Best Life 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 life sim games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free life sim games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Underground Garage
Dive into Underground Garage, a mechanic sim blending car customization with fast driving. Craft builds for every drive, test them in an open world filled with challenges. Gear up and rev up your ultimate automotive adventure!
Trash Goblin
A wholesome, cosy shopkeeping game with no time pressure! Uncover & clean trinkets then upcycle them to sell to endless colourful & quirky customers. Spend your savings to upgrade your shop, buy better tools, plus expand and customise your space.
IfSunSets
「IfSunSets」 is a survival RPG adventure game. During the day, secure necessary supplies across the island, and survive the night against strong and terrifying monsters that track you down. You can utilize resources you've secured to build a base to fend off threatening monsters.
Car For Sale Simulator 2023
Car For Sale Simulator 2023 - Developed for car enthusiasts, grow your own car sales business by buying and selling different car models. Drive the purchased cars as you wish, repair them, modify them, and sell them to customers at affordable prices.
Quadrober Simulator
Are you a quadrober?
East Trade Tycoon: Inheritance
Eastern Trade Tycoon: Inheritance is a trading simulator game.In the game,you can from zero to hero.By trading markets, build a business,earn money,level up, investing accurately, and manage family to become a trading tycoon!
It's Only Money
The mayor of Rockhaven threw you down a hole into the Undercity. Why? Net worth too low. In this open-world simulation, you and up to 3 pals will steal, fight, and scheme to reclaim the city. Customise your rides, buy businesses, and take on the Mayor’s forces. Rockhaven is yours for the taking!
I've Fallen For You!
Eight women simultaneously appear in your life, offering you unconditional love and support! Will you choose to uphold your beliefs and become a good man, or give in to human temptations and become a bad man?
Amber Isle
Welcome to Amber Isle - a quaint, friendly village of prehistoric residents who are in need of a new shopkeep... That’s you! Craft and sell items, upgrade your shop, befriend your Paleofolk neighbours and customise the island to bring the village back to life and welcome even more prehistoric pals!
Kind Words 2 (lofi city pop)
A game about being kind to real people. Send nice letters from your cozy room, go outside and say hi to your neighbors, swap recommendations, dress up for the poetry slam and add your dreams to a sky full of wishes. Join a community of real people with their hearts on their sleeves.
Esports History
Esports History is an RPG sim where you start as a regular guy, and work your way up to the very top of esports. Defeat bosses in tournaments, make a name for yourself within the esports community, and become a real pro!
Old Market Simulator
Old Market Simulator is a 1-4 player co-op game where you manage your market by ordering goods, growing produce, raising animals, fishing, and crafting items in your workshop, while hiring employees and expanding your business.
Recycling Center Simulator
Recycling Center Simulator is a business simulator game with a first person view. Make money from garbage, collect raw materials for your recycling center from different locations, recycle them, make money by producing new products and improve your factory.
Factory Outlet Simulator
Factory Outlet Simulator is a very comprehensive product manufacturing and selling game. You can produce the products of world famous brands in your factory and sell them. Or you can expand your business and create your own brand. Use your business acumen to lead the market from zero to the top!
Bloomtown: A Different Story
Bloomtown: A Different Story is a narrative JRPG mixing turn-based combat, monster taming and social RPG set in a seemingly pleasant 1960s Americana world. Join Emily and her group of friends to save their cozy town from the demonic creatures that live in the hearts of its residents!
Wild Indigo Ranch
Wild Indigo Ranch is a cozy cowboy-life RPG for 1-4 players. Start a new life on the prairie, explore the frontier, build the finest ranch in the West, and ride into the sunset.
Subside
Subside is an immersive aquatic VR experience with multiple areas to explore and lifelike aquatic creatures to interact with. Crafted with unparalleled realism, it aims to replicate the nuances of real-life swimming and diving in shallow waters
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.
Internet Cafe & Supermarket Simulator 2024
"Internet Cafe & Supermarket Simulator 2024" is a comprehensive simulation game that combines the management of both an internet cafe and a supermarket. Step into the role of a shop owner, apply your business acumen, and expand your empire step by step.
Critter Cove
A deep, open world life sim and town building game set in a cozy post-apocalyptic paradise. Restore an old town, sail across a mysterious archipelago. Hunt for relics and farm, fish & craft everything you need. Can you help turn Critter Cove into a thriving tourist town once again?
