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
Landlord's Super
Your quintessential construction simulator is here. Take a dodgy loan, restore a property, move in the locals, attend to their grievances, then celebrate with a pint in this fully-simulated, open-world 1980's Britain.
Barista Simulator
Barista Simulator, master the art of brewing with over 30 coffee recipes. Start with a basic setup, upgrade your café, manage your staff, and build your very own coffee haven. Are you ready for the ultimate coffee journey?
Dungeon Village 2
Recruit adventurers and monsters to create your own RRG-style town!
The Ranch of Rivershine
Saddle up and build your own horse ranch! Raise foals, care for your horses and train them as you explore the western wilderness! Participate in cross country competitions and become your town's champion. Befriend the villagers who'll help you on your adventure at the Ranch of Rivershine!
Car Dealership Simulator
Car Dealership Simulator is an extremely comprehensive and detailed car dealership business simulation game.
Room of Depression
"Same encounter, different world." Moon is a young woman who lives an ordinary city life as an office worker. However, because she suffers from depression, she reacts and deals with things in a way that is very different from regular city folk.
G.O.P.O.T.A
And you're a chubby guy?
Roots of Pacha
The charming and relaxing stone-age farming sim where you live in a thriving community exploring the wonderful world of Pacha. Discover "ideas," domesticate crops, befriend animals, and help your village grow. Play co-op with friends or explore the early days of civilization in single-player.
Volcano Princess
Prepare the next monarch by finding her hobbies, training her for battle, and befriending the citizens she'll one day protect. Dive into an all-new parenting-simulator-RPG adventure, where every decision you make will not only affect the future of your daughter but that of an entire empire!
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!
Big Ambitions
Big Ambitions is a revolutionary role-playing business sim. Go from nothing to the biggest entrepreneur in New York by opening small businesses or slowly building huge corporations any way you like.
24 Killers
Explore a desert island full of oddities, transform into monsters you've rescued, collect mysterious spirits, and unlock mods that change up future playthroughs.
Hotel Renovator
Unleash your inner designer and renovate the hotel of your dreams! Embark on a makeover journey to turn this worn-out place into a successful getaway. Play with thousands of furniture pieces and accessories, and manage the hotel to get 5-star reviews!
Final Profit: A Shop RPG
FINAL PROFIT is a story driven shop-sim RPG. Gather products and find customers. Spend your hard-earned profits on upgrades and investments. Make far-reaching choices as you expand your business. And explore a world full of secrets on your quest to defeat capitalism by becoming the best at it!
Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator
Create and manage your dream restaurant! Menus, purchasing, décor, staff, equipment, customers… and don't forget the actual cooking! Experience the daily life of a restaurateur and earn your awards from the Michelin Guide.
The Pioneers: Surviving Desolation
Deep and innovative space survival simulation experience. Build your station, manage your crew and explore the harsh environment of Io, the innermost moon of Jupiter. Are you brave enough to survive?
Writer's Life
In "Writer's Life", the player will play a novel lover, open their career as a novel writer. The hardships of writing, the anxiety of shelving a new book will bring you a new and exciting experience.
Insomnia: Theater in the Head
Hickory dickory dock. The city's deep in sleep. The clock's ticking. The sheep's bouncing. Hickory dickory dock. The girl tosses again, only with more things swarming into her head... In this Point & Click puzzle game "Insomnia", the show in the head is rolling on again. Alas, any sleep tonight...
Aka
Find inner peace in a small, open-world game. On these carefully handcrafted islands, you can take a nap on a giant monster, feed baby dragons, take care of the fauna and flora... ...but demons from your past might come back to remind you what you want to forget.
Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator
Potion Craft is an alchemist simulator where you physically interact with your tools and ingredients to brew potions. You're in full control of the whole shop: invent new recipes, attract customers and experiment to your heart's content. Just remember: the whole town is counting on you.
Alchemy Garden
Craft magic potions and sell them in your own alchemy shop! Explore the world and harvest plants to discover new recipes! Take care of your own garden of alchemy and decorate the shop as you like!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