles, and conquer rival cities. Delve into this ancient tycoon adventure today! Midas Gold Plus is a free to play, clicker and indie game developed and published by Holyday Studios. Released on February 01st 2017 has received 1,753 reviews of which 1,503 were positive and 250 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
8.2
1,503
250
35
players
9. Wild West Saga: Idle Tycoon Clicker
Similarity 59% Wild West Saga is an idle game where you click to make money and build a business fortune! Hundreds of Towns to explore and Patent Cards to collect, dozens of Businesses to upgrade and Outlaws to hire. The end goal? To become the richest Pioneer in the Wild West! So, are you up for it? Wild West Saga: Idle Tycoon Clicker is a clicker, idler and free to play game developed and published by Tamasenco. Released on December 18th 2018 has received 777 reviews of which 527 were positive and 250 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
6.5
527
250
28
players
10. Guild Quest
Similarity 59% You’ve just bought yourself a new island and it’s time to fill it up with QUESTS! Collect guildians, upgrade their guildhalls, and unleash them onto your own custom quest lines. Guild Quest is a free to play, strategy and casual game developed and published by Hyper Hippo Games. Released on January 26th 2017 has received 1,727 reviews of which 1,139 were positive and 588 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Life is Hard.
6.4
1,139
588
6
players