Discounted Simulation 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 simulation games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free simulation games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
PULSAR: Lost Colony
The co-op open-world space sim where everyone has a role! Pilot the ship. Reroute power. Launch nukes. Explore alien planets. Research new talents. Work together to find the Lost Colony! ...or just deliver some biscuits
Spellcaster University
Develop a prestigious university of mages. Build rooms, train your students, fight orcs, slay the bureaucrats, manage your budget... a director's life is not a quiet one.
WE ARE FOOTBALL
Lead your football club through national championships and to international stardom. Take over an established men’s or women’s team of your choice as its manager or bring a small team into the big league.
Tennis Elbow 4
Created by and for tennis fans, Tennis Elbow 4 is the sequel of TE2013, and offers a tennis simulation with an easy and intuitive learning curve, but with exceptional gameplay depth.
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.
BORIS RUSSIAN BEAR
You play as a Russian soldier who is trying to defend the border of his homeland from foreign invaders.
Going Medieval
Build and manage your own castle settlement in a land reclaimed by wilderness. With detailed management, survival strategy, and a moddable sandbox world, Going Medieval challenges you to build the mightiest colony this side of the apocalypse.
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
The year is 3015. The battlefields are dominated by war machines known as BattleMechs. Level entire cities and decimate the enemy in your BattleMech. Follow a quest for glory and revenge. Manage an expanding mercenary company. Fight alongside your friends with a four-player PvE co-op.
Imagine Earth
Build your own global colonies on distant worlds. Manage energy and resource supplies and produce goods for space trade. Form economic and diplomatic alliances or take over competing corporations. Conduct research to protect your colonists from disasters and avoid a climate crisis.
Mind Scanners
Greetings. Your Mind Scanner request has been approved. Your duty is to diagnose and treat the citizens of The Structure. The patient list is long so don't waste your time. We’ll let you see your daughter soon...
Just Die Already
Just Die Already is an old people mayhem sandbox game created by the designers of Goat Simulator. You are old and angry and you've just been kicked out of your retirement home. How will you survive in a world that wants you to Just Die Already?
Siege Survival: Gloria Victis
A medieval city under siege and a handful of civilians are all that keep the walls from falling. Mixing survival strategy and resource management, build your camp, craft supplies, and scavenge the occupied city to supply the last troops holding back the invaders.
Galactic Mining Corp
Galactic Mining Corp is a unique rogue-lite, action game with crafting and base building mechanics. Head into uncharted space and discover a universe of locations to exploit for riches! Use your profits to expand your HQ, hire a crazy work force, obtain new drill components and upgrade everything.
SnowRunner
Get ready for the next-generation off-road experience! Drive powerful vehicles and overcome extreme open environments to complete dozens of challenging missions solo or with up to 3 friends!
Before We Leave
Before We Leave is a city building game set in a cozy corner of the universe. Nurture your Peeps and their surroundings while rebuilding and rediscovering civilisation. Settle new lands and planets while avoiding hungry Space Whales.
The Invisible Hand
Want to get rich, quick? Welcome to FERIOS, where you’ll be empowered to pursue wealth and success as a mid-level stockbroker! Your wildest dreams of wealth can come true… at the cost of everything else.
Insurmountable
Confront various terrains as a lonely mountaineer and endure the countless dangers of climbing! Many tough decisions await you in a risky environment. Make your way up and down the mountain, overcoming insurmountable heights!
Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book DX
The definitive edition of the Atelier "Mysterious" series at a new price, with brand new content and various DLCs! "Atelier Sophie" is the 1st instalment: a chance encounter between Sophie and a sentient book Plachta takes them on an adventure to recover Plachta's memories.
Rain on Your Parade
Travel the world as a cute cardboard cloud and ruin everybody's day! Unlock new methods of mischief in over 50 levels, each with unique setting and objectives. This is an adorable schadenfreude simulator!
Simulation games offer players the chance to experience real-life scenarios in a virtual environment. Whether you want to build a thriving city, manage a farm, or pilot a plane, simulation games provide immersive experiences that can be both entertaining and educational. Here are some popular types of simulation games you can explore.
Life Simulation
Games that let you create and manage characters and their lives, like The Sims™ 4.
Vehicle Simulation
Experience driving, flying, or sailing in realistic environments, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition.
City-Building
Design and manage your own city, balancing resources and the needs of your citizens, like in Cities: Skylines.
Farming Simulation
Grow crops, raise animals, and manage your farm in games like Farming Simulator 25.
Each game offers unique gameplay mechanics and challenges, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
How to Find More Simulation Games
If you’re eager to explore even more simulation games, our site makes it easy! Use the category filters to narrow down your search. You can look for tags like "multiplayer" for games to play with friends or "realistic" for those that focus on authentic experiences. This way, you can quickly find games that match your interests.
