Steam Engine Simulator

About

Steam Engine Simulator is a single player simulation game. It was developed by Ektorom Software Inc. and was released on June 7, 2023. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

On January 21, 2023, AngeTheGreat released a video called "Simulating a Steam Engine with C++" which documented the creation of a simple steam engine simulation. This is that simulation now made into a simple game! Enjoy operating and listening to your own miniature virtual steam engine.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

99%

Audience ScoreBased on 6,734 reviews

gameplay78 positive mentions

grinding21 negative mentions

The game is a fun and educational simulation of how steam engines work, providing a hands-on experience.
The sound design is impressive, with procedurally generated audio that enhances the immersive experience.
It's free to play, making it accessible for anyone interested in learning about steam engines.

Some achievements, like boiling 10 liters of water, require excessive grinding and can be frustrating.
The game lacks a tutorial, which may make it difficult for newcomers to understand the mechanics.
There is limited content, and players may find it repetitive after a while.

gameplay
269 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
70%
1%
The gameplay of the steam engine simulator is characterized by its immersive and educational mechanics, appealing to both casual players and those with a keen interest in engineering. While many users praise its engaging and addictive nature, some note a lack of depth and gameplay loops, suggesting it functions more as a simulation than a traditional game. Overall, it offers a unique blend of relaxation and challenge, making it a standout experience for fans of mechanical systems and steam technology.
- “The graphics are breathtaking, the story transporting, and the mechanics are so engaging.”
- “The gameplay is much harder but once you 'get' it, it's very rewarding.”
- “Its attention to detail, educational value, and immersive gameplay make it a must-have for history buffs, engineering enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the industrial revolution.”
- “Instead of being a game, Steam Engine Simulator is a software application that is very good at representing how a steam engine works, but lacks meaningful gameplay.”
- “There are no gameplay loops in this software, no meaningful game-like interaction.”
- “Gameplay is very simple, but let's face it, you're operating a steam engine.”
story
145 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
57%
12%
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its depth, emotional impact, and engaging narrative, while others criticize it for being minimal or poorly developed. Many highlight the DLC's storyline as a surprising and enjoyable addition, enhancing the overall experience. Overall, the storytelling is often described as immersive and well-crafted, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
- “The story is insane, the graphics beyond expected, not to mention the plot twist; it was just too much for me to put in a single review.”
- “This game is truly a masterclass in game design, world building, and storytelling.”
- “The storytelling and world-building is one of the best I have seen in most games; the mechanics and difficulty scale beautifully, and it never got boring.”
- “☑️ this game has no story unless you count the tutorial :)”
- “☑ no story”
- “I thought the story was poorly written but it’s a free game so I can’t complain.”
graphics
114 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
58%
3%
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their breathtaking realism and attention to detail, effectively immersing players in a beautifully rendered industrial revolution setting. While some reviews note a minimalist art style, many highlight the stunning visuals and smooth animations that enhance gameplay and storytelling. Overall, the graphics are praised as a significant strength, contributing to an engaging and enjoyable experience.
- “The graphics are breathtaking, the story transporting, and the mechanics are so engaging.”
- “The aesthetic choices further this setting and immersion: the steam engines are highly detailed, set against realistic environments of the era with machinery down to the sounds specific to the era.”
- “From the moment you fire up this game, you'll be mesmerized by its breathtaking graphics.”
- “So the game is basically 86 MB of sound with a tiny engine and a handful of graphics/fonts.”
- “The graphics are really simple.”
- “The graphics is what you can see in the thumbnail, like a sketch design or something like that, the gameplay is entertaining, have to heat up steam for the steam machine.”
grinding
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
48%
50%
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively time-consuming, with many players noting that achieving 100% completion requires a significant investment of hours, often leading to a tedious experience. While some players find enjoyment in the grind and appreciate the achievements, others feel it detracts from the overall gameplay, suggesting that it may require "a second life" to fully engage with the content. Despite the grind, many still praise the game's replayability and engaging mechanics.
