Best Realistic 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 realistic games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free realistic games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Fly Simulator
You work as a waiter and lead an uphill battle for their clients. You pushing back the flies from the food, otherwise you'll never get anything. Maybe you are a hungry insect trying to increase their population? Choose the opposing side. The war is already underway.
Air Missions: HIND
Air Missions: HIND is an action combat flight simulator based on the Russian Mi-24 Hind assault helicopter. You will be deployed to the battlefield either on your own or with a friend.
Cold Waters
Spiritual Successor to the Microprose Classic “Red Storm Rising”.
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam
Red Orchestra Series' take on Vietnam: 64-player MP matches; 20+ maps; US Army & Marines, PAVN/NVA, NLF/VC; Australians and ARVN forces; 50+ weapons; 4 flyable helicopters; mines, traps and tunnels; Brutal. Authentic. Gritty. Character customization. And napalm in the morning.
Steel Division: Normandy 44
Steel Division: Normandy is a tactical real-time strategy (RTS) game that pits players against AI enemies in a single-player campaign -- or against several opponents in massive 10-on-10 multiplayer battles.
Ravenfield
Fight upon the Ravenfield together with your Blue allies! Take down those pesky Reds using helicopters, tanks, guns, and active ragdoll physics!
Tank Warfare: Tunisia 1943
Tank Warfare: Tunisia 1943 - tactical battalion level combat simulation. During the Tunisian Campaign in winter 1943 German Panzer battlegroups launch a counteroffensive against the Allied forces to drive them out of Eastern Dorsal.
Slice, Dice & Rice
Slice Dice & Rice is an indie fighting game with no health bars. Inspired by Bushido Blade, it revolves around the idea of finding an opening in opponents defense and ending the round with a single, clean hit.
Odyssey - The Story of Science
Odyssey is an enchanting and innovative science adventure game. Help Kai and her family escape their captors on the Wretched Islands - and learn the history of astronomy, mechanics, and scientific reasoning as you read Kai's journal and solve puzzles along the way!
Late Shift
Late Shift is a high stakes FMV crime thriller. Forced into a brutal London heist, your choices matter in this interactive cinematic experience with adaptable storylines that lead to one of seven conclusions. Your decisions are you.
Containment Initiative
Containment Initiative is a local co-op VR shooter which can be played by two people on the same PC. Kill zombies alone in VR or have a friend cover you by using the mouse and keyboard. Features include realistic weapon reloading as well as a variety of unlockable guns, upgrades, and loot to find.
Soccer Online: Ball 3D
Soccer simulator. Control one player and kick the ball high or low, hard or lightly, curve, dribble and perform tricks. Play online or with bots. Join over a million players who have already played. Buy now and have fun or wishlist for later.
X-Plane 11
The future of flight simulation is now! X-Plane 11 is the detailed, realistic, and modern simulator you’ve been waiting for. Intuitive user interface, 3-D cockpits, new effects, 3-D sound, living airports and world-wide scenery.
Day of Infamy
Experience close-quarters battles in iconic WWII settings. Defend the line, storm the beach, torch the enemy, or use a radio to call in fire support. Day of Infamy is a teamwork-oriented shooter that will keep you on your toes and coming back for more with its diverse game modes and authentic arsenal.
Train Mechanic Simulator 2017
Take your opportunity as real Train Mechanic. Find locomotives around game world that needs your help and repair them in one of 3 workshops localized in huge 25 km2 open world. You will be face all types of damages in all genres of trains: Diesel, Electric and even Old-School Steam units.
Virtual Rides 3 - Funfair Simulator
Design! Control! Ride! Virtual Rides III is here! Set foot in an even bigger, more colorful, and more impressive fairground than ever before! Let your imagination be your guide! Design, control, and ride more than 15 unique attractions!
Train Sim World® 2020
Train Sim World is an immersive first-person simulator perfect for everyone, with complete in-cab interactivity, accurate detail on locos, real-world routes and hours of gameplay. Take to the rails with the brand-new Train Sim World 2020 Edition and find everything you need to master new skills.
Revhead
Revhead is a car racing simulation game, where you have to build your own race car. You start your journey somewhere in a small village in Australia. You have to think as a real Revhead! You can buy or sell cars and components, fix and tweak your car to make it the fastest around.
Tower!3D Pro
Tower!3D Pro will put you in the position of an airport tower controller, one of the most stressful job on the world!
911 Operator
Game about the difficult work of people that manage emergency lines and services. Answer incoming calls and react properly - give first aid instructions, advise, dispatch correct number of firemen / police / ambulances, or sometimes - just ignore the call. Play on ANY CITY in the world!
