Free Simulation Games on Steam
Steam currently has 42,331 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 7/16/2025.
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. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the high-stakes winner-take-all shooter that started the Battle Royale craze, is free-to-play! Drop into diverse maps, loot unique weapons and supplies, and survive in an ever-shrinking zone where every turn could be your last.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS holds the #1 spot for "best free Simulation game on Steam" with a Player Score of 59. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,577,412 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,533,496 positive reviews and 1,043,916 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 |
2. 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 has achieved a Player Score of 81, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,518,310 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,051,232 positive reviews and 467,078 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).
3. Bongo Cat
Bongo cat needs your help. Bongo cat needz more hatz!!! Every time you press a key, Bongo cat will punch your taskbar. Type, click, play, work to collect more points. Which hats will you find?
Bongo Cat has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 28,483 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 27,831 positive reviews and 652 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.
| Release Date | 3/5/2025 |
| Developer | Marcel Zurawka |
| Publisher | Irox Games |
| Steam App Id | 3419430 |
4. 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 hours, 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 #4 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 90,253 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 74,208 positive reviews and 16,045 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 |
5. 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 #5 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 637,580 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 465,728 positive reviews and 171,852 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 |
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 242,821 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 183,367 positive reviews and 59,454 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. 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 74, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 137,687 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 103,030 positive reviews and 34,657 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 |
8. Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is ready to race! Scout featured trainees and supporters as you navigate the immersive sports life simulation through the game's in-depth training system and top-of-the-line 3D graphics!
Umamusume: Pretty Derby has achieved a Player Score of 92, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 13,284 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 12,596 positive reviews and 688 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 Umamusume: Pretty Derby on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 6/25/2025 |
| Developer | Cygames, Inc. |
| Publisher | Cygames, Inc. |
| Steam App Id | 3224770 |
9. 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 #9 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 173,840 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 151,768 positive reviews and 22,072 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 |
| Developer | Maxis |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Steam App Id | 1222670 |
10. 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 73, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 88,229 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 65,228 positive reviews and 23,001 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 |
More Free Simulation Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Simulation games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 669,987 | 12/21/2017 | 59 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 522,179 | 7/9/2013 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 147,068 | 3/5/2025 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 88,487 | 4/23/2024 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 67,978 | 8/15/2013 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 40,089 | 2/1/2017 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 36,829 | 7/9/2024 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 34,366 | 6/25/2025 | 92 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 32,630 | 6/18/2020 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 23,244 | 1/19/2022 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 17,842 | 11/11/2021 | 54 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 14,979 | 5/1/2025 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 14,381 | 9/30/2021 | 48 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 12,253 | 11/15/2017 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 11,656 | 4/2/2021 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 10,619 | 8/14/2023 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,682 | 6/17/2023 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,316 | 4/6/2020 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6,887 | 3/25/2024 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6,790 | 8/9/2024 | 93 | 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. (2025, July 16). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 16). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 16). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 16). Bongo Cat on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 16). Banana on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 16). War Thunder on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 15). VRChat on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 16). Once Human on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 16). Umamusume: Pretty Derby on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 11). The Sims™ 4 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, July 15). Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on Steam. Steam Store.