The Best Simulation Games on Steam

The simulation genre on Steam offers a diverse array of experiences that allow players to step into roles ranging from professional truck drivers to planetary colonizers. These titles prioritize immersion and mechanical depth, often replicating real-world processes with meticulous detail and accuracy. As digital storefronts continue to expand, these particular simulations have distinguished themselves through high player retention and critical acclaim. This selection highlights the most impactful simulation titles available for PC players today based on their enduring popularity and mechanical complexity.

‘Construction Simulator’ (2022)

Developed by Weltenbauer and published by Astragon Entertainment, this title features an extensive fleet of licensed vehicles from brands like Caterpillar and Liebherr. Players undertake a variety of construction projects ranging from small residential buildings to massive industrial complexes across two distinct maps. The game emphasizes the realistic operation of heavy machinery such as excavators, cranes, and rollers to complete contracts. It includes a cooperative multiplayer mode that allows up to four players to work together on large-scale building sites.

‘Thief Simulator’ (2018)

‘Thief Simulator’ was developed by Noble Muffins and released by PlayWay S.A. to provide a sandbox experience focused on stealth and burglary. Players must observe targets, gather intelligence on household routines, and utilize specialized tools to infiltrate homes without being detected. The gameplay loop involves stealing valuables to sell on the black market and upgrading equipment for more complex high-security heists. It challenges users to manage their time and resources effectively while evading law enforcement in open-world neighborhoods.

‘PC Building Simulator’ (2019)

The Irregular Corporation developed and published ‘PC Building Simulator’, a game that allows players to run their own computer repair and assembly shop. The simulation features accurately modeled components from real-world manufacturers such as AMD, NVIDIA, and ASUS. Players diagnose hardware issues, assemble high-end gaming rigs for customers, and manage the financial aspects of their growing business. The title serves as an educational tool for understanding the internal components and cable management of a modern personal computer.

‘Two Point Hospital’ (2018)

Two Point Studios developed ‘Two Point Hospital’, which was published by SEGA as a spiritual successor to classic management simulation titles. Players are tasked with designing and managing a network of hospitals while treating patients with fictional, humorous illnesses. The simulation requires careful balancing of staff happiness, facility layout efficiency, and financial sustainability to earn higher ratings. It combines deep management mechanics with a distinctive visual style and a satirical tone regarding healthcare administration.

‘American Truck Simulator’ (2016)

‘American Truck Simulator’ is developed and published by SCS Software, bringing the experience of long-haul trucking to the highways of the United States. Players transport diverse cargoes across various states, managing their own logistics company and hiring AI drivers to expand their operations. The game features meticulously recreated landscapes and iconic American truck brands like Kenworth and Peterbilt. Frequent updates and expansions continue to add new regions and mechanical refinements to the driving experience.

‘Prison Architect’ (2015)

Introversion Software developed ‘Prison Architect’, which was later acquired and published by Paradox Interactive to expand its management simulation portfolio. The game challenges players to design and operate a high-security correctional facility while balancing the needs of inmates and staff. Players must handle logistics, security protocols, and rehabilitation programs to prevent riots, escapes, or financial bankruptcy. The simulation explores the complexities of prison management through detailed construction and social behavior layers.

‘House Flipper’ (2018)

Empyrean developed ‘House Flipper’, published by Frozen District and PlayWay S.A., focusing on the renovation and resale of dilapidated properties. Players perform tasks such as painting walls, cleaning debris, and installing electrical fixtures to increase the market value of various homes. The game provides a comprehensive set of tools and furniture to customize interiors according to specific design goals and buyer preferences. It rewards careful budgeting and creative problem-solving within the competitive real estate market.

‘Farming Simulator 22’ (2021)

Developed and published by GIANTS Software, ‘Farming Simulator 22’ offers a comprehensive agricultural simulation involving crop production and animal husbandry. Players manage modern farms in various environments, utilizing hundreds of authentic machines from real-world brands like John Deere and Case IH. The game introduced seasonal cycles and production chains, adding new layers of depth to the economic management of a farm. It supports cooperative multiplayer, allowing groups of players to run large-scale operations together on a single map.

