Best Immersive Sim 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 immersive sim games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free immersive sim games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Unholy Heights
Welcome to Unholy Heights, a mashup of Tower Defense and Apartment Management Simulation!
System Shock® 2 (Classic)
"Remember, it is my will that guided you here. It is my will that gave you your cybernetic implants, the only beauty in that meat you call a body. If you value that meat... you will do as I tell you." The cult classic sci-fi horror FPS-RPG has returned.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits.
Dishonored
Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. With Dishonored’s flexible combat system, creatively eliminate your targets as you combine the supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal.
Thief™ II: The Metal Age
The ultimate thief is back! Tread softly as you make your way through 15 new complex, non-linear levels full of loot to steal and guards to outsmart. Improved enemy AI, new gadgets and a riveting story will draw you into the world of Thief™ II: The Metal Age, a place of powerful new technologies, fanatical religions and corruption.
Thief™ Gold
Stalk your prey on the quest for stolen goods with your blackjack, sword, and an assortment of unique arrows. Steal for money and uncover the hidden agendas of your allies and enemies as you play through an unravelling story of deception and revenge.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity®
In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes.
Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm
Contains full Rising Storm content as well!
E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy
In a dark Cyberpunk world, you (and up to 3 friends) wage war against the all-powerful Federation in this Source-powered FPS/RPG.
Hacker Evolution
Hacker Evolution is a hacking simulation game, featuring unparalleled graphics and features. You play the role of a former intelligence agent, specializing in computer security. When a chain of events sets off worldwide, leaving critical service disabled, you assume the role a computer hacker to find out what happened and attempt to stop...
SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone.
Far Cry® 2
You are a gun for hire, trapped in a war-torn African state, stricken with malaria and forced to make deals with corrupt warlords on both sides of the conflict in order to make this country your home. You must identify and exploit your enemies' weaknesses, neutralizing their superior numbers and firepower with surprise, subversion,...
Arx Fatalis
This critically acclaimed first-person RPG from Arkane Studios takes the player on an amazing journey into the fantasy world of Arx. Arx is wrought with turmoil, brought to the brink of destruction by a violent war.
Thief: Deadly Shadows
You are Garrett, the master thief. Rarely seen and never caught, Garrett is the best that ever was. Able to sneak past any guard, pick any lock, and break into the most ingeniously secured residences. Garrett steals from the wealthy and gives to himself, making his living in the dark and foreboding City.
Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition
The year is 2052 and the world is a dangerous and chaotic place. Terrorists operate openly - killing thousands; drugs, disease and pollution kill even more. The world's economies are close to collapse and the gap between the insanely wealthy and the desperately poor grows ever wider.
Dark Messiah of Might & Magic
Discover a new breed of Action-RPG game powered by an enhanced version of the Source™ Engine by Valve. Set in the Might & Magic® universe, players will experience ferocious combat in a dark and immersive fantasy environment. Swords, Stealth, Sorcery. Choose your way to kill.
Uplink
Uplink lets you play as a freelance hacker tackling risky contracts for corporations. Break into systems, steal data, sabotage rivals, and upgrade your gear. Support factions or go rogue in this immersive, strategy-driven hacking simulation game where your choices shape the outcome.
Dangerous Waters
S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters allows you total control over multiple air, surface, and submarine platforms in a modern-day naval environment. Take direct control of individual crew stations and also plan and execute combined arms naval strategies from a top-down 'Commanders Eye' perspective.Most played immersive sim games on Steam
Take a look at the top immersive sim games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Farming Simulator 25
Farming Simulator 25 invites you to join the rewarding farm life, single-handedly or cooperatively in multiplayer. This Farm is Your Farm! Farming Simulator 25 is a simulation, farming sim and realistic game developed and published by Giants Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 30,980 reviews of which 25,801 were positive and 5,179 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played immersive sim game, thanks to its 11,216 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
25,801
5,179
11,216
players
2. F1® Manager 2024
Lead your team to glory in F1® Manager 2024. A new Formula 1® season has arrived, and with it, the most comprehensive F1® management experience to date. Build a legacy with one of 10 official F1® constructors or create your own team for the very first time. F1® Manager 2024 is a strategy, simulation and racing game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on July 23rd 2024 has received 4,131 reviews of which 3,199 were positive and 932 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. While seeing 1,640 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among immersive sim games based on player count.