Hard Time III
The toughest prison sim in the yard is back to serve its 3rd consecutive sentence - combining classic moments from the OG with the best aspects of 2D, while putting out a few hits of its own! Tackle crime from either side of the prison fence, while a larger world beyond it makes life worth living.
Skoof Simulator
Are you Skoof?Most played life sim games on Steam
Take a look at the top life sim games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Stardew Valley
You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? Stardew Valley is a farming sim, pixel graphics and multiplayer game developed and published by ConcernedApe. Released on February 26th 2016 has received 871,330 reviews of which 857,703 were positive and 13,627 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played life sim game, thanks to its 37,510 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.8
857,703
13,627
37,510
players
2. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more. The Sims™ 4 is a life sim, character customization and free to play game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 167,109 reviews of which 145,918 were positive and 21,191 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 28,347 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among life sim games based on player count.
8.6
145,918
21,191
28,347
players
3. inZOI
"Every life becomes a story" Create your unique story by controlling and observing the lives of 'Zois'. Customize characters and build houses using inZOI's easy-to-use tools to live the life of your dreams and experience the different emotions of life created by its deep and detailed simulation. inZOI is a life sim, character customization and simulation game developed by inZOI Studio and published by KRAFTON and Inc.. Released on March 27th 2025 has received 17,775 reviews of which 14,668 were positive and 3,107 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 5,769 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among life sim games based on player count.
8.1
14,668
3,107
5,769
players
4. Palia
Palia is a vibrant new world made just for you. Craft, cook, fish, and farm with friends as you live the life of your dreams and discover an enchanting adventure filled with colorful characters and a mystery to unravel. Palia is a free to play, multiplayer and life sim game developed and published by Singularity 6 Corporation. Released on March 25th 2024 has received 26,355 reviews of which 22,382 were positive and 3,973 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 4,135 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played life sim games.
8.3
22,382
3,973
4,135
players
5. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Explore a world filled with the magic of Disney as you discover rich stories and build the perfect neighborhood alongside Disney and Pixar heroes and villains in this new life-sim adventure game. Welcome to Disney Dreamlight Valley. Disney Dreamlight Valley is a relaxing, life sim and character customization game developed and published by Gameloft. Released on December 05th 2023 has received 20,336 reviews of which 18,683 were positive and 1,653 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 3,272 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played life sim games.
9.0
18,683
1,653
3,272
players
6. Fields of Mistria
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG! Fields of Mistria is a early access, farming sim and rpg game developed and published by NPC Studio. Released on August 05th 2024 has received 18,827 reviews of which 18,437 were positive and 390 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,571 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played life sim games.
9.6
18,437
390
2,571
players
7. Dinkum
G'Day there! Get ready to start a new fair Dinkum life. Explore an island inspired by the wild Australian outback, featuring tropical eucalyptus forests, scorching deserts, and cool billabongs. Dinkum is a early access, open world survival craft and agriculture game developed by James Bendon and published by KRAFTON and Inc.. Released on July 14th 2022 has received 23,129 reviews of which 21,434 were positive and 1,695 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,197 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played life sim games.
9.1
21,434
1,695
2,197
players
8. Coral Island
Coral Island is a vibrant and laid-back reimagining of farm sim games. Be who you want and experience enchanting island living at your own pace—live off the land, nurture animals, build relationships with a diverse cast of townsfolk, and make the world around you a more vital and harmonious place. Coral Island is a farming sim, life sim and relaxing game developed by Stairway Games and published by Humble Games. Released on November 14th 2023 has received 21,268 reviews of which 18,765 were positive and 2,503 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,903 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played life sim games.
8.6
18,765
2,503
1,903
players
9. Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Embark on a cozy, open-world adventure with Hello Kitty and Friends. Befriend beloved characters as you explore and restore a mysterious island, solve ancient puzzles, cook delicious dishes, customize yourself and your cabins, and so much more. Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a cozy, open world and simulation game developed and published by Sunblink. Released on January 30th 2025 has received 4,789 reviews of which 4,506 were positive and 283 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,699 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played life sim games.
