Best Management 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 management games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free management games are available at the bottom of the page.

Filters & Lists

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European...

Price -81% 3.85€
Rating 8.3
Release 23 Sep 2008

X-COM: UFO Defense

You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.

Price -75% 1.24€
Rating 9.1
Release 04 Sep 2008

X-COM: Apocalypse

There's something evil in the city tonight... Earth has been ravaged by human excess, petty conflict and alien invasion. The world's population has been herded into huge cities, the first of which was Mega Primus. 2084: A Utopia shattered, social collapse and civil unrest reigns in Mega Primus. Fiendish aliens terrorize the city.

Price -75% 1.24€
Rating 8.3
Release 04 Sep 2008

Children of the Nile: Enhanced Edition

Children of the Nile™ is a unique gem of a city-building game, unparalleled in both grandeur and attention to detail.As Pharaoh you will guide your people through thousands of years of history: from simple hunter-gatherers to the creation of an immortal civilization.

Price 6.99€
Rating 7.9
Release 08 Jul 2008

Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword

Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit.

Price 9.99€
Rating 9.3
Release 24 Jul 2007

X-COM: Terror From the Deep

The war continues... X-COM: UFO Defense brought you to a galactic battlefield. X-COM: Terror from the Deep brings the alien terror into a totally new dimension.Seeking to take advantage of a weakened Earth, X-COM's deep space foes unexpectedly change strategy and launch a powerful second front against planet Earth.

Price -75% 1.24€
Rating 8.6
Release 04 May 2007

Railroad Tycoon II Platinum

Includes Railroad Tycoon II and the expansion The Second Century It can take you from New York to South Africa. It can take you from the year 1804 to the year 2000. It can take you from penniless manual laborer to powerful multi-millionaire.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 04 May 2007

Railroad Tycoon 3

Railroad Tycoon 3 features 25 scenarios challenging players to recreate magnificent feats of railroading history from around the world. Players can lay track (including tunnels and overpasses), pick from over 40 locomotives from early steams to modern bullets, choose to haul over 35 types of cargo in a dynamic economy, and participate in...

Price 9.99€
Rating 7.4
Release 04 May 2007

Sid Meier's Railroads!

Sid Meier's Railroads! marks the return of the watershed title in simulation/strategy gaming that launched the popular "tycoon" genre, and inspired a new generation of games. Sid Meier's Railroads!

Price 9.99€
Rating 6.9
Release 04 May 2007

Ghost Master®

Grim spectres, howling banshees, and sly gremlins are yours to command as you unleash ghastly spirits on the town of Gravenville and scare the wits out of its citizens. In the world of the Ghost Master, spooks do your bidding, as you solve puzzles and unlock mysteries in a challenge that combines the best of strategy, adventure, and...

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 21 Dec 2006

Sid Meier's Civilization® IV

With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...

Price 19.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 25 Oct 2006

DEFCON

Inspired by the 1983 cult classic film, Wargames, DEFCON superbly evokes the tension, paranoia and suspicion of the Cold War era, playing on the fascinating aspects of psychological gameplay that occur during strategic nuclear warfare.

Price 9.75€
Rating 8.4
Release 29 Sep 2006

Insaniquarium Deluxe

The craziest aquarium game ever! Tend to your fish, keep them happy and they'll reward you with coins and jewels. Buy tank upgrades or egg parts which hatch different in-tank pets. These pets can help you feed your fish, collect coins, or even protect against the aliens that will invade your tank.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.3
Release 30 Aug 2006

Stronghold 2: Steam Edition

Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.6
Release -

Most played management games on Steam

Take a look at the top management games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.