7.5
3,199
932
1,640
players
3. Stormworks: Build and Rescue
Join a world where you design, create and pilot your own air sea rescue service. Release your inner hero as you battle fierce storms out at sea to rescue those in need. Stormworks: Build and Rescue is a sandbox, base-building and open world game developed and published by Geometa. Released on September 17th 2020 has received 52,253 reviews of which 47,005 were positive and 5,248 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 1,594 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among immersive sim games based on player count.
8.8
47,005
5,248
1,594
players
4. ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV
Triumph over the land, take charge of the fate of China! Conquer territories and fly your colors! ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV is a turn-based tactics, wargame and military game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on January 15th 2020 has received 15,005 reviews of which 9,336 were positive and 5,669 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. With 660 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
6.2
9,336
5,669
660
players
5. NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening
Conquer Warring States Japan under one banner NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening is a wargame, real time tactics and grand strategy game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on July 20th 2022 has received 2,273 reviews of which 1,682 were positive and 591 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 530 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
7.2
1,682
591
530
players
6. The Sims™ 2 Legacy Collection
The game you know and love. For Windows 10/11. In The Sims 2, you direct your Sims over a lifetime. Give them a long existence or leave their lives in shambles. Guide their characteristics from one generation to the next. The Sims™ 2 Legacy Collection is a sandbox, life sim and building game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on January 31st 2025 has received 2,796 reviews of which 1,705 were positive and 1,091 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. With 501 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
6
1,705
1,091
501
players
7. Train Sim World® 5
The Rails are Yours in Train Sim World 5! Take on new challenges and new roles as you master the tracks and trains of iconic cities across 3 new routes. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rail hobby and embark on your next journey. Train Sim World® 5 is a simulation, adventure and trains game developed by Dovetail Games and published by Dovetail Games - TSW. Released on September 17th 2024 has received 3,289 reviews of which 2,621 were positive and 668 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 420 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
7.7
2,621
668
420
players
8. Streamer Life Simulator 2
In the second game of the series, competition has increased and now everyone wants to be a streamer. Are you ready to stream until your cpu burns out? Streamer Life Simulator 2 is a early access, simulation and life sim game developed and published by Cheesecake Dev. Released on January 23rd 2025 has received 4,418 reviews of which 3,712 were positive and 706 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 403 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.1
3,712
706
403
players
9. SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone. SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition is a city builder, immersive sim and base-building game developed by EA - Maxis and Aspyr (Mac) and published by Aspyr (Mac) and Electronic Arts. Released on July 20th 2010 has received 9,007 reviews of which 7,373 were positive and 1,634 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 367 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.0
7,373
1,634
367
players
10. ANEURISM IV
A dystopian simulator where your choices shape a decaying city. Join other players to protect the metropolis from ruin, hasten its downfall, or simply work in the factories. With no set goals or rules, every action has consequences in a world teetering on the brink. ANEURISM IV is a psychological horror, dystopian and crafting game developed and published by Vellocet. Released on March 11th 2025 has received 1,190 reviews of which 1,053 were positive and 137 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 358 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played immersive sim games.
8.4
1,053
137
358
players
Best deals on immersive sim games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of immersive sim 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 immersive sim games.
1. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter
Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter brings you an authentic and historically accurate destroyer simulation along with gripping anti-submarine warfare set in the turmoils of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter is a simulation, naval combat and world war ii game developed by Iron Wolf Studio S.A. and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2023 has received 1,020 reviews of which 771 were positive and 249 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for immersive sim category.
