Best Life Sim Games on Steam
Steam currently has 2,610 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 11/18/2024.
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 98. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 779,786 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 766,793 positive reviews and 12,993 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 43,017 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 42,291 positive reviews and 726 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 36,667 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 35,868 positive reviews and 799 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 | 4/21/2023 |
| 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 34,994 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 34,113 positive reviews and 881 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 15,695 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 15,379 positive reviews and 316 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $0.99 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 | $0.99 |
| Release Date | 7/6/2022 |
| Developer | turbolento games |
| Publisher | turbolento games |
| Steam App Id | 1999360 |
6. Fields of Mistria
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG!
Fields of Mistria 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 11,128 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,934 positive reviews and 194 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $13.99 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 | $13.99 |
| Release Date | 8/5/2024 |
| Developer | NPC Studio |
| Publisher | NPC Studio |
| Steam App Id | 2142790 |
7. 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 #7 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 10,845 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,646 positive reviews and 199 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 |
8. 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 #8 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 7,319 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,201 positive reviews and 118 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 |
9. 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 #9 spot for the best Life Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,801 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 9,589 positive reviews and 212 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).
10. TCG Card Shop Simulator
Open your own local game store. Stock shelves with the latest booster packs, or crack them and collect the cards for yourself. Set your own prices, hire staff, host events, and expand your card shop.
TCG Card Shop Simulator 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 23,657 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 22,965 positive reviews and 692 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $12.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play TCG Card Shop Simulator on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $12.99 |
| Release Date | 9/15/2024 |
| Developer | OPNeon Games |
| Publisher | OPNeon Games |
| Steam App Id | 3070070 |
More Life Sim Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best Life Sim games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54,493 | 2/26/2016 | 98 | $14.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 7,904 | 8/14/2023 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 244 | 4/21/2023 | 96 | $10.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 60 | 6/21/2016 | 95 | $14.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 616 | 7/6/2022 | 95 | $0.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 5,639 | 8/5/2024 | 95 | $13.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 151 | 3/15/2022 | 95 | $6.79 | Steam Charts | |
| 127 | 12/7/2023 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 307 | 10/7/2020 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 8,928 | 9/15/2024 | 95 | $12.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,492 | 8/14/2024 | 95 | $15.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 338 | 7/8/2020 | 95 | $17.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 145 | 12/16/2021 | 95 | $15.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 24 | 1/21/2021 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,798 | 7/26/2019 | 95 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 1 | 10/12/2020 | 94 | $1.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 44 | 4/26/2023 | 94 | $2.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,382 | 4/8/2024 | 94 | $8.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 71 | 2/28/2024 | 94 | $3.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 63 | 9/29/2021 | 94 | 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, November 18). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 18). Stardew Valley on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 18). VPet-Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 14). Volcano Princess on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 8). VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 18). Placid Plastic Duck Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 19). Fields of Mistria on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 19). Wobbledogs on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 9). A Date with Death on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, October 16). Virtual Cottage on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 19). TCG Card Shop Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.