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
EarthKart: Google Maps Driving Simulator
3D Google Earth Driving Simulator
Old School
Relive your school days in 3D, where old school graphics bring back timeless fun! Create your own star student and attend a schedule full of classes in time to gather the knowledge you need to thrive, while an equally important popularity contest challenges you survive...
Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos
Explore the wide world of Anthos with the help of your wacky inventor friend Doc Jr. and many others! It’ll be up to you to revive the Harvest Goddess and the Harvest Sprites, as well as reconnect all of the villages of Anthos with each other! Farm all around Anthos using the improved Expando-Farm!
Paleo Pines
Welcome to Paleo Pines, a charming island known for its friendly dinosaurs, quirky townsfolk, and mysterious past. Befriend dinos and enlist their help to fix up your ranch and farm crops to create your cozy dino sanctuary! Then set out with your companion, Lucky, to uncover the island’s secrets.
Russian Village Simulator
This is a simulator of life in the Russian countryside, where the player will be engaged in the garden, picking mushrooms and berries, collect firewood, hunting and fishing, brew moonshine and much, much more.
Plant Therapy
Get cozy in this plant collecting and decorating game! Build a beautiful indoor garden from the ground up in your New York City apartment.
Moonstone Island
Moonstone Island is a creature-collecting life-sim set in an open world with 100 islands to explore. Make friends, brew potions, collect Spirits, and test your strength in card-based encounters to complete your Alchemy training!
Fading Afternoon
Seiji Maruyama is a middle-aged yakuza recently released from prison. Known as "Gozuki" (one of the demon generals from Buddhist mythology) he is the power that his oyabun counts on. But there is one thing his aniki is not taking into account: Maruyama is getting old.
Pumping Simulator 2
A gas station management game, start by selling a car to raise funds and invest in an abandoned plot of land. Build, expand, and upgrade your gas station, diversify services, customize and manage time efficiently during peak hours. And maybe you will become rich
BOOK OF HOURS
Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be?
VPet-Simulator
Feeling like the computer desktop is too dull? Need something cute to heal oneself? Come and try this new completely free and open source V-Pet simulator. A cute and adorable pet that supports various feeding interactions to accompany you in game learning is definitely your best choice!
Cornucopia®
A nostalgic 2.5D farm sim with 74 exotic crops, loyal pets bred for amazing genetics, and 34+ marriage candidates—from spirited youths to wise elders. Master NPK compost, raise magical kids, conquer dungeons, and delight in whimsical scratch-card arcade fun. Your cozy story starts now!
Punch Club 2: Fast Forward
Train, fight, and rise to the top in this knockout sequel to the smashing fighter management simulator! Mentor your fighter and guide him to become the ultimate champion: choose from different combat styles, control his routine, and watch him kick some butt like a proud sensei!
Lakeburg Legacies
Take fate into your own hands in Lakeburg Legacies, a social-based village management sim where love is your favourite resource. Play matchmaker to create the most effective, and most loved up, couples and help your kingdom thrive. How long will it take you to crown a sovereign?
One Military Camp
Build your own military camp, manage the economy, recruit the best candidates and train them to become elite specialists. Send them on missions across the land to end the war once and for all!
My Child Lebensborn Remastered
My Child Lebensborn is a story-driven nurture game based on real events. Play as the adoptive parent of Karin or Klaus, and experience the struggles they go through alongside them. Balance your time and resources wisely, while helping your child cope with the effects of hatred.
Sticky Business
Experience the joy of running your own cozy small business: Create stickers, pack orders and hear your customers’ stories. Time to build the cutest shop on the internet!
STONKS-9800: Stock Market Simulator
Simulator of an 80s Japanese stock market businessman. Chill, catch a retro vibe and watch your profits grow in the text-based game STONKS-9800.
STORY OF SEASONS: A Wonderful Life
Put down roots on your new farm in the peaceful town of Forgotten Valley. Bring life to the land by cultivating crops and raising animals, find love among the town's friendly folk, and make lasting memories with a family of your very own.