7.2
771
249
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator
A unique artist sim game with realistic paint mixing, physics and numerous painting tools. Upgrade and customize your studio, complete tasks, sell and expose art, buy instruments and get famous! SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator is a design & illustration, sandbox and immersive sim game developed by Goose Minded and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 4,319 reviews of which 4,202 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in immersive sim games.
9.4
4,202
117
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
3. 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. Lawn Mowing Simulator is a simulation, relaxing and realistic game developed by Skyhook Games and published by Curve Games. Released on August 10th 2021 has received 2,642 reviews of which 1,879 were positive and 763 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in immersive sim games.
6.9
1,879
763
-94%
20.33€
1.22€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
6.2
400
223
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
5. 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. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis is a singleplayer, city builder and immersive sim game developed by Black Eye Games and published by Ravenscourt. Released on May 18th 2021 has received 1,627 reviews of which 1,283 were positive and 344 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.6
1,283
344
-91%
25.11€
2.26€
6. To The Rescue!
To The Rescue! is a charming dog shelter simulator. Take care of unique dogs and find the right homes for as many of them as you can. Upgrade your shelter, control disease outbreaks, learn each dog's preferences, and make tough decisions, all while helping support real-world animal shelters! To The Rescue! is a dog, management and immersive sim game developed by Little Rock Games and indie.io and published by indie.io. Released on November 02nd 2021 has received 2,040 reviews of which 1,374 were positive and 666 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
6.6
1,374
666
-91%
19.22€
1.73€
7. Amnesia: The Bunker
Amnesia: The Bunker is a first-person horror game set in a WW1 bunker. A relentless, AI-driven monster stalks you. Survival depends on finding tools, crafting items, and keeping the lights on. Amnesia: The Bunker is a horror, survival horror and atmospheric game developed and published by Frictional Games. Released on June 06th 2023 has received 8,650 reviews of which 8,105 were positive and 545 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
9.1
8,105
545
-87%
24.31€
3.16€
8. Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition
The year is 2052 and the world is a dangerous and chaotic place. Terrorists operate openly - killing thousands; drugs, disease and pollution kill even more. The world's economies are close to collapse and the gap between the insanely wealthy and the desperately poor grows ever wider. Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition is a cyberpunk, rpg and stealth game developed by Ion Storm and published by Eidos Interactive Corp.. Released on March 29th 2007 has received 14,425 reviews of which 13,686 were positive and 739 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
9.2
13,686
739
-86%
6.99€
0.97€
9. Weird West: Definitive Edition
Survive and unveil the mysteries of the Weird West through the intertwined destinies of its unusual heroes in an Action RPG from the co-creators of Dishonored and Prey. Weird West: Definitive Edition is a western, isometric and rpg game developed by WolfEye Studios and published by Devolver Digital. Released on March 31st 2022 has received 3,943 reviews of which 3,099 were positive and 844 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.6
3,099
844
-86%
39.79€
5.57€
10. DEATHLOOP
DEATHLOOP is a next-gen FPS from Arkane Lyon, the award-winning studio behind Dishonored. In DEATHLOOP, two rival assassins are trapped in a mysterious timeloop on the island of Blackreef, doomed to repeat the same day for eternity. DEATHLOOP is a fps, action and stealth game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on September 13th 2021 has received 29,082 reviews of which 22,224 were positive and 6,858 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for immersive sim games.
7.5
22,224
6,858
-86%
59.21€
8.29€
Free immersive sim games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play immersive sim 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 immersive sim games.