Tips for Choosing the Right Simulation Game
Consider your interests
Think about what aspects of simulation you enjoy most. Do you prefer building and management, or are you more into exploration and adventure?
Look for games with strong community support
Games that have active communities often provide additional content, mods, and tips that can enhance your experience.
Check for user reviews
Reading reviews can give you insight into the game’s quality, gameplay experience, and any potential issues.
What are the best simulation games for beginners?
If you’re new to simulation games, consider starting with Stardew Valley or Two Point Hospital. Both are user-friendly and offer tutorials to help you get started.
What makes a simulation game great?
A great simulation game typically features engaging mechanics, a well-designed user interface, and a balance between challenge and fun. Realism and depth can also enhance the overall experience.
With a wide variety of options available, you’re sure to find a game that captivates you and provides hours of entertainment. Don’t forget to check back regularly for updates, as new games are released and ratings change. Happy gaming, and enjoy building, managing, and exploring in your virtual worlds!
Most played simulation games on Steam
Take a look at the top simulation games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 20th 2025.
1. Schedule I
From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more. Schedule I is a simulation, co-op and crime game developed and published by TVGS. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 145,504 reviews of which 143,373 were positive and 2,131 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played simulation game, thanks to its 202,137 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
143,373
2,131
202,137
players
2. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 743,117 reviews of which 473,366 were positive and 269,751 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. While seeing 47,423 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among simulation games based on player count.
6.4
473,366
269,751
47,423
players
3. 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. While seeing 44,542 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among simulation games based on player count.
8.9
19,655
2,019
44,542
players
4. Euro Truck Simulator 2
Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a driving, transportation and simulation game developed and published by SCS Software. Released on October 12th 2012 has received 856,516 reviews of which 833,891 were positive and 22,625 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 25,266 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.7
833,891
22,625
25,266
players
5. 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. With 18,290 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.6
305,852
8,138
18,290
players
6. Crusader Kings III
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages. Crusader Kings III is a strategy, medieval and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 124,131 reviews of which 112,162 were positive and 11,969 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 18,017 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.9
112,162
11,969
18,017
players
7. 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. With 16,910 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.2
26,176
5,243
16,910
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played simulation games.
7.4
20,433
6,872
14,881
players
9. Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,505 reviews of which 115,574 were positive and 17,931 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 14,505 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played simulation games.
8.6
115,574
17,931
14,505
players
10. Arma 3
Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploying a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, and limitless opportunities for content creation, this is the PC’s premier military game. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war. Arma 3 is a military, action and multiplayer game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on September 12th 2013 has received 281,552 reviews of which 254,591 were positive and 26,961 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 11,437 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played simulation games.
9.0
254,591
26,961
11,437
players
Best deals on simulation games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of simulation 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 simulation games.
1. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter
Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter brings you an authentic and historically accurate destroyer simulation along with gripping anti-submarine warfare set in the turmoils of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter is a simulation, naval combat and world war ii game developed by Iron Wolf Studio S.A. and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2023 has received 1,023 reviews of which 773 were positive and 250 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for simulation category.
7.2
773
250
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. Automobilista
AUTOMOBILISTA places you in the driving seat of an advanced racing simulator, featuring elite brazilian racing series along with a wide range of racing vehicles and international tracks for a uniquely diverse motorsports experience. Automobilista is a racing, simulation and automobile sim game developed and published by Reiza Studios. Released on August 24th 2016 has received 2,416 reviews of which 2,178 were positive and 238 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in simulation games.
8.6
2,178
238
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
3. Field of Glory II
Field of Glory II is a turn-based tactical game set during the Rise of Rome from 280 BC to 25 BC. Field of Glory II is a strategy, simulation and turn-based strategy game developed by Byzantine Games and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 1,148 reviews of which 954 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in simulation games.
7.9
954
194
-96%
30.00€
1.20€
4. Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator
Garden Life is a relaxing gardening game in which you create your dream garden in a peaceful, colourful world. Plant and add ornaments at your own pace, transforming an overgrown forgotten plot into a flourishing community garden. Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator is a relaxing, simulation and cozy game developed by stillalive studios and published by Nacon. Released on February 22nd 2024 has received 1,180 reviews of which 906 were positive and 274 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for simulation games.
7.4
906
274
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
5. Railroad Corporation
Relive the pioneering spirit of the Golden Age of Steam by establishing your own railroad empire across 19th century North America. Bring settlements together, produce and trade goods and develop new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Want more? RAILROAD CORPORATION 2 Out Now! Railroad Corporation is a strategy, trains and management game developed by Corbie Games and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on November 18th 2019 has received 1,376 reviews of which 1,019 were positive and 357 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for simulation games.
7.1
1,019
357
-96%
34.25€
1.37€
6. 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. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for simulation games.
