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
City Game Studio: Your Game Dev Adventure Begins
Manage a game studio from the dawn of the gaming industry in 1976. Your journey starts with small indie titles and grows into a gaming empire. Develop, design, and conquer the industry. From humble beginnings to gaming legend – it’s your story, your studio, your legacy!
Hell Architect
Hell Architect is a game about building and managing your own hell. You take on a role of a hell manager and are tasked with developing the underworld in a way that would make Lucifer himself fall off his chair.
Life is Hard
Life is Hard is a godsim town simulator game developed by a two-man-team. Your main aim here is to manage your town. Expand your domain, prevent famine, make war, trade with others, attract new people. Make history!
Dust to the End
Nuclear war ended human civilization, but it could never uproot the evil within our hearts. Fight, trade, negotiate, raid– do whatever it takes to survive in the wasteland. You will have to be as clever as ruthless to thrive in a broken world, torn by war, cruelty, hunger and slavery.
Lawn Mowing Simulator
Experience the beauty and detail of mowing the Great British countryside in Lawn Mowing Simulator, the only simulator that allows you to ride an authentic and expansive roster of real-world licensed lawn mowers from prestigious manufacturers; Toro, SCAG and STIGA as you manage your business.
City of Gangsters
In this management tycoon game, you’ll start a criminal operation from nothing and grow it into a well-oiled money machine! Build speakeasies and illegal distilleries. Manage production chains and resource distribution. Leverage favors, chase down debtors, and bribe the police to look the other way.
Cooking Simulator VR
Become the ultimate chef in VR! Take control of a highly polished, realistic kitchen equipped with all kinds of utensils and stands. Unlock and master over 80 recipes or use dozens of lifelike ingredients to cook everything you like. A simulator spiced up with a dash of real-life physics!
Idol Manager
Idol Manager is a business sim about conquering the entertainment industry using any means you deem necessary.
Vertical Slice: A Game Dev Story
From nobody to famous game producer in 3 years: that’s the journey you will live! Experience the trials and tribulations of game development in this life simulation game: live through the process of founding a small team and learning how to work together to develop a successful game.
Airline Manager
Create and manage your own airline. Create both passenger and cargo routes all over the world while you upgrade and expand your fleet of airplanes and airports. Airline Manager is among the most realistic of its genre - so prove yourself and beat your friends and other real life managers.
Vedelem: The Golden Horde
Védelem: The Golden Horde is a medieval Real Time Strategy and Survival game set in the 13th century. Build, expand and defend your lands against the deadliest Mongolian invasion ever witnessed. They will seek to destroy your walls and salt your earth. Will you survive the Golden Horde?
Spellcaster University
Develop a prestigious university of mages. Build rooms, train your students, fight orcs, slay the bureaucrats, manage your budget... a director's life is not a quiet one.
Going Medieval
Build and manage your own castle settlement in a land reclaimed by wilderness. With detailed management, survival strategy, and a moddable sandbox world, Going Medieval challenges you to build the mightiest colony this side of the apocalypse.
The Advisor - Episode 1: Royal Pain
The Advisor Series is a player-driven narrative where your choices & decisions, both in the game, and out of the game, determine how future episodes unfold. Play the role of villain protagonist Magnus the Magician, as he wreaks havoc across the land, one well-placed fireball at a time!
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
The year is 3015. The battlefields are dominated by war machines known as BattleMechs. Level entire cities and decimate the enemy in your BattleMech. Follow a quest for glory and revenge. Manage an expanding mercenary company. Fight alongside your friends with a four-player PvE co-op.
Imagine Earth
Build your own global colonies on distant worlds. Manage energy and resource supplies and produce goods for space trade. Form economic and diplomatic alliances or take over competing corporations. Conduct research to protect your colonists from disasters and avoid a climate crisis.
Siege Survival: Gloria Victis
A medieval city under siege and a handful of civilians are all that keep the walls from falling. Mixing survival strategy and resource management, build your camp, craft supplies, and scavenge the occupied city to supply the last troops holding back the invaders.
Galactic Mining Corp
Galactic Mining Corp is a unique rogue-lite, action game with crafting and base building mechanics. Head into uncharted space and discover a universe of locations to exploit for riches! Use your profits to expand your HQ, hire a crazy work force, obtain new drill components and upgrade everything.
中年失业模拟器When a man lose his job
You are a 35-years-old man who struggling in a huge city, the mortgage is pressing you to work day and night. Suddenly ,you got fired! Without income, you have to pay mortgage (15000 G /month) and raise 2 kids! How can you do that? Come on ! Earn money and save your family!
Hundred Days - Winemaking Simulator
Winemaking could be your best adventure. Make the best wine interacting with soil and nature and take your winery to the top. Your beautiful journey into the winemaking tradition starts now.
Before We Leave
Before We Leave is a city building game set in a cozy corner of the universe. Nurture your Peeps and their surroundings while rebuilding and rediscovering civilisation. Settle new lands and planets while avoiding hungry Space Whales.
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.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 15th 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 10,073 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
34,331
17,348
10,073
players
2. 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. While seeing 8,620 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among economy games based on player count.
8.0
19,441
4,545
8,620
players
3. 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 6,607 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among economy games based on player count.
9.2
62,337
4,059
6,607
players
4. 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 23,187 reviews of which 18,408 were positive and 4,779 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 5,472 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played economy games.
7.8
18,408
4,779
5,472
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 2,813 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
2,813
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 1,522 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
1,522
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 1,162 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
1,162
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 749 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
749
players
9. 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 728 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played economy games.
9.0
9,700
728
728
players
10. 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 444 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played economy games.
9
4,795
346
444
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 15th 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. Rise of Industry
Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test in the first title in the ROI series as you create & optimise intricate production lines. As an early 20th-Century industrialist, grow your empire & adapt to an ever-changing business landscape with unexpected events that could lead to boom…or bust. Rise of Industry is a management, strategy and economy game developed by Dapper Penguin Studios and published by Kasedo Games. Released on May 02nd 2019 has received 4,084 reviews of which 2,993 were positive and 1,091 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.1
2,993
1,091
-92%
30.63€
2.45€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.3
2,247
1,247
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.4
613
316
-87%
18.77€
2.44€
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. 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 82% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for economy games.
8.4
5,164
819
-82%
20.78€
3.74€
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 15th 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 749 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
749
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 146, this economy game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free economy games on Steam.
7.6
663
164
146
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
76
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 878 reviews of which 661 were positive and 217 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
661
217
33
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, management and free to play game developed by Bigosaur and published by CreativeForge Games and G-DEVS.com. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 1,278 reviews of which 1,132 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
1,132
146
15
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.2
1,268
198
5
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free economy games on Steam.
8.9
919
50
4
players
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
1
players