Best Economy 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 economy games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free economy games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Guild 3
The Guild 3 is a fascinating trade and life simulation that takes place during the late Middle Ages. Step into the shoes of a citizen, acquire businesses and mansions, produce goods and trade them, start intrigues in politics and society, love, hate, bribe, fight and live through good and bad times!
Builder Simulator
Builder Simulator is the perfect game for those who want to build a house, from the ground up, one brick at a time. On easy, the game will guide and teach you by showing you full instruction, but on hard you will get no help - instead rely on your builder skills and make everything yourself.
Captain of Industry
Land your crew of survivors on an abandoned island and survive! Mine raw materials, grow food, build factories, manufacture products, research new tech, and trade with others. Become an industrial superpower! But this is no easy task, you will be put to the test to keep your settlement alive.
The Sushi Spinnery
Revolutionize the revolving sushi bar in this fresh new sim!
Old World
Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?
Bakery Simulator
Get up before dawn and see what it's like to be a baker! Learn to bake several dozen types of bread. Use realistic bakery machines. Deliver orders to stores, earn, and invest. Use original recipes or experiment with ingredients.
Ravenous Devils
A horror cooking simulator where the secret ingredient is crime. Improve your shops, buy new tools, expand your menu, and above all, make your customers happy.
Prehistoric Kingdom
Take control of limitless power in Prehistoric Kingdom to build, manage and grow the ultimate zoo for extinct animals.
Winkeltje: The Little Shop
Winkeltje: The Little Shop is all about building, decorating, and running your own old-world fantasy shop. Buy low, sell high - from nails and apples to swords and alchemic love potions. Impress your customers, craft items, and be the master of your very own shop.
Weed Shop 3
BUILD YOUR VIRTUAL WEED EMPIRE: Grow the hottest strains & crossbreed new ones, roll your own Blunts, sell Bongs, hire Growers, make Solventless Concentrates, handle Rival Dealers, befriend Influencers, smoke Dabs, ride a Dolphin, and More! WELCOME TO WEED SHOP 3!
Prosperous Universe
In Prosperous Universe start your galactic empire by trading on the real-time market exchange with other real players. Build your 1st base from humble beginnings & watch as your business flourishes with complex supply chain strategies. Economics, politics & realism fuel this immersive business MMO.
Dummynation
Geopolitical management game with real-time shifting borders and a streamlined gameplay, designed to minimize all burdensome chores while allowing an absolute strategic control, from military recruitment and deployment, to diplomatic and economic management.
Cat Cafe Manager
Travel to the sleepy village of Caterwaul Way and rebuild your grandmother's cat cafe. Renovate your restaurant, befriend the local cats and townsfolk, forge lasting friendships, unravel catty mysteries, and build a home for dozens of unique felines!
Poop Clicker
Have you always wanted to be a king, but all the kingdoms are already taken? Try to be the Poop King in the Poop Clicker game! A magical unicorn, sweet corn and others will help you with this! Unlock special upgrades, but take your time, because haste makes waste!
Airborne Kingdom
The sky city builder awaits. Create your own flying kingdom and lead it on a quest across an expansive world. Explore the varied landscape, build up a floating metropolis, aid struggling people below, uncover lost secrets and, ultimately, bring back the Airborne Kingdom legend.
Dealer's Life 2
Your favorite pawn shop experience is finally getting a sequel! Haggle like your life depends on it in this funny tycoon game. You never know WHAT is gonna stumble through that door!
Kardboard Kings: Card Shop Simulator
Open your own Card shop by the seaside! Buy, trade and sell Cards, OR keep them for your own collection! Earn reputation with customers, beat your shop goals, unlock new decorations, and host exciting events to bring everyone to the best Card shop in town!
Power to the People
Build and maintain a power grid for a constantly growing population, while fighting off all kinds of disasters in this thrilling resource management experience. It's time for you to give "Power to the People"! Do you have what it takes to keep the lights on?
Solargene
Lead a space corporation in the sci-fi simulator Solargene! Manage personnel, design and develop colonies and orbital stations throughout the solar system! Extract resources, establish logistics, research new technologies, trade and complete missions
Ancient Wars: Sparta Definitive Edition
One of the most innovative Real-Time Strategy Games comes back totally renewed and improved to the smallest detail, with epic large scale battles, new civilizations, unit customization system never seen before in a game, 8K support, and much more.
