Free Simulation Games on Steam
Steam currently has 37,949 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 12/12/2024.
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 2,396,501 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,956,672 positive reviews and 439,829 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 2,472,810 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,458,758 positive reviews and 1,014,052 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 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 82, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 84,143 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 69,691 positive reviews and 14,452 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 573,308 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 420,051 positive reviews and 153,257 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. 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 #5 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 230,026 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 173,306 positive reviews and 56,720 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 |
6. 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 #6 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 156,598 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 136,923 positive reviews and 19,675 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 |
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 73, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 113,201 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 83,011 positive reviews and 30,190 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. 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 76, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 3,922 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,066 positive reviews and 856 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 |
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 79,572 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 59,854 positive reviews and 19,718 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. Governor of Poker 3
Governor of Poker 3 is the best multiplayer poker game with a great design. In this multi-player version of Governor of Poker you compete live with thousands of real poker players to prove you are the number 1 Texas Hold ’em poker star!
Governor of Poker 3 has achieved a Player Score of 68, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 15,470 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,752 positive reviews and 4,718 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Governor of Poker 3 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/19/2016 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 436150 |
More Free Simulation Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Simulation games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 308,914 | 7/9/2013 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 121,312 | 12/21/2017 | 59 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 116,204 | 4/23/2024 | 82 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 45,519 | 8/15/2013 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 42,208 | 2/1/2017 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 28,845 | 6/18/2020 | 86 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 26,355 | 7/9/2024 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 23,532 | 5/21/2024 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 21,803 | 1/19/2022 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 16,037 | 2/19/2016 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8,930 | 4/2/2021 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8,593 | 6/29/2024 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8,162 | 9/30/2021 | 46 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,630 | 10/11/2024 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,033 | 11/15/2017 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6,162 | 8/9/2024 | 93 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 5,992 | 11/11/2021 | 51 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 5,725 | 8/14/2023 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,766 | 3/25/2024 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,910 | 10/4/2024 | 88 | 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, December 12). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 12). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 11). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 14). Banana on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 13). War Thunder on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 13). VRChat on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 12). The Sims™ 4 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 13). Once Human on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 6). Cats on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 14). Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 11). Governor of Poker 3 on Steam. Steam Store.