Free Simulation Games on Steam
Steam currently has 37,412 Simulation games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free Simulation game rankings were last updated on 11/23/2024.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best simulation games on Steam
- Best simulation Steam Deck games
- Best simulation Steam games for Mac OS
- Best simulation Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
Dota 2 holds the #1 spot for "best free Simulation game on Steam" with a Player Score of 81. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,359,634 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,924,842 positive reviews and 434,792 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Dota 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
2. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Play PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS for free. Land on strategic locations, loot weapons and supplies, and survive to become the last team standing across various, diverse Battlegrounds. Squad up and join the Battlegrounds for the original Battle Royale experience that only PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS can offer.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has achieved a Player Score of 59, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,462,120 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,450,292 positive reviews and 1,011,828 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 12/21/2017 |
| Franchise | KRAFTON, Inc. |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | KRAFTON, Inc. |
| Steam App Id | 578080 |
3. Banana
Banana is a clicker Game, in which you click a Banana! In Banana you click the Banana to gain even more Bananas! Every 3, you get dropped a banana. Each banana is also made by the community in discord. Come hang out with us and let's grow into something awesome !
Banana has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 48,214 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 39,428 positive reviews and 8,786 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 4/23/2024 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 2923300 |
4. War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea.
War Thunder has achieved a Player Score of 73, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 560,702 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 409,099 positive reviews and 151,603 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It 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.
| Release Date | 8/15/2013 |
| Franchise | Gaijin Network Ltd |
| Developer | Gaijin Entertainment |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 236390 |
5. Once Human
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.
Once Human has achieved a Player Score of 71, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 104,589 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 75,290 positive reviews and 29,299 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Once Human on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 7/9/2024 |
| Developer | Starry Studio |
| Publisher | Starry Studio |
| Steam App Id | 2139460 |
6. VRChat
Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat.
VRChat has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 228,147 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 171,509 positive reviews and 56,638 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 2/1/2017 |
| Developer | VRChat Inc. |
| Publisher | VRChat Inc. |
| Steam App Id | 438100 |
7. Cats
Cats — and that says it all. Interactive cat clicker. Click on cats for new cats. That's all, really.
Cats has achieved a Player Score of 74, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,553 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,951 positive reviews and 602 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 5/21/2024 |
| Franchise | 100 Cozy Games |
| Developer | 100 Cozy Games |
| Publisher | 100 Cozy Games |
| Steam App Id | 2977660 |
8. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more.
The Sims™ 4 has achieved a Player Score of 86, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 153,990 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 134,560 positive reviews and 19,430 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play The Sims™ 4 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 6/18/2020 |
| Franchise | The Sims 4 |
| Developer | Maxis |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Steam App Id | 1222670 |
9. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL is the ultimate free-to-play cross-platform strategy card game with fast-paced Duels, stunning HD graphics and a new, dynamic soundtrack! Get ready to challenge Duelists around the world!
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel has achieved a Player Score of 74, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 78,525 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 58,970 positive reviews and 19,555 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 1/19/2022 |
| Franchise | Yu-Gi-Oh! |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 1449850 |
10. Russian Fishing 4
Russian Fishing 4 is a fishing simulator with RPG elements. There is no story line and the whole process is based on the concept of an open, free to roam and free to play game.
Russian Fishing 4 has achieved a Player Score of 51, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 67,857 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 34,465 positive reviews and 33,392 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Russian Fishing 4 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 11/11/2021 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 766570 |
More Free Simulation Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Simulation games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 479,439 | 7/9/2013 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 420,182 | 12/21/2017 | 59 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 244,135 | 4/23/2024 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 68,838 | 8/15/2013 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 45,603 | 7/9/2024 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 35,658 | 2/1/2017 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 21,936 | 5/21/2024 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 21,845 | 6/18/2020 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 19,418 | 1/19/2022 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 13,994 | 11/11/2021 | 51 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 13,441 | 6/29/2024 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 12,978 | 2/19/2016 | 69 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 11,590 | 8/14/2023 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10,034 | 9/29/2021 | 46 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,975 | 11/15/2017 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,732 | 4/2/2021 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6,836 | 6/17/2023 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6,481 | 10/11/2024 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6,248 | 8/9/2024 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,440 | 3/25/2024 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts 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 23). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 23). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 13). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 23). Banana on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 22). War Thunder on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 22). Once Human on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 23). VRChat on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 21). Cats on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 20). The Sims™ 4 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 21). Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, September 28). Russian Fishing 4 on Steam. Steam Store.