1. Football Manager 2024

Build a world-class team ready to dominate your rivals in football’s most prestigious competitions. Progress never stops when you’re pursuing footballing greatness. Football Manager 2024 is a simulation, sports and management game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on November 06th 2023 has received 21,674 reviews of which 19,655 were positive and 2,019 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played management game, thanks to its 33,291 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.9
19,655
2,019

33,291
players

2. IdleOn - The Idle RPG

Create different classes who all work together when you're gone! When you return, spend their loot on powerful upgrades and synergies - but don't be fooled by the simple graphics, IdleOn gets more complex with each World Boss you defeat! IdleOn - The Idle RPG is a idler, pixel graphics and mmorpg game developed and published by Lavaflame2. Released on April 02nd 2021 has received 20,791 reviews of which 16,530 were positive and 4,261 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. While seeing 12,352 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among management games based on player count.
7.8
16,530
4,261

12,352
players

3. Cities: Skylines

Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city simulation. The game introduces new game play elements to realize the thrill and hardships of creating and maintaining a real city whilst expanding on some well-established tropes of the city building experience. Cities: Skylines is a city builder, simulation and building game developed by Colossal Order Ltd. and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on March 10th 2015 has received 273,442 reviews of which 254,189 were positive and 19,253 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 6,037 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among management games based on player count.
9.2
254,189
19,253

6,037
players

4. Supermarket Together

The multiplayer supermarket has arrived to your neighbourhood for free! Stock your shop space, unlock perks and franchises, hire employees or chase those pesky shoplifters. The more players, the more action! Supermarket Together is a simulation, online co-op and multiplayer game developed and published by DeadDevsTellNoLies. Released on August 09th 2024 has received 62,815 reviews of which 59,688 were positive and 3,127 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 4,785 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played management games.
9.3
59,688
3,127

4,785
players

5. DAVE THE DIVER

DAVE THE DIVER is a casual, singleplayer adventure RPG featuring deep-sea exploration and fishing during the day and sushi restaurant management at night. Join Dave and his quirky friends as they seek to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Blue Hole. DAVE THE DIVER is a pixel graphics, casual and management game developed and published by MINTROCKET. Released on June 28th 2023 has received 125,370 reviews of which 121,796 were positive and 3,574 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 4,714 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played management games.
9.6
121,796
3,574

4,714
players

6. Supermarket Simulator

Run your own supermarket. Stock shelves, set prices as you'd like, take payments, hire staff, expand and design your store. Online orders & delivery, shoplifters, security, local market are upcoming. Supermarket Simulator is a simulation, management and economy game developed and published by Nokta Games. Released on February 20th 2024 has received 66,396 reviews of which 62,337 were positive and 4,059 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 3,587 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played management games.
9.2
62,337
4,059

3,587
players

7. Planet Zoo

Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them. Planet Zoo is a management, simulation and building game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on November 05th 2019 has received 86,491 reviews of which 78,784 were positive and 7,707 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 3,289 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played management games.
9.0
78,784
7,707

3,289
players

8. Manor Lords

Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall. Manor Lords is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Slavic Magic and published by Hooded Horse. Released on April 26th 2024 has received 70,300 reviews of which 60,884 were positive and 9,416 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,124 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played management games.
8.5
60,884
9,416

2,124
players

9. Clicker Heroes

Ever wondered what one quadrillion damage per second feels like? Wonder no more! Embark on your quest to attain it today! Clicker Heroes is a clicker, idler and casual game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on May 13th 2015 has received 61,156 reviews of which 54,871 were positive and 6,285 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 2,095 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played management games.
8.8
54,871
6,285

2,095
players

10. TCG Card Shop Simulator

Open your own local game store. Stock shelves with the latest booster packs, or crack them and collect the cards for yourself. Set your own prices, hire staff, host events, and expand your card shop. TCG Card Shop Simulator is a simulation, management and economy game developed and published by OPNeon Games. Released on September 15th 2024 has received 38,503 reviews of which 37,464 were positive and 1,039 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 2,010 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played management games.
9.5
37,464
1,039

2,010
players

Best deals on management games on Steam

Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of management 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 management games.

1. Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master

A dungeon in danger ! Build, manage, and defend your tower in the satirical heroic fantasy universe of Dungeon of Naheulbeuk. From a shaky establishment to an infamous lair! Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master is a management, simulation and funny game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Dear Villagers. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,373 reviews of which 988 were positive and 385 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for management category.
7.0
988
385

-96% 25.00€ 1.00€

2. Lords and Villeins

Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy! Lords and Villeins is a colony sim, strategy and city builder game developed by Honestly Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on November 10th 2022 has received 865 reviews of which 626 were positive and 239 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in management games.
6.9
626
239

-96% 27.50€ 1.10€

3. Eastside Hockey Manager

EHM offers fans the most realistic, in-depth and immersive simulation of hockey management available, giving them the chance to manage either club or country in any of the world’s top hockey-playing nations. Eastside Hockey Manager is a hockey, sports and simulation game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on December 01st 2015 has received 1,330 reviews of which 1,139 were positive and 191 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in management games.
8.2
1,139
191

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

4. Arcade Paradise

Manage profits, pick up gum, do the laundry and get coin to unlock arcade units and flip the family laundromat business to become an Arcade Paradise! Arcade Paradise is a adventure, arcade and management game developed by Nosebleed Interactive and published by Wired Productions. Released on August 11th 2022 has received 1,708 reviews of which 1,394 were positive and 314 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for management games.
7.8
1,394
314

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

5. Pro Cycling Manager 2021

Manage one of 80 teams in over 260 races and 700 stages. From strategy to recruitment, it's up to you alone to make the best decisions. Experience more realism and authenticity with the new features added for 2021. Pro Cycling Manager 2021 is a simulation, multiplayer and singleplayer game developed by Cyanide Studio and published by Nacon. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 619 reviews of which 490 were positive and 129 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for management games.
7.5
490
129

-95% 39.40€ 1.97€

6. Honey, I Joined a Cult

It's time to start working towards that ultimate goal of enlightenment, faith and money…lots and lots of money! Become the ultimate tycoon - create, customise, and manage your own cult whilst listening to funky music. Welcome to Honey, I Joined a Cult! Honey, I Joined a Cult is a simulation, base-building and resource management game developed by Sole Survivor Games and published by Team17. Released on November 03rd 2022 has received 1,713 reviews of which 1,268 were positive and 445 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for management games.
7.2
1,268
445

-95% 23.40€ 1.17€

7. TransOcean: The Shipping Company

TransOcean – The Shipping Company is your ticket to the world of gigantic ships and transnational transport empires. Build a mighty fleet of modern merchant ships and conquer the seven seas. TransOcean: The Shipping Company is a simulation, strategy and management game developed by Deck13 Hamburg and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on September 23rd 2014 has received 1,266 reviews of which 937 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for management games.
7.1
937
329

-95% 20.00€ 1.00€

8. Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!

Cook, serve and manage your food truck as you dish out hundreds of different foods across war-torn America in this massive sequel to the million-selling series! Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?! is a typing, management and difficult game developed and published by Vertigo Gaming Inc.. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 2,135 reviews of which 1,942 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for management games.
8.7
1,942
193

-94% 16.67€ 1.00€

9. Snowtopia: Ski Resort Builder

Build your ideal ski resort. Keep skiers smiling with fresh pistes and fine facilities. Ski, build and chill in the wintry world of Snowtopia where everyone is welcome! Snowtopia: Ski Resort Builder is a simulation, building and management game developed by TeaForTwo and published by Goblinz Publishing and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on December 14th 2022 has received 1,162 reviews of which 713 were positive and 449 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for management games.
6
713
449

-94% 19.83€ 1.19€

10. Bomber Crew

Chocks away! Bomber Crew is a strategic simulation game, where picking the right crew and keeping your bomber in tip top shape is the difference between completing your mission or losing it all! USAAF DLC NOW AVAILABLE! FLY THE ICONIC AMERICAN BOMBER! Bomber Crew is a world war ii, simulation and strategy game developed by Runner Duck and published by Curve Games. Released on October 19th 2017 has received 14,534 reviews of which 12,757 were positive and 1,777 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for management games.
8.6
12,757
1,777

-93% 16.14€ 1.13€

Free management games on Steam

Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play management 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 management games.