GearCity
Do you find tycoon games too simplistic? GearCity is a complex and in-depth business simulator. It focuses on a realistic economic simulation of the global automobile industry. The game takes several hours to grasp and hundreds of hours to master. Can you succeed where many other CEOs have failed?
Democracy 4
Democracy 4 lets you take the role of President / Prime minister, govern the country (choosing its policies, laws and other actions), and both transform the country as you see fit, while trying to retain enough popularity to get re-elected...
Internet Cafe Simulator 2
Internet Cafe Simulator 2 is an extremely comprehensive and detailed internet cafe business simulation game.
Smart Factory Tycoon: Beginnings
This is a free version of Smart Factory Tycoon, a game inspired by Little Big Workshop introducing the first productions. Smart Factory Tycoon is a tycoon management game where you design your dream factory with robots, plan all steps of production, research new technologies and become a tycoon!Most played economy games on Steam
Take a look at the top economy games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Victoria 3
Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history. Victoria 3 is a grand strategy, economy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 25th 2022 has received 51,679 reviews of which 34,331 were positive and 17,348 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played economy game, thanks to its 4,537 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
34,331
17,348
4,537
players
2. Supermarket Simulator
Run your own supermarket. Stock shelves, set prices as you'd like, take payments, hire staff, expand and design your store. Online orders & delivery, shoplifters, security, local market are upcoming. Supermarket Simulator is a simulation, management and economy game developed and published by Nokta Games. Released on February 20th 2024 has received 66,396 reviews of which 62,337 were positive and 4,059 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 3,587 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among economy games based on player count.
9.2
62,337
4,059
3,587
players
3. X4: Foundations
X4: FOUNDATIONS brings our most sophisticated universe SIMULATION ever. Fly every ship, EXPLORE space or manage an empire; TRADE, FIGHT, BUILD and THINK carefully, while you embark on an epic journey. Experience tons of improvements with the massive 7.50 Update! X4: Foundations is a space sim, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on November 30th 2018 has received 23,304 reviews of which 18,494 were positive and 4,810 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. While seeing 3,115 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among economy games based on player count.
7.8
18,494
4,810
3,115
players
4. Anno 1800
Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you. Anno 1800 is a city builder, strategy and simulation game developed by Ubisoft Mainz and published by Ubisoft. Released on April 16th 2019 has received 23,986 reviews of which 19,441 were positive and 4,545 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,518 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played economy games.
8.0
19,441
4,545
2,518
players
5. TCG Card Shop Simulator
Open your own local game store. Stock shelves with the latest booster packs, or crack them and collect the cards for yourself. Set your own prices, hire staff, host events, and expand your card shop. TCG Card Shop Simulator is a simulation, management and economy game developed and published by OPNeon Games. Released on September 15th 2024 has received 38,503 reviews of which 37,464 were positive and 1,039 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 2,010 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played economy games.
9.5
37,464
1,039
2,010
players
6. Tropico 6
El Presidente is back! Prove yourself once again as a feared dictator or peace-loving statesman on the island state of Tropico and shape the fate of your very own banana republic through four distinctive eras. Tropico 6 is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Limbic Entertainment and Realmforge Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on March 29th 2019 has received 26,974 reviews of which 23,578 were positive and 3,396 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 708 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played economy games.
8.6
23,578
3,396
708
players
7. Eco
Build a civilization of real people, working together to advance society and stop a meteor, all without destroying the ecosystem in the process. Eco is a early access, simulation and building game developed and published by Strange Loop Games. Released on February 06th 2018 has received 13,113 reviews of which 10,659 were positive and 2,454 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 662 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played economy games.
8.0
10,659
2,454
662
players
8. OpenTTD
OpenTTD is a business simulation game in which players earn money by transporting passengers and cargo via road, rail, water, and air. It is an open-source remake and expansion of the 1995 Chris Sawyer video game Transport Tycoon Deluxe. OpenTTD is a simulation, building and free to play game developed and published by OpenTTD. Released on April 01st 2021 has received 14,119 reviews of which 13,577 were positive and 542 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 422 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played economy games.