7.0
988
385
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
7. The Pale Beyond
You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond. The Pale Beyond is a resource management, survival and choices matter game developed by Bellular Studios and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on February 24th 2023 has received 1,814 reviews of which 1,615 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.5
1,615
199
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
8. Terraformers
Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one! Terraformers is a simulation, procedural generation and survival game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 3,222 reviews of which 2,842 were positive and 380 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.5
2,842
380
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
9. 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 1,140 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.2
1,140
190
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
10. PGA TOUR 2K21
Play against the pros. Play with your crew. In PGA TOUR 2K21, you can play by the rules or create your own featuring a new PGA TOUR Career Mode, licensed courses and more! Powered by The Golf Club. PGA TOUR 2K21 is a sports, simulation and local multiplayer game developed by HB Studios Multimedia Ltd. and published by 2K. Released on August 20th 2020 has received 7,605 reviews of which 6,374 were positive and 1,231 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for simulation games.
8.2
6,374
1,231
-95%
63.40€
3.17€
Free simulation games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play simulation 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 simulation games.
1. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea. War Thunder is a free to play, simulation and vehicular combat game developed by Gaijin Entertainment and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 743,117 reviews of which 473,366 were positive and 269,751 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 47,423 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free simulation games on Steam.
6.4
473,366
269,751
47,423
players
2. Revolution Idle
Join an experience where each revolution takes you further into the unknown! Revolution Idle challenges you to multiply your accumulators to reach unimaginable heights. Will you manage to reach infinity? Revolution Idle is a casual, simulation and idler game developed by Oni Gaming and Nu Games and published by Oni Gaming. Released on October 11th 2024 has received 3,526 reviews of which 3,002 were positive and 524 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 8,229, this simulation game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free simulation games on Steam.
8.2
3,002
524
8,229
players
3. 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 63,629 reviews of which 60,450 were positive and 3,179 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 7,009, this simulation game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free simulation games on Steam.
9.3
60,450
3,179
7,009
players
4. Unnamed Space Idle
Destroy endless waves of alien ships that have all but wiped out humanity in this long form, unfolding, sci-fi idle game. Customize your ship with different weapons and defenses to defeat specific enemy types and utilize a ton of different systems to increase your overall power. Unnamed Space Idle is a idler, casual and free to play game developed by Sylv and published by Jdog Corp. Released on July 27th 2023 has received 2,694 reviews of which 2,508 were positive and 186 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,471 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.9
2,508
186
4,471
players
5. Aimlabs
Aimlabs is the aim trainer of choice for over 40 Million players, from beginners to esports pros. Our unique aim analysis optimizes your gameplay, targets your weaknesses & builds key skills for any FPS game! Time to warm up with our unlimited scenarios & rank up in-game! Aimlabs is a free to play, fps and shooter game developed and published by State Space Labs and Inc.. Released on June 16th 2023 has received 84,332 reviews of which 79,517 were positive and 4,815 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,908 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
9.3
79,517
4,815
2,908
players
6. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends is a clicker, free to play and simulation game developed and published by Computer Lunch. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 23,288 reviews of which 20,937 were positive and 2,351 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,725 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.8
20,937
2,351
2,725
players
7. Fishing Planet
Fishing Planet® is a free-to-play and highly realistic first-person online multiplayer fishing simulator. Developed by avid fishing enthusiasts to bring you the full thrill of actual angling on your PC. Fishing Planet is a fishing, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by Fishing Planet LLC. Released on August 28th 2017 has received 64,354 reviews of which 55,863 were positive and 8,491 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,290 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.6
55,863
8,491
2,290
players
8. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle
Pick up your sword and fight off waves of Potatoes by upgrading your stats constantly, use Equipment, choose between different Classes, put your many Talents to good use, and so much more designed to keep you entertained for a long time. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Oni Gaming. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 7,010 reviews of which 6,689 were positive and 321 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,161 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
9.2
6,689
321
2,161
players
9. Idling to Rule the Gods
Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play Idle-Game with a lot of content and some Minigames. Depending on your play-style, you can play it fast or slow. Either way it can be fun for hundreds of hours! Idling to Rule the Gods is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by Shugasu GmbH. Released on May 27th 2016 has received 1,889 reviews of which 1,616 were positive and 273 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,226 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
8.2
1,616
273
1,226
players
10. Incremental Epic Hero 2
A mixture of incremental/idle and roleplaying game set in fantasy world filled with monsters and things to explore, where battling is constant, almost everything can be upgraded, and with wide array of various prestige mechanics to always keep things interesting and moving forward! Incremental Epic Hero 2 is a simulation, idler and rpg game developed by Hapiwaku and published by Idle System and Inc.. Released on January 02nd 2025 has received 1,376 reviews of which 981 were positive and 395 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,126 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free simulation games on Steam.
6.9
981
395
1,126
players