‘Planet Zoo’ (2019)

‘Planet Zoo’ is developed and published by Frontier Developments, focusing on the creation and management of modern zoological parks. The simulation features highly detailed animals that behave realistically and possess unique genetic traits that affect their offspring. Players must build complex habitats, manage specialized staff, and ensure the well-being of their animals while pursuing conservation goals. The game provides extensive creative tools for designing every aspect of the park’s infrastructure and guest facilities.

‘PowerWash Simulator’ (2022)

FuturLab developed ‘PowerWash Simulator’, which was published by Square Enix Collective as a relaxing simulation of restoration tasks. The game tasks players with cleaning various objects and environments using high-pressure water tools in the town of Muckingham. Players must manage water pressure and nozzle types to efficiently remove layers of grime from vehicles, residential buildings, and public parks. The experience is designed to be methodical and satisfying, offering a stress-free approach to industrial cleaning.

‘Kerbal Space Program’ (2015)

Developed by Squad and published by Private Division, ‘Kerbal Space Program’ is a physics-based space flight simulation that challenges players to build functional spacecraft. Players are responsible for the Kerbals’ space program, designing rockets and landers based on realistic orbital mechanics and aerodynamics. The game requires a deep understanding of physics to successfully reach other planets and moons within the Kerbol system. It has been widely praised by space agencies for its educational value and accurate representation of space exploration challenges.

‘Cities: Skylines’ (2015)

Colossal Order developed ‘Cities: Skylines’, which was published by Paradox Interactive as a modern evolution of the classic city-building genre. Players manage urban planning, public services, and taxation to grow a small settlement into a sprawling metropolis. The simulation includes a sophisticated traffic system and economic modeling that responds directly to player infrastructure decisions. Its robust modding community has significantly extended the game’s lifespan with thousands of user-created buildings and mechanical improvements.

‘Microsoft Flight Simulator’ (2020)

‘Microsoft Flight Simulator’ was developed by Asobo Studio and published by Xbox Game Studios to provide a global aviation experience. The title utilizes satellite data and cloud-based AI to recreate the entire Earth in stunning detail for pilots to explore. Users can fly a wide range of aircraft, from light planes to commercial wide-body jets, in real-time weather conditions synced with actual global data. The simulation is noted for its technical achievement in mapping planetary geography and its realistic atmospheric physics.

‘Euro Truck Simulator 2’ (2012)

Developed and published by SCS Software, ‘Euro Truck Simulator 2’ allows players to drive across a vast representation of the European continent. The simulation focuses on the life of a commercial truck driver, requiring careful navigation and strict adherence to various traffic laws. Players can build their own logistics empire by purchasing garages, upgrading vehicles, and hiring a fleet of drivers. The game is highly regarded for its therapeutic gameplay loop and consistent long-term developer support and expansions.

‘Factorio’ (2020)

Wube Software LTD developed and published ‘Factorio’, a simulation focused on the construction and maintenance of automated industrial factories. Players crash-land on an alien planet and must mine resources, research new technologies, and manage complex supply chains to survive. The ultimate goal is to build and launch a rocket to escape while defending the factory from hostile native life forms. The game is celebrated for its deep mechanical complexity and the infinite possibilities offered by its automation systems.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

Developed and published by ConcernedApe, ‘Stardew Valley’ is a farming simulation that focuses on rural life and community building. Players inherit a dilapidated farm plot and must work to restore it by planting crops, raising livestock, and exploring nearby caves for resources. The game also features deep social mechanics, allowing players to build meaningful relationships with the inhabitants of the neighboring Pelican Town. Its combination of relaxing gameplay, a secret-filled world, and a charming aesthetic has made it one of the most successful titles on Steam.

Tell us which of these simulation titles has captured most of your playtime in the comments.