Best Life Sim Games on Steam
Steam currently has 2,139 Life Sim games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best picks ranked by Player Score. Our Player Score rankings are calculated directly from reviews left on the Steam store and will be updated in real-time as more players leave their feedback. Life Sim game rankings were last updated on 5/26/2024.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Free life sim games on Steam
- Best life sim Steam Deck games
- Best life sim Linux games on Steam
- Best life sim Steam games for Mac OS
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Stardew Valley
You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?
Stardew Valley holds the #1 spot for "best Life Sim game on Steam" with a Player Score of 97. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 710,511 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 698,262 positive reviews and 12,249 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $14.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Steam Price | $14.99 |
| Release Date | 2/26/2016 |
| Developer | ConcernedApe |
| Publisher | ConcernedApe |
| Steam App Id | 413150 |
2. VPet-Simulator
Feeling like the computer desktop is too dull? Need something cute to heal oneself? Come and try this new completely free and open source V-Pet simulator. A cute and adorable pet that supports various feeding interactions to accompany you in game learning is definitely your best choice!
VPet-Simulator has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #2 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 39,254 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 38,607 positive reviews and 647 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is completely free to play and can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run VPet-Simulator on the Steam Deck.
3. Volcano Princess
Prepare the next monarch by finding her hobbies, training her for battle, and befriending the citizens she'll one day protect. Dive into an all-new parenting-simulator-RPG adventure, where every decision you make will not only affect the future of your daughter but that of an entire empire!
Volcano Princess has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #3 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 32,648 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 31,938 positive reviews and 710 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $10.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Volcano Princess on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $10.99 |
| Release Date | 4/20/2023 |
| Franchise | Gamera Games |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | Gamera Games |
| Steam App Id | 1669980 |
4. VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #4 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 34,013 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 33,165 positive reviews and 848 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $14.99 to play and can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $14.99 |
| Release Date | 6/21/2016 |
| Franchise | Ysbryd Games |
| Developer | Sukeban Games |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 447530 |
5. Placid Plastic Duck Simulator
The ultimate high-tech rubber duck simulation, Placid Plastic Duck brings you dangerous levels of relaxation. With chill music, dreamy 3D graphics, and many different happy ducks, your only priority is to float around. Zero Ducks given.
Placid Plastic Duck Simulator has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #5 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 14,054 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 13,790 positive reviews and 264 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $1.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Placid Plastic Duck Simulator on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $1.99 |
| Release Date | 7/6/2022 |
| Developer | turbolento games |
| Publisher | turbolento games |
| Steam App Id | 1999360 |
6. Wobbledogs
A 3D pet simulation where you raise your own personal hive of mutating dogs, physically simulated all the way down to their guts! Wobbledogs is a casual and chill sandbox for players of all ages who want to care for their very own virtual pets in a surprising, unique, and stress-free environment.
Wobbledogs has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #6 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,677 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 9,509 positive reviews and 168 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $6.79 to play and can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Wobbledogs on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $6.79 |
| Release Date | 3/15/2022 |
| Franchise | Secret Mode |
| Developer | Animal Uprising |
| Publisher | Secret Mode |
| Steam App Id | 1424330 |
7. A Date with Death
Fight against & romance the one hunting for your soul in A Date with Death, a romance chat simulator where you date(?) the Grim Reaper himself. Create your own character, decorate your apartment, and chat away with the charming yet dangerous Grim Reaper through text and video calls.
A Date with Death has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #7 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 5,619 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 5,535 positive reviews and 84 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is completely free to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play A Date with Death on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 12/7/2023 |
| Franchise | Two and a Half Studios |
| Developer | Two and a Half Studios |
| Publisher | Two and a Half Studios |
| Steam App Id | 2415010 |
8. Virtual Cottage
Virtual Cottage gives you a comfy place to rest and be productive without any distractions. Open the game, set yourself a goal and enjoy the atmosphere.
Virtual Cottage has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #8 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,271 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 9,067 positive reviews and 204 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is completely free to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Virtual Cottage on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
9. Mon Bazou
Build your crappy vehicle into a race car, install the parts yourself. Make money by cutting wood, racing at night or delivering pizza. Maybe you want to manage a sugar shack or build yourself a big garage?
Mon Bazou has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #9 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 12,099 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 11,789 positive reviews and 310 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $15.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Steam Price | $15.99 |
| Release Date | 12/16/2021 |
| Developer | Santa Goat |
| Publisher | Santa Goat |
| Steam App Id | 1520370 |
10. SuchArt: Creative Space
Paint on any surfaces with numerous tools in Creative Space — a free sandbox version of SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator. Create masterpieces, complete commissions, and decorate your studio in the most advanced artist sim!
SuchArt: Creative Space has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #10 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 6,716 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 6,581 positive reviews and 135 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is completely free to play and can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play SuchArt: Creative Space on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 1/21/2021 |
| Developer | Goose Minded |
| Publisher | HypeTrain Digital |
| Steam App Id | 1469280 |
More Life Sim Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best Life Sim games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 63,781 | 2/26/2016 | 97 | $14.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,911 | 8/14/2023 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 261 | 4/20/2023 | 96 | $10.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 51 | 6/21/2016 | 95 | $14.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 115 | 7/6/2022 | 95 | $1.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 145 | 3/15/2022 | 95 | $6.79 | Steam Charts | |
 | 157 | 12/7/2023 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 330 | 10/7/2020 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 294 | 12/16/2021 | 95 | $15.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 40 | 1/21/2021 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 658 | 7/8/2020 | 95 | $17.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 1 | 10/12/2020 | 94 | $1.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 294 | 7/26/2019 | 94 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 28 | 4/26/2023 | 94 | $2.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 45 | 7/17/2023 | 94 | $9.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 80 | 2/28/2024 | 93 | $3.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 33 | 9/29/2021 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,575 | 4/8/2024 | 93 | $9.59 | Steam Charts | |
 | 69 | 10/20/2023 | 93 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 2 | 1/22/2024 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Reviews and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 26). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 26). Stardew Valley on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 30). VPet-Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 26). Volcano Princess on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 30). VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 24). Placid Plastic Duck Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 30). Wobbledogs on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 25). A Date with Death on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 28). Virtual Cottage on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 28). Mon Bazou on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 28). SuchArt: Creative Space on Steam. Steam Store.