Best Life Sim Games on Steam

Steam currently has 2,620 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 11/21/2024.

Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:

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 banner

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 780,374 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 767,381 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 banner

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.

Release Date 8/14/2023
Developer LB Game
Publisher LB Game
Steam App Id 1920960

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 banner

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 36,681 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 35,882 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.

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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 35,004 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 34,122 positive reviews and 882 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.

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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 15,751 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 15,433 positive reviews and 318 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!

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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 11,258 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 11,058 positive reviews and 200 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 banner

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 10,861 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,663 positive reviews and 198 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 banner

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 7,339 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 7,221 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 banner

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 9,807 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 9,595 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).

Release Date 10/7/2020
Franchise DU&I
Developer DU&I
Publisher DU&I
Steam App Id 1369320

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 banner

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 23,785 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 23,087 positive reviews and 698 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.

ImageName
Actions
Stardew Valley steam charts
47,524
2/26/2016
98
$14.99
Steam Charts
VPet-Simulator steam charts
9,341
8/14/2023
96
Free
Steam Charts
Volcano Princess steam charts
355
4/21/2023
96
$10.99
Steam Charts
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action steam charts
51
6/21/2016
95
$14.99
Steam Charts
Placid Plastic Duck Simulator steam charts
308
7/6/2022
95
$0.99
Steam Charts
Fields of Mistria steam charts
1,611
8/5/2024
95
$13.99
Steam Charts
Wobbledogs steam charts
84
3/15/2022
95
$6.79
Steam Charts
A Date with Death steam charts
134
12/7/2023
95
Free
Steam Charts
Virtual Cottage steam charts
285
10/7/2020
95
Free
Steam Charts
TCG Card Shop Simulator steam charts
6,945
9/15/2024
95
$12.99
Steam Charts
Crime Scene Cleaner steam charts
1,472
8/14/2024
95
$15.99
Steam Charts
Wobbly Life steam charts
339
7/8/2020
95
$17.99
Steam Charts
Mon Bazou steam charts
84
12/16/2021
95
$15.99
Steam Charts
SuchArt: Creative Space steam charts
13
1/21/2021
95
Free
Steam Charts
WolfQuest: Anniversary Edition steam charts
750
7/26/2019
95
$19.99
Steam Charts
The Test: Final Revelation steam charts
2
10/12/2020
94
$1.99
Steam Charts
VillageRhapsody steam charts
69
4/26/2023
94
$2.99
Steam Charts
Spirit City: Lofi Sessions steam charts
2,055
4/8/2024
94
$8.99
Steam Charts
Minami Lane steam charts
22
2/28/2024
94
$3.99
Steam Charts
英雄黄昏-文字三国志&曹贼模拟器 steam charts
79
9/29/2021
94
Free
Steam Charts
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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 21). Steam Store. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 21). Stardew Valley on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 19). VPet-Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 20). 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 20). Placid Plastic Duck Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, November 20). 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 21). TCG Card Shop Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.

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