10 Best Simulation Games on Steam (January 2026)

Simulation games have evolved so much over the years, from their humble beginnings of SimCity city-building in the ‘80s to long-running life simulation games of The Sims. Not only can you design and build schools, businesses, and hospitals, but you can also engage with activities like farming, aviation, sea deep-diving, and more. 

Coupled with modern 3D graphics and gameplay, you enjoy pretty immersive playthroughs that truly feel like living a double life. Wondering what the best simulation games on Steam are? Find out in our article below.

What is a Simulation Game?

A simulation game is a genre that deals with mimicking real-life activities. Starting from building and managing a city to more complex scenarios involving factories in space, and even more niche activities like farming, simulation games have expanded to cater to every taste and need.

Best Simulation Games on Steam

PCs have always been the best platforms for playing simulation games, with the many menus and tools you have to interact with. As for the best simulation games on Steam, you’ll find them broken down below.

10. Cities: Skylines

There’s no limit to how small or huge you can build your modern 21st-century city in Cities: Skylines II. Whether you envision New York, Tokyo, or a small, self-sustainable country farm, Paradox Interactive gives you all the tools you need to make your dream come true. 

So many features have been added in the sequel, so many designs, buildings, and utilities have been added. And all looking more realistic and detailed than ever before. Plus, specific scenarios have been added that have you mitigating damages quickly and efficiently.

9. Satisfactory

It takes a lot to build and manage a factory. Firstly, securing a steady resource. Fortunately, you have an entire alien planet to farm resources. But mind you, some places might have hostile creatures that instigate light combat. 

Anyway, from resource gathering, Satisfactory blooms into a mega machine of conveyor belts and transportation routes. Multi-storey factories soon fill up your map as you build on top of strong foundations and automate production.

8. People Playground

You’re potentially going to get military contracts for manufacturing weapons, tanks, armored vehicles, and more. And to ensure your products fetch the best prices, People Playground gives you a large open space for testing. 

While your lab rats aren’t animals or humans, they’re ragdolls you can practically do anything to. And yes, it gets pretty bloody, certainly not for kids to tinker around with.

7. Stardew Valley

Starfew Valley from the get-go looks pleasant on the eyes. And the gameplay is the most charming. So, even though your tasks are tilling land and watering crops, it feels surprisingly relaxing. 

Slowing down the fast, urban life you might be used to might be just what you need to make for a wonderful afternoon. And the townsfolk are the merriest bunch, looking to make friends and even raise a family.

6. Euro Truck Simulator 2

Who knew Euro Truck Simulator 2 would amass such a massive following? This relaxing trucking simulator across Europe has ended up a fan-favorite for many.

While it might feel like you’re on the lonesome across large stretches of idle road, the countryside does look breathtaking. There’s a lot to see on the way, and dozens of cities you can stop over to explore.

5. Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault

It gets pretty intense in Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault, as World War II warzones often do. But the single-player campaign here hits hardest, featuring The Battle of the Bulge. Buddies you’ve grown close to blow up right in front of you, and surge overwhelming feelings deep within. 

The conditions around you are punishing, from the terrain to the tactical scenarios, putting you in the first-hand experiences of three Officers.

4. The Sims 4

Up next on the best simulation games on Steam is The Sims 4. It feels like the perfect game for conservative people who can’t bear making mistakes in real life.

But the number of social experiments and possibilities you can do here is beyond measure. The end results are often funny, but also teach you a lot about human nature.

3. MiSide

Occasionally, a unique simulation game will spring up on Steam like MiSide. It starts off like The Sims, taking care of an in-game character’s needs and happiness. However, a mishap causes you to be transported into the game’s universe. 

While you’re trying to find a way back home, the in-game character you’re taking care of insists on your staying. And that’s when things get a little trickier, strange even as you uncover more secrets about MiSide’s in-game world. 

What starts off as a cute and adorable game soon turns into a horrific nightmare, one where the urgency to escape grows even more paramount by the minute.

2. Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator has been pretty diligent in adding different aircraft, complete with their unique flying simulations. Helicopters, jets, passenger planes, and more all make their way into the 40th Anniversary edition of the series. The airports, too, are just as diverse as the environmental details and landscapes you fly over. 

If you prefer direction in gaming, you’ll be happy to discover the checklist system that takes you from beginner to pro level. Moreover, you unlock new aircraft and pilot skills after completing varying missions that help structure your playthrough.

1. Subnautica 2

I have a somewhat deep-seated fear of deep diving. So, Subnautica feels like the perfect gift to overcome it. How majestic the undersea aquatic environments and alien life look… I mean, how can anyone say no to that? 

Subnautica is as much one of the best simulation games on Steam as it is a challenge to survive underwater. Some aquatic life is friendly, but others are hostile. You need air and supplies for your submarine. All of these dare you to venture deeper into the sea, searching for resources and upgrades and braving whatever dangers come your way.