Syrian Warfare
Real Time Strategy with a high degree of realism. The game is based on a true story.
theHunter: Call of the Wild™
Discover an atmospheric hunting game like no other in this realistic, stunning open world – regularly updated in collaboration with the community. Immerse yourself in the single player campaign, or share the ultimate hunting experience with friends.
Youtubers Life
Become the most successful youtuber on the planet! Create videos, get subscribers, attend events, interact with your fans… and grow your channel. Live a youtuber’s life!
Gods and Idols
Take the role of a newly ascended deity in Gods and Idols. Carve your place among the stars in an open, dynamic, and massive MMORTS universe. Command the powers of the cosmos, form alliances, and use your worshipers as instruments to further your goals.Most played realistic games on Steam
Take a look at the top realistic games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 20th 2025.
1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
A thrilling story-driven action RPG, with a rich open world, set in 15th century Medieval Europe. Experience the ultimate medieval adventure - through the eyes of young Henry - as you embark on a journey of epic proportions. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a rpg, medieval and open world game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver. Released on February 04th 2025 has received 92,920 reviews of which 87,384 were positive and 5,536 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played realistic game, thanks to its 20,295 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.3
87,384
5,536
20,295
players
2. BeamNG.drive
A dynamic soft-body physics vehicle simulator capable of doing just about anything. BeamNG.drive is a simulation, driving and physics game developed and published by BeamNG. Released on May 29th 2015 has received 313,990 reviews of which 305,852 were positive and 8,138 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 18,290 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among realistic games based on player count.
9.6
305,852
8,138
18,290
players
3. Farming Simulator 25
Farming Simulator 25 invites you to join the rewarding farm life, single-handedly or cooperatively in multiplayer. This Farm is Your Farm! Farming Simulator 25 is a simulation, farming sim and realistic game developed and published by Giants Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 31,419 reviews of which 26,176 were positive and 5,243 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 16,910 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among realistic games based on player count.
8.2
26,176
5,243
16,910
players
4. Arma Reforger
Experience authentic Cold War combat and join the struggle for the sprawling, mid-Atlantic island of Everon and its smaller, offshore territory, Arland – or take on the role of Game Master and create your very own scenarios for others to enjoy. Arma Reforger is a military, simulation and action game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 27,305 reviews of which 20,433 were positive and 6,872 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 14,881 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played realistic games.
7.4
20,433
6,872
14,881
players
5. Squad
Squad is a tactical FPS that provides authentic combat experiences through teamwork, communication, and realistic combat. It bridges the gap between arcade shooter and military realism with 100-player battles, combined-arms warfare, and base building. Squad is a military, realistic and fps game developed and published by Offworld. Released on September 23rd 2020 has received 206,309 reviews of which 171,341 were positive and 34,968 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 10,639 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.2
171,341
34,968
10,639
players
6. Ready or Not
Ready or Not is an intense, tactical, first-person shooter that depicts a modern-day world in which SWAT police units are called to defuse hostile and confronting situations. Ready or Not is a tactical, realistic and fps game developed by and published by Void Interactive. Released on December 13th 2023 has received 229,302 reviews of which 204,210 were positive and 25,092 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 10,477 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.8
204,210
25,092
10,477
players
7. Hell Let Loose
Join the ever expanding experience of Hell Let Loose - a hardcore World War Two first person shooter with epic battles of 100 players with infantry, tanks, artillery, a dynamically shifting front line and a unique resource based RTS-inspired meta-game. Hell Let Loose is a shooter, realistic and world war ii game developed and published by Team17. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 136,525 reviews of which 112,491 were positive and 24,034 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 5,833 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.2
112,491
24,034
5,833
players
8. 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. With 5,760 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.1
14,911
3,173
5,760
players
9. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Story-driven open-world RPG that immerses you in an epic adventure in the Holy Roman Empire. Avenge your parents' death as you battle invading forces, go on game-changing quests, and make influential choices. Explore castles, forests, villages and other realistic settings in medieval Bohemia! Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a medieval, rpg and open world game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Warhorse Studios and Deep Silver. Released on February 13th 2018 has received 159,898 reviews of which 134,371 were positive and 25,527 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 5,556 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played realistic games.
8.3
134,371
25,527
5,556
players
10. Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition
From gliders and helicopters to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and accurate aircraft in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition. The world is at your fingertips. Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition is a simulation, flight and realistic game developed by Asobo Studio and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on August 17th 2020 has received 64,829 reviews of which 51,161 were positive and 13,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 4,584 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played realistic games.