9.1
4,506
283
1,699
players
10. The Sims™ 3
The Sims 3: Create the perfect world with full customization at your fingertips. Refine personalities and help fulfill destinies. The Sims™ 3 is a life sim, simulation and character customization game developed by The Sims Studio and Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on January 27th 2011 has received 32,705 reviews of which 28,375 were positive and 4,330 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 1,176 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played life sim games.
8.5
28,375
4,330
1,176
players
Best deals on life sim games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of life 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 life sim games.
1. Streamer Life Simulator
Streamer Life Simulator is a very comprehensive streamer life simulation game. Be the most popular streamer in the world. Streamer Life Simulator is a simulation, life sim and casual game developed and published by Cheesecake Dev. Released on August 21st 2020 has received 7,324 reviews of which 5,678 were positive and 1,646 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 90% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for life sim category.
7.6
5,678
1,646
-90%
19.50€
1.95€
2. Potion Permit
Moonbury's residents need healing, and you're the best chemist around! With your trusty tools, a brewing cauldron, and a canine companion at your side, you'll need to diagnose symptoms, gather ingredients, brew potions, and cure ailments in this open-ended sim RPG. Potion Permit is a singleplayer, colorful and jrpg game developed by MassHive Media and published by PQube. Released on September 22nd 2022 has received 4,627 reviews of which 3,698 were positive and 929 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 86% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in life sim games.
7.8
3,698
929
-86%
20.43€
2.86€
3. Animal Shelter
In Animal Shelter, your main target is to make your four-legged friends happy. Pet them, hand out treats, play with toys - and they will pay you back with great trust. Get to know the animals well enough to find them the best home! Don't wait any longer, open your animal shelter now! Animal Shelter is a dog, life sim and cats game developed by Games Incubator and published by Games Incubator and PlayWay S.A.. Released on March 23rd 2022 has received 3,414 reviews of which 2,984 were positive and 430 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 84% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in life sim games.
8.4
2,984
430
-84%
20.06€
3.21€
4. Farmer's Dynasty
Live – Build – Farm: Enjoy a unique mix of farming, constructing and life simulation that takes you to the countryside and holds plenty of challenging gameplay in stock! Farmer's Dynasty is a simulation, farming sim and life sim game developed by UMEO Studios and published by Toplitz Productions. Released on November 21st 2019 has received 4,000 reviews of which 3,009 were positive and 991 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.3
3,009
991
-81%
20.32€
3.86€
5. Everdream Valley
A farming adventure with a dash of magic. Play solo or up to a 4-player coop. By day, restore your quaint farm into a summer paradise. Explore, raise crops, care for animals and rebuild your home. At night inhabit various creatures through your dreams and bring enchantment to the valley. Everdream Valley is a farming sim, cute and life sim game developed by Mooneaters and published by Untold Tales and VARSAV Game Studios. Released on May 30th 2023 has received 788 reviews of which 575 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.0
575
213
-81%
25.42€
4.83€
6. 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! The Guild 3 is a economy, life sim and medieval game developed by Purple Lamp and GolemLabs and published by THQ Nordic. Released on June 14th 2022 has received 7,445 reviews of which 4,569 were positive and 2,876 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for life sim games.
6.1
4,569
2,876
-81%
30.21€
5.74€
7. My Time at Portia
Start a new life in the enchanting town of Portia! Restore your Pa's neglected workshop to its former glory by fulfilling commissions, growing crops, raising animals, and befriending the quirky inhabitants of this charming post-apocalyptic land! My Time at Portia is a life sim, rpg and open world game developed by Pathea Games and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on January 15th 2019 has received 43,115 reviews of which 39,541 were positive and 3,574 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for life sim games.
