The Best Simulation Games on Steam

Steam is home to a wide variety of simulation games where you can play as anything from a truck driver to a space colonist. These games focus on creating a realistic and detailed experience, often carefully mimicking how things work in the real world. As more games become available online, these simulations have become popular with players and critics alike, keeping people engaged for long periods. This list showcases the best and most complex simulation games currently available on PC, based on how well they’ve been received and how deeply they immerse players.

‘Construction Simulator’ (2022)

This game, created by Weltenbauer and published by Astragon Entertainment, lets you operate a wide range of officially licensed construction vehicles from brands like Caterpillar and Liebherr. You’ll take on all sorts of building jobs, from homes to huge industrial projects, across two different maps. The focus is on realistically controlling powerful machines like excavators, cranes, and rollers to finish contracts. You can also team up with up to three other players in a cooperative multiplayer mode to tackle even bigger construction sites.

‘Thief Simulator’ (2018)

In ‘Thief Simulator,’ players step into the shoes of a burglar in a realistic, open-world environment. Developed by Noble Muffins and published by PlayWay S.A., the game focuses on carefully planning and executing stealthy home invasions. You’ll need to scout locations, learn residents’ schedules, and use tools to break in without getting caught. Stolen goods can be sold for profit, which is then used to upgrade your equipment and tackle more challenging, high-security jobs. Success depends on smart time management and avoiding the police.

‘PC Building Simulator’ (2019)

PC Building Simulator, created by Irregular Corporation, lets players experience running a computer repair and assembly business. The game features realistic computer parts from brands like AMD, NVIDIA, and ASUS. Players can fix computer problems, build powerful gaming PCs for customers, and manage their business finances. It’s also a helpful way to learn about what’s inside a computer and how to properly connect everything.

‘Two Point Hospital’ (2018)

Two Point Studios created ‘Two Point Hospital’, a game published by SEGA that’s inspired by classic hospital management simulations. In the game, you build and run a network of hospitals, caring for patients with funny and made-up illnesses. Success depends on keeping your staff happy, designing efficient hospitals, and staying financially stable to improve your hospital’s reputation. It’s a detailed management game with a unique look and a humorous take on how hospitals are run.

‘American Truck Simulator’ (2016)

American Truck Simulator, created by SCS Software, lets you experience the life of a long-haul trucker in the US. You’ll haul different types of cargo across the country, build and manage your own trucking company, and even hire drivers to help you grow. The game boasts incredibly detailed scenery and features famous American truck brands like Kenworth and Peterbilt. Regular updates and expansions keep the game fresh by adding new areas to explore and improving how the game plays.

‘Prison Architect’ (2015)

‘Prison Architect’ was originally created by Introversion Software and later published by Paradox Interactive as part of their collection of management simulation games. In the game, players are tasked with building and running a secure prison, carefully managing both the prisoners and the staff. Success depends on handling everything from daily operations and security to programs aimed at helping inmates, all while avoiding riots, escapes, and financial ruin. The game offers a detailed and complex look at the challenges of running a prison, focusing on both building design and the social dynamics within the facility.

‘House Flipper’ (2018)

‘House Flipper’, created by Empyrean and published by Frozen District and PlayWay S.A., is a game where you buy rundown houses, renovate them, and then sell them for a profit. You’ll do things like paint, clean, and install fixtures to improve each home’s value. The game gives you lots of tools and furniture to design interiors and appeal to different buyers. Success depends on managing your money wisely and being creative to stand out in the real estate market.

‘Farming Simulator 22’ (2021)

As a huge fan, I can tell you that ‘Farming Simulator 22’ by GIANTS Software is seriously immersive. You basically get to live out the life of a modern farmer, growing crops and taking care of animals. What I really love is how realistic it is – you’re using tons of actual farming machines from brands like John Deere and Case IH. They’ve also added seasons and production chains, which makes managing your farm feel so much more complex and rewarding. Plus, you can play with friends! It’s awesome to team up and run a huge farm together on one big map.

‘Planet Zoo’ (2019)

Planet Zoo, created by Frontier Developments, lets you build and run a modern zoo. The game features incredibly detailed animals that act naturally and pass on their unique traits to their babies. As a player, you’ll be responsible for designing elaborate habitats, hiring and managing staff, and keeping your animals healthy and happy, all while working to protect endangered species. You also have complete freedom to customize everything in your zoo, from buildings to visitor areas.

‘PowerWash Simulator’ (2022)

PowerWash Simulator, created by FuturLab and published by Square Enix Collective, is a calming game where you restore things to their former glory. Players use powerful water jets to clean everything in the town of Muckingham – from cars and houses to parks. It’s all about finding the right water pressure and nozzle to blast away dirt and grime. The game is designed to be a relaxing and rewarding experience, letting you enjoy the simple satisfaction of deep cleaning without any stress.

‘Kerbal Space Program’ (2015)

Kerbal Space Program is a realistic space flight simulator created by Squad and published by Private Division. In the game, you design and build rockets and spacecraft to explore a solar system, using actual physics principles like orbital mechanics and aerodynamics. You’re in charge of the Kerbals’ space program and need a good understanding of physics to successfully launch missions to other planets and moons. Space agencies have praised the game for being both educational and accurately portraying the difficulties of space travel.

‘Cities: Skylines’ (2015)

Cities: Skylines, created by Colossal Order and published by Paradox Interactive, is a modern take on the classic city-building game. Players start with a small town and develop it into a huge city by managing things like roads, schools, hospitals, and taxes. The game features realistic traffic and a complex economy that react to the choices you make. A large and active modding community has kept the game fresh for years, adding thousands of new buildings and features.

‘Microsoft Flight Simulator’ (2020)

Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft Flight Simulator offers a realistic, worldwide flying experience. It uses real satellite data and artificial intelligence to create a beautifully detailed version of the entire planet for players to explore. You can pilot everything from small planes to large jets, and experience current, real-world weather conditions. The game is particularly impressive for how accurately it recreates the Earth and simulates realistic flight physics.

‘Euro Truck Simulator 2’ (2012)

Euro Truck Simulator 2, created by SCS Software, lets you experience life as a truck driver traveling across Europe. You’ll navigate realistic roads, follow traffic rules, and build a trucking business by buying garages, improving your trucks, and managing a team of drivers. Many players find the game relaxing and appreciate the developers’ ongoing support and new content.

‘Factorio’ (2020)

Factorio, created by Wube Software LTD, is a game where you build and manage automated factories on an alien planet. After crash-landing, players gather resources, unlock new technologies, and create efficient production lines to stay alive. The main objective is to build a rocket and escape the planet, all while protecting your factory from the planet’s creatures. It’s known for being incredibly detailed and offering endless ways to automate everything.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

Stardew Valley, created by ConcernedApe, is a farming game where you escape to the countryside and build a new life. You start with an old, run-down farm and work to bring it back to life by growing crops, raising animals, and collecting resources. The game isn’t just about farming, though – you can also get to know the people in the nearby town and form friendships. Its relaxing style, engaging world, and lovely design have made it incredibly popular on Steam.

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

2026-02-18 02:48