7.8
51,161
13,668
4,584
players
Best deals on realistic games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of realistic games available on Steam right now, updated on April 20th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted realistic games.
1. Tin Can
You've barely managed to escape your exploding spaceship. Now in an old escape pod, you hurtle through space at the mercy of the cosmos. With no knowledge of the pod’s complex systems, your life depends on a technical manual and your own wits. How long can you survive? Tin Can is a simulation, space and survival game developed by Tin Can Studio and published by Tin Can Studio and IndieArk. Released on May 12th 2022 has received 1,175 reviews of which 995 were positive and 180 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for realistic category.
8.1
995
180
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
2. Starsand
Starsand is a mystic survival game set among the dunes of an arcane desert. An open-world full of danger, vast environments and mysterious happenings await you! Explore, hunt, craft, build – and SURVIVE. Starsand is a open world survival craft, survival and open world game developed by Tunnel Vision Studio and published by Toplitz Productions. Released on November 17th 2022 has received 1,136 reviews of which 763 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in realistic games.
6.5
763
373
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. 112 Operator
Manage emergency services in any city in the world! Take calls and dispatch rescue forces. Handle difficult situations, now depending on the weather, and traffic. Help the citizens through cataclysms and natural disasters, becoming a better emergency number operator every day! 112 Operator is a simulation, realistic and casual game developed by Jutsu Games and published by Games Operators. Released on April 23rd 2020 has received 6,469 reviews of which 5,790 were positive and 679 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in realistic games.
8.7
5,790
679
-92%
21.75€
1.74€
4. Car Mechanic Simulator 2018
Build and expand your repair service empire in this incredibly detailed and highly realistic simulation game, where attention to car detail is astonishing. Find classic, unique cars in the new Barn Find module and Junkyard module. You can even add your self-made car in the Car Editor. Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is a simulation, automobile sim and driving game developed by Red Dot Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on July 28th 2017 has received 51,274 reviews of which 46,828 were positive and 4,446 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for realistic games.
9.0
46,828
4,446
-91%
19.67€
1.77€
5. Zero Hour
Zero Hour is a tactical FPS with online team-based game play that takes place in a variety of fictional locations interpreted in Bangladesh with Real-life scale & resource management. It brings a grounded, close quarter combat experience to the game. Zero Hour is a tactical, shooter and fps game developed and published by M7 Productions and Attrito. Released on September 09th 2024 has received 30,120 reviews of which 23,965 were positive and 6,155 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for realistic games.
7.8
23,965
6,155
-90%
18.99€
1.89€
6. Giant Machines 2017
Take control over seven of the biggest industrial machines in the world. During the 14 mission campaign you will punch through the snows of Greenland, plow the steppes of Wyoming and travel all the way to sunny Florida. Your hard work will be completed by launching a space shuttle into space. Giant Machines 2017 is a simulation, indie and singleplayer game developed and published by Code Horizon. Released on September 29th 2016 has received 539 reviews of which 390 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for realistic games.
6.9
390
149
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
7. Day of Infamy
Experience close-quarters battles in iconic WWII settings. Defend the line, storm the beach, torch the enemy, or use a radio to call in fire support. Day of Infamy is a teamwork-oriented shooter that will keep you on your toes and coming back for more with its diverse game modes and authentic arsenal. Day of Infamy is a world war ii, fps and multiplayer game developed and published by New World Interactive. Released on March 23rd 2017 has received 22,060 reviews of which 18,188 were positive and 3,872 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for realistic games.
8.1
18,188
3,872
-89%
12.64€
1.39€
8. Tank Mechanic Simulator
Renovate & build II World War tanks. Experience highly detailed & realistic simulation game. Take tanks fully apart by using different tools. Transform them from rusty and ruined to fully working. Check them on the training ground, sell or put into your own museum. Tank Mechanic Simulator is a tanks, simulation and world war ii game developed by DeGenerals S.A. and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on February 20th 2020 has received 8,262 reviews of which 7,307 were positive and 955 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for realistic games.
8.6
7,307
955
-88%
16.83€
2.02€
9. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator
Fresh Start is a relaxing single player game, in which you embark on a mission to clean up the world and restore nature to its fresh and colorful shape. Watch as the world changes in front of your eyes as you help animals, solve puzzles and grow plants around you. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator is a first-person, 3d and realistic game developed by Chicken Launcher and published by Awaken Realms. Released on December 20th 2022 has received 1,835 reviews of which 1,609 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for realistic games.
