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
Simutrans
Simutrans is a freeware and open-source transportation simulator. Your goal is to establish a successful transport company. Transport passengers, mail and goods by rail, road, ship, and even air. Interconnect districts, cities, public buildings, industries and tourist attractions.
Shoppe Keep
Run an adventurers shop – a serious business in a fantasy environment. Stock your store with dangerous weapons, fancy hats, sturdy armour and magical potions.
Blueprint Tycoon
Build your settlement, gather goods, ensure maximum efficiency and make a profit!
Offworld Trading Company
Mars has been colonized, and Earth's corporate titans fight to dominate this new market. Competition is fierce in this fast-paced economic RTS from Civilization IV Lead Designer, Soren Johnson.
American Truck Simulator
Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. American Truck Simulator takes you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and widely recognized landmarks around the States.
Anno 2205™
In Anno 2205™, you join humankind‘s next step into the future with the promise to build a better tomorrow. You conquer Earth, establishing rich, bustling cities and grand industrial complexes, but to secure the prosperity of your people, you must travel into space.
Endless Sky
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Empire TV Tycoon
Empire TV Tycoon is a game in which you manage a TV channel and fight for audiences taking decisions that will project your channel to fame and fortune.You will decide the content of your channel, select advertisers, hire workers, make your own productions, hire actors, and engage in much more activities!
Prison Architect
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect.
Game Corp DX
Manage your Game Studio, earn big bucks, impress the critics, beat rival studios and clean up at the awards!
Renowned Explorers: International Society
In this strategic rogue-like you become a famous expedition leader in the 19th century. You form your own crew with the skills and personality to discover legendary treasures, while exploring randomized locations and stories on every new adventure.
Painters Guild
Painters Guild is a management sim where you control an art academy in the Italian Renaissance. Paint artwork as beautiful as the Mona Lisa. Hire painters like Leonardo da Vinci and millions of randomly generated ones. Expand and customize your guild with furniture and more.
Big Pharma
What if you had it in your power to rid the world of disease, to improve the lives of millions, to ease suffering and cure the sick… and earn a tidy profit? As the head of your own Pharmaceutical Conglomerate you have this power resting in your hands. Will you use it for good?
Industry Giant 2
Economic booms, stock market crashes, oil crises, upswings, triumphs... Now you can become the greatest power in industry!
Software Inc.
Construct and design buildings for optimal working conditions. Hire people to design and release software, so you can defeat the simulated competition and take over their businesses. Manage and educate your employees to make sure they are skilled and satisfied with their job.
Space Colony: Steam Edition
Space Colony: Steam Edition is a remaster of the real-time base builder and strategy game from Firefly Studios, creators of the Stronghold series. In Space Colony you colonize to survive, designing intergalactic bases that keep your crew productive, happy and defended against hostile alien threats.
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.
Chris Sawyer's Locomotion™
Explore a vast and detailed world and build a Transportation Empire!
Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game
Make your dream cars a reality with Automation’s unparalleled car and engine design tools. Gain a competitive edge through smart engineering and business decisions to help you build an automotive empire. Will you become an industry leader, or just a footnote in automotive history?
Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city simulation. The game introduces new game play elements to realize the thrill and hardships of creating and maintaining a real city whilst expanding on some well-established tropes of the city building experience.
Marble Age
Turn-based historical simulation strategy. Develop the Greek civilization from the small village to the great city-state when it will dominate the world!
Seven Kingdoms 2 HD
Get ready for an exciting real-time strategy game experience like no other with Seven Kingdoms 2! Say goodbye to the monotony of resource gathering and army building, its unique gameplay offers a thrilling blend of city management, trade, industry, espionage, diplomacy, and conquest!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 20th 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 6,017 peak concurrent players over the last day.
6.6
34,331
17,348
6,017
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 24,235 reviews of which 19,663 were positive and 4,572 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 4,760 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among economy games based on player count.
8.0
19,663
4,572
4,760
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 4,667 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
4,667
players
4. 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. With 4,618 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played economy games.
9.2
62,337
4,059
4,618
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 2,144 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
2,144
players
6. 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 1,033 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played economy games.
8.0
10,659
2,454
1,033
players
7. 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 1,021 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played economy games.
8.6
23,578
3,396
1,021
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 638 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
638
players
9. Storage Hunter Simulator
Play as one of the bidders for abandoned warehouses and uncover hidden treasures! Storage Hunter is a garage auction simulation game. Bid, win, and sell for profit! Become the king of storage auction. Storage Hunter Simulator is a early access, simulation and management game developed by Raccoons Studio and published by Raccoons Studio and BeardedBrothers.games. Released on October 10th 2024 has received 2,237 reviews of which 1,844 were positive and 393 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 526 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played economy games.
7.9
1,844
393
526
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 477 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played economy games.
9
4,795
346
477
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 20th 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 1,267 reviews of which 938 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
938
329
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. 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 624 reviews of which 400 were positive and 224 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in economy games.
6.2
400
224
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
3. 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 628 reviews of which 512 were positive and 116 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in economy games.
7.7
512
116
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
4. 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 4,089 reviews of which 2,995 were positive and 1,094 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.1
2,995
1,094
-92%
30.63€
2.45€
5. Sid Meier's Railroads!
Sid Meier's Railroads! marks the return of the watershed title in simulation/strategy gaming that launched the popular "tycoon" genre, and inspired a new generation of games. Sid Meier's Railroads! Sid Meier's Railroads! is a trains, strategy and management game developed by Firaxis Games and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and 2K. Released on May 04th 2007 has received 3,230 reviews of which 2,279 were positive and 951 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.9
2,279
951
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
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 3,495 reviews of which 2,248 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
2,248
1,247
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
7. Frozenheim
Lead your Viking clan onto unknown shores and carve out a future for your people in the fjords of Frozenheim. Gather resources, expand, and watch your settlement grow to a bustling town that will withstand the harshness of winter and wrath of other clans. Frozenheim is a economy, resource management and co-op game developed by Paranoid Interactive and published by Untold Tales, Hyperstrange and Gamersky Games. Released on June 16th 2022 has received 3,683 reviews of which 2,584 were positive and 1,099 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.9
2,584
1,099
-89%
16.55€
1.82€
8. 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 86% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for economy games.
6.4
613
316
-86%
18.43€
2.58€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.8
389
78
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for economy games.
7.3
1,025
316
-83%
18.00€
3.06€
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 20th 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 638 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
638
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 141, this economy game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free economy games on Steam.
7.6
663
164
141
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
45
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
22
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 970 reviews of which 920 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
920
50
2
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
2
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