Free Simulation Games on Steam
Steam currently has 47,804 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 2/27/2026.
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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 2,673,334 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,168,908 positive reviews and 504,426 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
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 has achieved a Player Score of 60, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,680,967 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,612,183 positive reviews and 1,068,784 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:2/11/2026
- Steam App Id:578080
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 92,149 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 89,411 positive reviews and 2,738 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
- Developers:
- Publisher:Irox Games
- Last Updated:2/26/2026
- Steam App Id:3419430
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 72, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 720,796 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 524,867 positive reviews and 195,929 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:3/1/2026
- 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 257,476 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 194,029 positive reviews and 63,447 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:3/3/2026
- Steam App Id:438100
6. Heartopia
Welcome to Heartopia, a multiplayer life simulation game crafted for creativity, freedom, and peace. Build your dream home, explore a wide range of hobbies, and forge warm connections with friends in a town full of endless possibilities.
Heartopia has achieved a Player Score of 70, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 9,752 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 6,936 positive reviews and 2,816 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Heartopia on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
- Release Date:1/17/2026
- Franchise:XD International
- Developer:XD
- Publisher:XD
- Last Updated:3/4/2026
- Steam App Id:4025700
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 189,797 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 164,942 positive reviews and 24,855 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
- Last Updated:3/3/2026
- Steam App Id:1222670
8. 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 #8 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 95,160 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 77,910 positive reviews and 17,250 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:3/3/2026
- Steam App Id:2923300
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 72, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 96,559 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 69,965 positive reviews and 26,594 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:3/3/2026
- 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 58, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Simulation games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 83,079 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 48,223 positive reviews and 34,856 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:2/25/2026
- 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. (2026, February 27). Steam Store. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 27). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/570
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 11). PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/578080
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 26). Bongo Cat on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/3419430
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 1). War Thunder on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/236390
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 3). VRChat on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/438100
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 4). Heartopia on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/4025700
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 3). The Sims™ 4 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 3). Banana on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2923300
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 3). Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449850
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 25). Russian Fishing 4 on Steam. Steam Store. https://store.steampowered.com/app/766570