8.4
1,609
226
-88%
8.33€
1.00€
10. Train Life: A Railway Simulator
For the first time in railroad simulation, play as both the driver and company director! Take the controls of your locomotives and grow your railway empire by negotiating deals and developing your network. Train Life: A Railway Simulator is a simulation, family friendly and realistic game developed by Simteract and published by Nacon. Released on August 25th 2022 has received 1,515 reviews of which 972 were positive and 543 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for realistic games.
6.3
972
543
-88%
20.00€
2.40€
Free realistic games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play realistic games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 20th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play realistic games.
1. RaceRoom Racing Experience
RaceRoom is the premier free-to-play racing simulation on PC and home to official race series like DTM, WTCR, the WTCC and ADAC GT Masters. Enter RaceRoom and enter the world of a professional race car driver. RaceRoom Racing Experience is a free to play, racing and automobile sim game developed by KW Studios and published by KW Studios and RaceRoom Entertainment AG. Released on February 12th 2013 has received 23,280 reviews of which 17,526 were positive and 5,754 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 638 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free realistic games on Steam.
7.4
17,526
5,754
638
players
2. Operation: Harsh Doorstop
Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate, free to play, tactical shooter sandbox. Play singleplayer, multiplayer, or co-op modes and explore thousands of community-created maps, weapons, and vehicles via the Steam Workshop. Created by ex-developers of Squad, Red Orchestra, and Insurgency. Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a free to play, military and multiplayer game developed by Drakeling Labs and published by . Released on February 15th 2023 has received 18,030 reviews of which 13,849 were positive and 4,181 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 221, this realistic game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free realistic games on Steam.
7.5
13,849
4,181
221
players
3. Armored Warfare
Wage war against players around the world with an unstoppable arsenal of powerful armored combat vehicles. Use 300+ vehicles to engage in furious PvP tank combat, complete co-op missions, and crush your enemies on breathtaking maps, from scorching deserts to neon-drenched urban jungles. Armored Warfare is a realistic, shooter and alternate history game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and Wishlist Games and published by Wishlist Games. Released on November 17th 2017 has received 4,867 reviews of which 3,196 were positive and 1,671 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 108, this realistic game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free realistic games on Steam.
6.5
3,196
1,671
108
players
4. Pinball FX
Pinball FX is digital pinball evolved. Get the highest score on tables inspired by the biggest brands in entertainment. New tables arrive frequently! Pinball FX is a free to play, pinball and arcade game developed and published by Zen Studios. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 2,055 reviews of which 1,429 were positive and 626 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
6.8
1,429
626
93
players
5. Intravenous 2: Mercenarism
Playing as Gideon, a cold-hearted mercenary willing to kill for money without any moral principles, you'll have tactical freedom with a wide variety of weapons and special gadgets to complete your mission in the prologue of Intravenous 2. Intravenous 2: Mercenarism is a tactical, realistic and shooter game developed by Explosive Squat Games and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on January 19th 2024 has received 2,635 reviews of which 2,484 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
9.0
2,484
151
5
players
6. Electrician Simulator - First Shock
Learn the ropes from your Dad to become an electrician. Repair and assemble sockets, panels, strips, plugs, chandeliers and even change light bulbs. Oh... and don't mix up the wires! Results might be shocking. Electrician Simulator - First Shock is a simulation, education and singleplayer game developed by Take IT Studio! and published by Gaming Factory and Ultimate Games S.A.. Released on January 06th 2022 has received 1,855 reviews of which 1,496 were positive and 359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
7.8
1,496
359
1
players
7. Engine Evolution 2021
Engine Evolution is a multiplayer racing game that uses principles similar to those of the World of Tanks. With each PvP race against 11 other players, you gain experience and credits, which you can use to buy various upgrades or unlock the next motorbike. Engine Evolution 2021 is a racing, multiplayer and action game developed and published by Petr Šimůnek. Released on January 12th 2022 has received 748 reviews of which 554 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
7.1
554
194
1
players
8. Whiteboyz Wit Attitude: The Pursuit of Money
First there was the Whip/Nae Nae, now it’s time to Wear The Purp with the greatest rappers of all time*! Dance along with the Whiteboyz Wit Attitude in an epic FMV rhythm game, and celebrate the launch of their new album The Pursuit of Money. Whiteboyz Wit Attitude: The Pursuit of Money is a rhythm, fmv and realistic game developed and published by MichaelArts. Released on October 09th 2020 has received 505 reviews of which 476 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free realistic games on Steam.
8.8
476
29