- “It's engaging, fun, and not grindy at all (unless you use the breaks). Truly an instant classic; I will be playing this game for years to come!”
- “The last achievement is pointlessly too grindy.”
- “After afking for more hours than I was actually playing the game, and after leaving my computer on all night, grinding for the steam freak achievement, I can definitively say that this game is a certified hood classic.”
- “One disadvantage of the game would be the achievements: they had me playing for hours straight just grinding, but the dopamine of seeing the water fill up and boil allowed me to keep going.”
humor
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding it both entertaining and absurd, often highlighting its quirky mechanics and funny sound effects. Many reviews mention the game's ability to evoke laughter through its simple yet amusing gameplay, as well as its unexpected comedic elements and easter eggs. Overall, players recommend it for its lighthearted fun and humorous take on simulation.
- “This game can be very funny lol”
- “Very funny game would recommend 100% and also it's free so you have nothing to lose”
- “Along with that, the various easter eggs and funny features in this game make it replayable unlike any other.”
music
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
53%
11%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find certain event-specific tracks, particularly holiday-themed music, annoying and wish for an option to turn it off, others praise the overall soundtrack as exceptional, with some calling it the best they've ever heard in a game. The soundtrack is noted for enhancing the game's atmosphere and immersion, with several users highlighting its quality and emotional impact, even earning nominations for best soundtrack awards. Overall, the music aspect is a polarizing topic, with strong opinions on both ends of the spectrum.
- “Not only do I now have an undying love for steam engines, the visuals are breathtaking and almost bring a tear to my eye, the soundtrack is simply the best I've ever heard, this should be the new standard for video games.”
- “The story is amazing, the soundtrack is the best I've heard since Minecraft.”
- “Extremely story-rich gameplay, character interaction feels natural, masterful soundtrack.”
- “During certain tasks (New Year's Eve event), there can be some music playing in the background which I just find annoying. I find any Christmas-adjacent style music already annoying, but these are in long drawn-out tones that just hurt my ears, and I wish I could turn it off.”
- “There is no music in this game.”
- “Missing soundtrack.”
replayability
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
43%
14%
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many players highlighting features like user-generated content, sandbox mode, and a variety of scenarios that encourage experimentation and creativity. While some users noted that the sound can become repetitive after extended play, the majority agree that the game offers endless replay value, particularly for achievement hunters and those who enjoy exploring different setups.
- “This has assured a great feature of replayability and even ways of experimenting with set-ups and improvements.”
- “Community-backed support for the game, along with user-generated content, will add to the replayability.”
- “Cool little game, though not much replay value (the sound gets too annoyingly repetitive after 5 hours...)”
- “Pretty fun to get all the achievements and figure out how to make it go really fast, but there's not much replayability after that.”
- “The game offers a wealth of content and replayability, with a diverse array of scenarios and challenges.”
optimization
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
60%
15%
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many players noting its smooth performance and minimal CPU impact, even during complex simulations. The realistic physics engine enhances the experience, allowing players to engage deeply with engine management and optimization tasks. However, some users reported performance issues, particularly with CPU usage, indicating that while the game is generally well-optimized, there are areas for improvement.
- “Extremely well optimized!”
- “Insanely polished game/simulator made by a sole passionate developer with exponentially more optimization than modern AAA games!”
- “The interactive nature of the simulator truly engages users, as they can adjust various parameters and observe the immediate impact on the engine's performance.”
- “No optimization.”
- “QOL suggestion: the performance information box covers the gauges in the default view.”
- “From a technical standpoint, the steam engine simulator is remarkably stable and well-optimized.”
atmosphere
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
25%
19%