1. Pathologic 3: Quarantine
In this free prologue to a narrative-driven adventure, watch a mysterious plague break out in a small town. Learn what drove a celebrated academic to leave his acclaimed lab. Examine patients, uncover strange secrets, and make first steps towards immortality. Pathologic 3: Quarantine is a adventure, rpg and simulation game developed by Ice-Pick Lodge and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on March 17th 2025 has received 1,087 reviews of which 975 were positive and 112 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.5
975
112
24
players
2. Ale & Tale Tavern: First Pints
This is the free version of the game "Ale & Tale Tavern". Get ready for a thrilling mix of genres: a cooperative, first-person, open-world fantasy tavern simulator, action, fishing, hunting, exploration, and completing fun and diverse quests. And, of course, COOKING! Ale & Tale Tavern: First Pints is a simulation, action and sandbox game developed by Scienart Games and published by GrabTheGames and UpgradePoint. Released on June 20th 2024 has received 4,474 reviews of which 4,217 were positive and 257 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
9.1
4,217
257
13
players
3. Beat Around The Bush
Beat Around the Bush is a series done over YouTube shorts where the top comment got the next addition to the game. Beat Around the Bush is a game where your primary goal is to Beat around the Bush. Once you do, you did it. You won. Therefore, there's no more reason to keep playing this game. Beat Around The Bush is a casual, arcade and point & click game developed by JustJeff and published by The Reef Production Co.. Released on February 07th 2025 has received 378 reviews of which 343 were positive and 35 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.4
343
35
5
players
4. EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator
3D Google Earth Driving Simulator EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator is a exploration, immersive sim and racing game developed by Colton Hutchins and published by Cold Hut Games. Released on October 09th 2023 has received 719 reviews of which 567 were positive and 152 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.5
567
152
3
players
5. High Entropy: Challenges
Use computers (via GUIs or the command line), unlock doors, crawl through vents, fight enemies head on or find other ways to neutralize or avoid them... High Entropy: Challenges is a action, adventure and immersive sim game developed and published by Álvaro García (binarynonsense). Released on September 01st 2020 has received 1,204 reviews of which 1,152 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
9.0
1,152
52
2
players
6. Check it Out!
Ever dreamt of working a cash register with no pay or real-life customer interaction? Look no further! This simulation game brings a fresh-take to the notoriously dull tasks of customer service, introducing you to a cast of wacky characters and the baggage they carry. Check it Out! is a casual, simulation and point & click game developed and published by Open Alpha. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 1,203 reviews of which 1,041 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.2
1,041
162
2
players
7. Break a Leg
Break a Leg is a series done over YouTube shorts where the top comment got the next addition to the game. Break a Leg is a game where your primary goal is to break your leg. Once you do, you did it. You won. Therefore, there's no more reason to keep playing this game. Break a Leg is a simulation, casual and education game developed by JustJeff and published by The Reef Production Co.. Released on June 30th 2024 has received 806 reviews of which 752 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.8
752
54
1
players
8. The Windows Are Gone
Haunted by grief and guilt after a tragic accident, you start seeing a house in your dreams. No matter what you do, you can't get its image out of your mind. You feel it calling for you, so you answer it. The Windows Are Gone is a psychological horror, atmospheric and immersive sim game developed and published by Scary Cube. Released on October 02nd 2023 has received 471 reviews of which 442 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
8.7
442
29
1
players
9. House Builder: First Job
Become a one-man construction crew! Travel around the world and through the ages to build iconic designs! Beware unpleasant temperatures and dangerous fauna! House Builder: First Job is a exploration, immersive sim and city builder game developed by FreeMind S.A. and published by FreeMind S.A. and PlayWay S.A.. Released on July 15th 2021 has received 395 reviews of which 334 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.9
334
61
1
players
10. Egg RTX
Experience one of the games of all time like never before with Egg RTX. Fully remastered for next gen performance, Egg RTX includes raytracing and advanced shadows, never before seen in a game about eggs! Egg RTX is a simulation, arcade and 3d game developed and published by Figglebottom Studios. Released on March 05th 2024 has received 365 reviews of which 297 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free immersive sim games on Steam.
7.6
297
68
1
players