9.4
13,577
542
422
players
9. Grocery Store Simulator
Run your own grocery store. Scan items, hire employees, place and stock shelves, set prices, order products, manage your warehouse, and customize your store. Play solo or team up with friends in a 4 player co-op mode to expand your business in this first-person game. Grocery Store Simulator is a simulation, online co-op and economy game developed and published by EXPERIMENT ONE. Released on November 21st 2024 has received 5,141 reviews of which 4,795 were positive and 346 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. With 413 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played economy games.
9
4,795
346
413
players
10. Big Ambitions
Big Ambitions is a revolutionary role-playing business sim. Go from nothing to the biggest entrepreneur in New York by opening small businesses or slowly building huge corporations any way you like. Big Ambitions is a early access, management and economy game developed and published by Hovgaard Games. Released on March 10th 2023 has received 10,428 reviews of which 9,700 were positive and 728 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 325 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played economy games.
9.0
9,700
728
325
players
Best deals on economy games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of economy games available on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted economy games.
1. TransOcean: The Shipping Company
TransOcean – The Shipping Company is your ticket to the world of gigantic ships and transnational transport empires. Build a mighty fleet of modern merchant ships and conquer the seven seas. TransOcean: The Shipping Company is a simulation, strategy and management game developed by Deck13 Hamburg and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on September 23rd 2014 has received 1,266 reviews of which 937 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for economy category.
7.1
937
329
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Railway Empire
In Railway Empire, you will create an elaborate and wide-ranging rail network, purchase over 40 different trains modelled in extraordinary detail, and buy or build railway stations, maintenance buildings, factories and tourist attractions to keep your travel network ahead of the competition. Railway Empire is a strategy, simulation and management game developed by Gaming Minds Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on January 26th 2018 has received 9,369 reviews of which 7,756 were positive and 1,613 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in economy games.
8.1
7,756
1,613
-93%
30.57€
2.14€
3. Mech Mechanic Simulator
Become a Mech Mechanic to deconstruct, rebuild, paint and fix gigantic iron machines. You live in an age of enormous machines and you better get ready to get your hands dirty! Mech Mechanic Simulator is a mechs, crafting and sandbox game developed by Polyslash and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on March 25th 2021 has received 623 reviews of which 400 were positive and 223 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in economy games.
6.2
400
223
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
4. The Invisible Hand
Want to get rich, quick? Welcome to FERIOS, where you’ll be empowered to pursue wealth and success as a mid-level stockbroker! Your wildest dreams of wealth can come true… at the cost of everything else. The Invisible Hand is a capitalism, trading and economy game developed by Power Struggle Games and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on May 07th 2021 has received 627 reviews of which 511 were positive and 116 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.7
511
116
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
5. Train Fever
It’s the year 1850, and there are great times ahead! Establish a transport company and be its manager. Build infrastructure such as railways and stations, purchase transportation vehicles and manage lines. Fulfill the people’s needs and watch cities evolve dynamically. Train Fever is a simulation, trains and management game developed by Urban Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on September 04th 2014 has received 3,494 reviews of which 2,247 were positive and 1,247 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.3
2,247
1,247
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
6. Cafe Owner Simulator
Open your dream restaurant at FPP. Create a unique exterior and interior, hire the best workers and chefs, create a place where people will love to eat, spend time and spend their money. Simulation of the restaurant business. Cafe Owner Simulator is a design & illustration, economy and simulation game developed by Second Reality and published by RockGame S.A.. Released on December 05th 2022 has received 929 reviews of which 613 were positive and 316 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.4
613
316
-87%
18.77€
2.44€
7. Fabledom
Set in a wholesome fairytale world, Fabledom is a laid-back City builder. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, interact with your neighbors and defend your kingdom from magical creatures. All to find true love and live happily ever after! Fabledom is a city builder, relaxing and colony sim game developed by Grenaa Games and published by Dear Villagers and Doyoyo Games. Released on May 13th 2024 has received 5,983 reviews of which 5,164 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for economy games.
