Free Simulation Games on Steam
Steam currently has 38,511 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 1/17/2025.
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1. 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 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 2,488,881 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,470,541 positive reviews and 1,018,340 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.
- Last Updated:1/17/2025
- 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 2,414,468 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,970,215 positive reviews and 444,253 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. 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 85,482 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 70,694 positive reviews and 14,788 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:
- Last Updated:1/16/2025
- 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 582,642 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 426,854 positive reviews and 155,788 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:
- Last Updated:1/17/2025
- 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 232,139 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 175,132 positive reviews and 57,007 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.
- Last Updated:1/17/2025
- Steam App Id:438100
6. 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 #6 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 117,087 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 85,987 positive reviews and 31,100 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
- Last Updated:1/17/2025
- Steam App Id:2139460
7. 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 #7 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 159,508 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 139,442 positive reviews and 20,066 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
- Last Updated:1/17/2025
- Steam App Id:1222670
8. 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 #8 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 80,354 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 60,334 positive reviews and 20,020 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:
- Last Updated:1/16/2025
- Steam App Id:1449850
9. 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 #9 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 15,383 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,626 positive reviews and 4,757 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:
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- Last Updated:1/14/2025
- Steam App Id:436150
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 52, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 69,739 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 36,159 positive reviews and 33,580 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:
- Last Updated:1/16/2025
- Steam App Id:766570
More Free Simulation Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Simulation games available on Steam.
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, January 17). Steam Store. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/578080
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/570
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 16). Banana on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2923300
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). War Thunder on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/236390
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). VRChat on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/438100
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Once Human on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2139460
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). The Sims™ 4 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 16). Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449850
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 14). Governor of Poker 3 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/436150
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 16). Russian Fishing 4 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/766570