1. IdleOn - The Idle RPG

Create different classes who all work together when you're gone! When you return, spend their loot on powerful upgrades and synergies - but don't be fooled by the simple graphics, IdleOn gets more complex with each World Boss you defeat! IdleOn - The Idle RPG is a idler, pixel graphics and mmorpg game developed and published by Lavaflame2. Released on April 02nd 2021 has received 20,791 reviews of which 16,530 were positive and 4,261 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 12,352 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free management games on Steam.
7.8
16,530
4,261

12,352
players

2. Supermarket Together

The multiplayer supermarket has arrived to your neighbourhood for free! Stock your shop space, unlock perks and franchises, hire employees or chase those pesky shoplifters. The more players, the more action! Supermarket Together is a simulation, online co-op and multiplayer game developed and published by DeadDevsTellNoLies. Released on August 09th 2024 has received 62,815 reviews of which 59,688 were positive and 3,127 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 4,785, this management game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free management games on Steam.
9.3
59,688
3,127

4,785
players

3. Clicker Heroes

Ever wondered what one quadrillion damage per second feels like? Wonder no more! Embark on your quest to attain it today! Clicker Heroes is a clicker, idler and casual game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on May 13th 2015 has received 61,156 reviews of which 54,871 were positive and 6,285 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 2,095, this management game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free management games on Steam.
8.8
54,871
6,285

2,095
players

4. AdVenture Capitalist

Welcome, eager young investor, to AdVenture Capitalist! Arguably the world's greatest Capitalism simulator! AdVenture Capitalist is a clicker, idler and management game developed and published by Hyper Hippo Games. Released on March 30th 2015 has received 58,912 reviews of which 51,759 were positive and 7,153 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,379 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free management games on Steam.
8.7
51,759
7,153

1,379
players

5. Idle Cave Miner

Idle Cave Miner is an idle game about crafting items, mining gems, and building your team of miners. Prestige, craft, and travel to other mines to increase your strength to dig deeper, and find what lurks below. Idle Cave Miner is a idler, clicker and mining game developed and published by Cold Hours. Released on December 07th 2023 has received 664 reviews of which 538 were positive and 126 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 734 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free management games on Steam.
7.7
538
126

734
players

6. Soccer Manager 2025

Manage elite football clubs and lead your dream team as a football manager! Soccer Manager 2025 is a simulation, sports and football (soccer) game developed and published by Invincibles Studio Ltd. Released on October 23rd 2024 has received 1,208 reviews of which 890 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 710 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free management games on Steam.
7.1
890
318

710
players

7. Sim Companies

Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience. Sim Companies is a economy, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Sim Companies s.r.o.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 827 reviews of which 663 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 134 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free management games on Steam.
7.6
663
164

134
players

8. Soccer Manager 2020

Be a top football manager in Soccer Manager 2020. Take a football team to the top and test your management skills against the best, or help a struggling team fight for glory! Soccer Manager 2020 is a free to play, sports and football (soccer) game developed and published by Soccer Manager Ltd. Released on January 29th 2020 has received 1,559 reviews of which 1,190 were positive and 369 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free management games on Steam.
7.4
1,190
369

93
players

9. Soccer Manager 2021

Be a top football manager in Soccer Manager 2021. Take a football team to the top and test your management skills against the best, or help a struggling team fight for glory! Soccer Manager 2021 is a sports, management and free to play game developed and published by Invincibles Studio Ltd. Released on December 16th 2020 has received 2,070 reviews of which 1,541 were positive and 529 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free management games on Steam.
7.2
1,541
529

35
players

10. Tapple - Idle Clicker

Welcome to Tapple, the idle clicker game where every tap brings you closer to an ever-growing collection of Tapples. Build your empire one tap at a time, discover unique Tapple drops, and experience the rewarding gameplay that keeps you coming back for more. Tapple - Idle Clicker is a clicker, 2d and casual game developed and published by Zeeno. Released on June 28th 2024 has received 659 reviews of which 466 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free management games on Steam.
6.8
466
193

19
players