8.4
5,164
819
-86%
21.43€
3.00€
8. Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World
Solve the mystery surrounding the 8th Wonder of the World with your heroes and banish evil from the Earth! Play this RTS-Classic. Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World is a strategy, city builder and rts game developed by Funatics Software and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on March 26th 2015 has received 467 reviews of which 389 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.8
389
78
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
9. Sigma Theory: Global Cold War
A Turn-based Strategy game in a futuristic global cold war from the award-winning creators of Out There. Recruit a squad of special agents and run your intel agency to secure the control of the singularity. Sigma Theory: Global Cold War is a political sim, sandbox and economy game developed by Mi-Clos Studio, Goblinz Studio and FibreTigre and published by Goblinz Publishing and Fractale. Released on November 21st 2019 has received 1,341 reviews of which 1,025 were positive and 316 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.3
1,025
316
-83%
18.00€
3.06€
10. The Guild Gold Edition
It’s the year 1400- the late Middle Ages. Europe sees the dawn of the golden age of the new departures and the free spirit. Under the rule of the bourgeoisie and businessmen, more and more towns are emerging from the clutches of the aristocracy and are achieving independence, power and wealth. The Guild Gold Edition is a strategy, simulation and medieval game developed by 4HEAD Studios and published by THQ Nordic. Released on September 09th 2014 has received 540 reviews of which 399 were positive and 141 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.0
399
141
-81%
9.74€
1.85€
Free economy games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play economy games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play economy games.
1. OpenTTD
OpenTTD is a business simulation game in which players earn money by transporting passengers and cargo via road, rail, water, and air. It is an open-source remake and expansion of the 1995 Chris Sawyer video game Transport Tycoon Deluxe. OpenTTD is a simulation, building and free to play game developed and published by OpenTTD. Released on April 01st 2021 has received 14,119 reviews of which 13,577 were positive and 542 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 422 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free economy games on Steam.
9.4
13,577
542
422
players
2. Sim Companies
Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience. Sim Companies is a economy, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Sim Companies s.r.o.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 827 reviews of which 663 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 134, this economy game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free economy games on Steam.
7.6
663
164
134
players
3. Magic Archery
Train a commoner to become the greatest archer in this short incremental game! Increase your stats, gather wealth from quests, buy upgrades, and infuse your arrows with magic. Magic Archery is a clicker, idler and fantasy game developed and published by Barribob. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 5,346 reviews of which 5,285 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
9.5
5,285
61
56
players
4. Prosperous Universe
In Prosperous Universe start your galactic empire by trading on the real-time market exchange with other real players. Build your 1st base from humble beginnings & watch as your business flourishes with complex supply chain strategies. Economics, politics & realism fuel this immersive business MMO. Prosperous Universe is a early access, economy and resource management game developed and published by simulogics. Released on April 20th 2022 has received 883 reviews of which 665 were positive and 218 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
7.2
665
218
25
players
5. Crypto Miner Tycoon Simulator Starter Edition
Start in your bedroom in year 2010. Build rigs to mine Bitcoin, Ethereum and other crypto coins. Trade on the market to grow wealth. Expand your business into new offices. Hire skilled employees and assign tasks. Use cash from your mega farms to research new technologies. Crypto Miner Tycoon Simulator Starter Edition is a simulation, free to play and management game developed by Bigosaur and published by CreativeForge Games and G-DEVS.com. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 1,283 reviews of which 1,137 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.4
1,137
146
10
players
6. Lemonade Apocalypse
Lead the world to apocalyse with lemonades! Price affects demand, but take into account the cost of each lemonade when selling. Upgrades reduce cost and increase demand. Invest in a factory, and eventually control the politics of the world to increase climate's temperature and beverage consumption. Lemonade Apocalypse is a clicker, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Juggler Interactive. Released on April 05th 2024 has received 969 reviews of which 919 were positive and 50 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.9
919
50
3
players
7. Bakery Magnate: Beginning
Bakery Magnate is a game with a small plot in which you have to solve economic problems to keep the store afloat. At the same time, you intend to provide for your son, who constantly gets into trouble. Bakery Magnate: Beginning is a life sim, simulation and time management game developed and published by GidAzGames. Released on August 23rd 2020 has received 1,466 reviews of which 1,268 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.2
1,268
198
8. Auto Sale Life: Fresh Start
This is a free prologue version. Build an automotive empire. Buy, sell, and customize cars to create your own brands and showrooms. Become a shrewd entrepreneur in this immersive car trading and customization game. Auto Sale Life: Fresh Start is a immersive sim, driving and economy game developed by OTTO Games and published by GrabTheGames. Released on April 05th 2024 has received 380 reviews of which 259 were positive and 121 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
6.5
259
121