The atmosphere of the game is described as deeply immersive and reflective, drawing players into a rich, steam-powered world that evokes both nostalgia and introspection. The expertly crafted sound design enhances this experience, creating a menacing yet captivating ambiance that heightens the sense of solitude and engagement with the environment. Overall, the game successfully combines visual and auditory elements to transport players into a bygone era, making them feel like true steam engine enthusiasts.
- “The sound design is perfectly crafted to the atmosphere it combines with, and it is possibly the most immersive digital experience I have ever had.”
- “The ambient sounds, which were once merely atmospheric, now take on a menacing quality—each clang and whistle amplifying the feeling of being watched, as if the very machines hold a consciousness of their own.”
- “With its simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and immersive atmosphere, this game successfully brings the glory days of steam power to life, appealing to enthusiasts of all ages.”
- “This solitude fosters an unsettling atmosphere, reminiscent of classic horror narratives where the protagonist grapples with their own mind.”
- “How distant those days seem now, how burdened by the apparent smells of their atmospheres.”
- “Who can lament the tragedy of life, when surrounded by such steamless atmospheres?”
emotional
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly impactful, with many players reporting intense feelings that led to tears throughout their experience. The story is frequently described as life-changing and beautifully crafted, evoking a range of emotions from laughter to deep sadness. Overall, the game successfully resonates with players on a profound level, making it a memorable and moving experience.
- “Life-changing game, made me cry.”
- “The story was so emotional and I was crying by the ending.”
- “I laughed, I cried, I found beauty in the world and nature.”
monetization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The monetization aspect of the game is highly praised, with users appreciating the absence of microtransactions, ads, and additional paid content like DLCs or battle passes. Many describe it as a refreshing free-to-play experience that focuses solely on gameplay without the typical monetization pitfalls. However, one user suggests that the game could benefit from more monetization options.
- “No microtransactions, no battle pass, no pay-to-win, just you and a steam engine.”
- “It's fun but very short; all in all, the perfect free game: no microtransactions, no ads, just made by a YouTuber for a video.”
- “No ads, no DLC.”
- “Finally, a free-to-play game without microtransactions, gachas, skins, and other nonsense.”
- “No microtransactions.”
- “No microtransactions.”
stability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
80%
60%
Overall, the game is praised for its stability, with users noting that it runs smoothly without any day-one patches or significant bugs. However, one user reported a display freeze during simulation, indicating a minor issue.
- “Such a simple game but so wonderfully and beautifully made. The best part? No day one patch, no glitches or bugs. The game actually runs smoothly; it's so nice!”
- “Runs great on Steam.”
- “Looks great, runs great!”
- “I noticed a bug where the display of the simulation freezes.”
- “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
- “I experienced several instances of lag that disrupted my gameplay.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development is highly praised, with reviewers noting that the progression of the story across various chapters effectively enhances the growth of the main cast, contributing to a rich and engaging narrative experience.
- “The graphics, the mechanics, the character development—it's all there!”
- “The progression of the story throughout the many chapters and the character development of the main cast is wonderfully done.”

Skip Game Offers

Buy Steam Engine Simulator

Steam Engine Simulator
See offer on Steam

18h Median play time

19h Average play time

6-35h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 14 analyzed playthroughs

Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Steam Engine Simulator

87%4kreviews

Egg

2024

Casual Simulation

93%3.7kreviews

click to ten

2022

Casual Action Adventure

98%117.4kreviews

BeamNG.drive

2015

Racing

99%17.7kreviews

Placid Plastic Duck Simulator

2022

Casual Simulation

89%117.6kreviews

Teardown

2022

Simulation

More games like Steam Engine Simulator

Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Steam Engine Simulator is a simulation game.

Steam Engine Simulator is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 19 hours playing Steam Engine Simulator.

Steam Engine Simulator was released on June 7, 2023.

Steam Engine Simulator was developed by Ektorom Software Inc..

Steam Engine Simulator has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Steam Engine Simulator is a single player game.

Similar games include Egg, click to ten, BeamNG.drive, Placid Plastic Duck Simulator, Teardown and others.

Steam Engine Simulator

Platforms

About

Buy Steam Engine Simulator