Metro Simulator 2
Metro Simulator 2 is a unique game featuring recreated Moscow Metro and realistic train controls.
Espresso Tycoon
Espresso Tycoon - a coffee shop simulator. Create your brand, decorate the coffee shop, manage your employees, and take care of your customers. Use the 3D coffee editor to create coffee recipes, order supplies, and collect rating points. Build the whole coffee business and complete all the missions!
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.
Dynopunk
An ironic adventure with cyberpunk aesthetics set in a world where humans have been replaced by dinosaurs. Become a top-notch repair shop mechanic: fix gadgets, have heart-to-heart talks, and offer drinks to your customers — everything to fulfill your ultimate dream.
Do Not Feed the Monkeys 2099
Spy on strangers through security cameras, invade their privacy and discover their secrets in this digital voyeur simulator. Welcome to the future of The Primate Observation Club. Even in 2099 the rule about messing with your unlucky subjects still remains in this sequel: DO NOT feed the monkeys!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 19th 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 44,316 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.8
857,703
13,627
44,316
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 32,520 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
32,520
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 18,084 reviews of which 14,911 were positive and 3,173 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 5,979 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
14,911
3,173
5,979
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 4,928 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
4,928
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 2,730 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
2,730
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 2,505 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
2,505
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 2,346 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
2,346
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 2,050 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
2,050
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 4,991 reviews of which 4,700 were positive and 291 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,688 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played life sim games.
9.1
4,700
291
1,688
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 1,410 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
1,410
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 19th 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 7,411 reviews of which 5,718 were positive and 1,693 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 90% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for life sim category.
7.5
5,718
1,693
-90%
19.50€
1.95€
2. The Tenants
Become a landlord and deal with problematic tenants as you build your rental property empire. Decide how to react to annoyed neighbors or police interventions. Will you design your apartment for a group of gamer friends or an aspiring musician looking for a new home? The Tenants is a management, design & illustration and life sim game developed by Ancient Forge and published by Frozen District. Released on October 20th 2022 has received 6,934 reviews of which 5,575 were positive and 1,359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 85% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in life sim games.
7.8
5,575
1,359
-85%
18.68€
2.80€
3. 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 85% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in life sim games.
7.8
3,698
929
-85%
20.00€
3.00€
4. 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 3,427 reviews of which 2,997 were positive and 430 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for life sim games.
8.4
2,997
430
-84%
20.06€
3.21€
5. 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 4,008 reviews of which 3,016 were positive and 992 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 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.
7.3
3,016
992
-81%
20.32€
3.86€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.0
575
213
-81%
25.42€
4.83€
7. 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 7,452 reviews of which 4,572 were positive and 2,880 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for life sim games.
6.1
4,572
2,880
-81%
30.21€
5.74€
8. 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 43,137 reviews of which 39,556 were positive and 3,581 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 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.
9
39,556
3,581
-80%
29.99€
5.99€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.6
2,721
749
-80%
4.99€
0.99€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for life sim games.
7.4
287
75
-80%
9.75€
1.95€
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 19th 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 32,520 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
32,520
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 4,928, 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
4,928
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 217, this life sim game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free life sim games on Steam.
9.5
10,048
225
217
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 135 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
135
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
25
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.6
332
26
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 life sim games on Steam.
8.2
1,268
198
2
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.8
752
54
1
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free life sim games on Steam.
8.4
572
64
1
players
10. Accident: The Pilot
Become a journalist who researches old car accident cases. Help victims and perform first aid, obtain evidence and reconstruct the events to discover what really happened. Accident: The Pilot is a simulation, indie and singleplayer game developed by Duality Games and Glob Games Studio and published by Duality Games and PlayWay S.A.. Released on July 16th 2020 has received 796 reviews of which 551 were positive and 245 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
551
245
1
players