9
39,541
3,574
-80%
29.99€
5.99€
8. Initial Drift Online
Drift over some of Japan's most legendary mountain passes, compete against your friends or players from around the world in epic battles, make deliveries, buy new cars and set records in the world rankings! Initial Drift Online is a racing, immersive sim and open world game developed and published by RewindApp. Released on March 30th 2023 has received 3,470 reviews of which 2,721 were positive and 749 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.6
2,721
749
-80%
4.99€
0.99€
9. Metro Sim Hustle
Take control of an underground commuter train and rise to the top in a bustling metropolis filled with cheap thrills, prime real estate, and a diverse community of unique characters. Metro Sim Hustle is a life sim, exploration and sandbox game developed and published by Departure Interactive. Released on July 24th 2021 has received 362 reviews of which 287 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.4
287
75
-80%
9.75€
1.95€
10. Coral Island
Coral Island is a vibrant and laid-back reimagining of farm sim games. Be who you want and experience enchanting island living at your own pace—live off the land, nurture animals, build relationships with a diverse cast of townsfolk, and make the world around you a more vital and harmonious place. Coral Island is a farming sim, life sim and relaxing game developed by Stairway Games and published by Humble Games. Released on November 14th 2023 has received 21,268 reviews of which 18,765 were positive and 2,503 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 77% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for life sim games.
8.6
18,765
2,503
-77%
29.61€
6.81€
Free life sim games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play life 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 life sim games.
1. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more. The Sims™ 4 is a life sim, character customization and free to play game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 167,109 reviews of which 145,918 were positive and 21,191 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 28,347 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free life sim games on Steam.
8.6
145,918
21,191
28,347
players
2. Palia
Palia is a vibrant new world made just for you. Craft, cook, fish, and farm with friends as you live the life of your dreams and discover an enchanting adventure filled with colorful characters and a mystery to unravel. Palia is a free to play, multiplayer and life sim game developed and published by Singularity 6 Corporation. Released on March 25th 2024 has received 26,355 reviews of which 22,382 were positive and 3,973 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 4,135, this life sim game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free life sim games on Steam.
8.3
22,382
3,973
4,135
players
3. Virtual Cottage
Virtual Cottage gives you a comfy place to rest and be productive without any distractions. Open the game, set yourself a goal and enjoy the atmosphere. Virtual Cottage is a cozy, relaxing and casual game developed and published by DU&I. Released on October 07th 2020 has received 10,273 reviews of which 10,048 were positive and 225 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 262, this life sim game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free life sim games on Steam.
9.5
10,048
225
262
players
4. Star Chef 2: Cooking Game
Kitchen Simulation | Learn Cuisines | Cook Delicious Food | Become A Chef Star Chef 2: Cooking Game is a casual, simulation and farming sim game developed and published by 99Games Online Private Limited. Released on August 09th 2021 has received 481 reviews of which 334 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 117 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free life sim games on Steam.
6.6
334
147
117
players
5. Nothing Together
A game about doing Nothing Together Nothing Together is a life sim and psychological horror game developed and published by VacuumDev. Released on February 02nd 2024 has received 1,695 reviews of which 1,600 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
9.0
1,600
95
22
players
6. A Taste of the Past
What do you do when you lose someone you love? A Taste of the Past is an emotional sidescroller about reconnecting with your Chinese culture while navigating a train to the afterlife. Featuring a wholesome story, cooking minigames, and hope. A Taste of the Past is a adventure, interactive fiction and visual novel game developed and published by Sondering Studio. Released on March 11th 2022 has received 1,685 reviews of which 1,648 were positive and 37 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
9.3
1,648
37
2
players
7. Terra Firma
Play god and create your own world in this complex simulation. Plate tectonics, wind and water erosion and plant life all develop and interact to produce a world that is viewable from a single tree to kilometres across. Terra Firma is a simulation, strategy and god game game developed and published by Working as Intended. Released on February 20th 2025 has received 358 reviews of which 332 were positive and 26 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.6
332
26
2
players
8. Espresso Tycoon Prologue: Underwater
A completely FREE underwater mission from the Espresso Tycoon - a coffee shop simulator. Build your own cafe from scratch, hire staff, create the most delicious recipes in the whole Pacific Ocean and make customers happy! Decorate, manage, and build a successful coffee business in Sydney! Espresso Tycoon Prologue: Underwater is a life sim, sandbox and strategy game developed by DreamWay Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on November 04th 2022 has received 636 reviews of which 572 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.4
572
64
2
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.8
752
54
1
players
10. Vivaland: Dream House
Dream House is the build mode of the life simulation game called Vivaland, where you can construct and furnish your dream home. Play solo or with friends in co-op mode. Vivaland: Dream House is a simulation, building and life sim game developed by Hive5 Interactive and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on March 01st 2024 has received 1,132 reviews of which 780 were positive and 352 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
6.7
780
352
1
players