Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Bus Simulator 18 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Bus Simulator 18 on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Construction Simulator 2015, which both open world and strategy.
- Bus Simulator 18 is tagged Simulation, Automobile Sim, Driving, Multiplayer, Realistic, Open World, Singleplayer, Co-op by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Construction Simulator 2015
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving; published by the same company; released around the same time (2014).
In Construction Simulator 2015, you take the controls of 16 realistic construction machines made by LIEBHERR, STILL and MAN with high-quality 3D graphics.
Construction Simulator 2015 at a glance Released 2014 Studio weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung GmbH Player sentiment 82% positive of 6,852 Price $14.99 SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticManagementStrategyModModdable
- 2
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Realistic; released around the same time (2021).
Work your way to a service empire. Get your hands dirty in a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to details. Pay a visit to a new Auction house and buy cars in various conditions. Expand your range of services by investing in a new work space and equipment.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 38,510 Price $24.99 SimulationAutomobile SimRealisticModdableDrivingFirst-PersonVRStrategy
- 3
Farming Simulator 19
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Driving; released around the same time (2018).
The best-selling franchise takes a giant leap forward with a complete overhaul of the graphics engine, offering the most striking and immersive visuals and effects, along with the deepest and most complete farming experience ever.
Farming Simulator 19 at a glance Released 2018 Studio GIANTS Software Player sentiment 94% positive of 76,267 Price $17.99 SimulationRealisticDrivingManagementAutomobile SimModdableFirst-PersonStrategy
- 4
Farming Simulator 17
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Realistic; released around the same time (2016).
Take on the role of a modern farmer in Farming Simulator 17! Explore farming possibilities in a new North American environment. Drive over 250 farming vehicles and equipment from over 75 manufacturers, including new brands such as Challenger, Fendt, Valtra or Massey Ferguson.
Farming Simulator 17 at a glance Released 2016 Studio GIANTS Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 25,933 Price $14.99 SimulationAutomobile SimRealisticDrivingModdableManagementFirst-PersonStrategy
- 5
Farming Simulator 15
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Automobile Sim, Simulation and Moddable; released around the same time (2014).
Welcome to the new generation of Farming Simulator!With a brand new graphics and physics engine, Farming Simulator 15 offers an immense open world, filled with details and visual effects transporting the Farming Simulator franchise to a new era.
Farming Simulator 15 at a glance Released 2014 Studio GIANTS Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 15,855 Price $12.99 Automobile SimSimulationModdableRealisticDrivingManagementModStrategy
- 6
Car Mechanic Simulator 2018
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving; released around the same time (2017).
Build and expand your repair service empire in this incredibly detailed and highly realistic simulation game, where attention to car detail is astonishing. Find classic, unique cars in the new Barn Find module and Junkyard module. You can even add your self-made car in the Car Editor.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 56,552 Price $19.99 SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticFirst-PersonModdableManagementStrategy
- 7
Gold Mining Simulator
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Driving; released around the same time (2017).
Become a gold miner. Work hard, dig deep, explore the world, and you’ll become the wealthiest person in Alaska. Use a variety of specialist machines to find as much gold as you can.
Gold Mining Simulator at a glance Released 2017 Studio Code Horizon Player sentiment 73% positive of 16,382 Price $19.99 SimulationRealisticDrivingFirst-PersonStrategyManagementAutomobile Sim
- 8
Transport Fever 2
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Strategy and Management; released around the same time (2019).
The classic transport simulation genre has a new gold standard with Transport Fever 2. Discover a whole new world by navigating transport routes through land, water and air. May progress and prosperity find their way!
Transport Fever 2 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Urban Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 32,509 Price $39.99 SimulationStrategyManagementRealisticModdableMod
- 9
Transport Fever
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Driving, Management and Strategy; released around the same time (2016).
Transport Fever is a railroad-focused tycoon game. Players start in 1850 and build up a thriving transport company. As an emerging transport tycoon, the player constructs stations, airports, harbors and makes money by connecting areas requiring transport services. Build up your own Empire!
Transport Fever at a glance Released 2016 Studio Urban Games Player sentiment 83% positive of 10,841 Price $29.99 DrivingManagementStrategySimulationRealisticModdable
- 10
Train Simulator Classic
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Driving and Realistic; released around the same time (2015).
The ultimate railway hobby for more than 15 years! From historic steam locomotives to modern high-speed and heavy freight trains, and routes around the world, Train Simulator Classic is the simulation made by railfans for railfans.
Train Simulator Classic at a glance Released 2015 Studio Dovetail Games Player sentiment 72% positive of 29,408 Price $29.99 SimulationDrivingRealisticModdableVRStrategy
- 11
F1 2020
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving; released around the same time (2020).
F1® 2020 allows you to create your F1® team for the very first time and race alongside the official teams and drivers. Alternatively, challenge your friends in new split-screen with casual race options for more relaxed racing. Compete on 22 circuits, with current and classic content.
F1 2020 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 94% positive of 39,931 Price Not listed SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticManagementStrategyVR
- 12
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Automobile Sim, Simulation and VR; released around the same time (2019).
Assetto Corsa Competizione, the official GT World Challenge videogame. Thanks to the extraordinary quality of simulation, you will experience the atmosphere of the GT3 championship. Compete against official drivers, teams, cars and official circuits reproduced to the highest quality ever seen.
Assetto Corsa Competizione at a glance Released 2019 Studio Kunos Simulazioni Player sentiment 93% positive of 48,018 Price $39.99 Automobile SimSimulationVRDrivingRealisticFirst-PersonModdable
- 13
MudRunner
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving; released around the same time (2017).
MudRunner is the ultimate off-road experience putting the players in the driver seat and dares them to take charge of incredible all-terrain vehicles, venturing across extreme Siberian landscapes with only a map and compass as guides!
MudRunner at a glance Released 2017 Studio Saber Interactive Player sentiment 92% positive of 44,003 Price $19.99 SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticModModdableFirst-Person
- 14
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Automobile Sim, Simulation and Driving; released around the same time (2015).
New cars, new tools, new options, more parts and much more fun in the next version of Car Mechanic Simulator! Take your wrench! Create and expand your auto repairs service empire. Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 will take you behind the scenes of daily routine in car workshop.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 14,625 Price $19.99 Automobile SimSimulationDrivingFirst-PersonManagementRealisticMod
- 15
City Car Driving
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Driving and Automobile Sim; released around the same time (2016).
City Car Driving – realistic car driving simulator, which will help you master the basic skills of the car driving in various traffic conditions, with plunging into the environment most closely resembling the real one.
City Car Driving at a glance Released 2016 Studio Forward Development, Ltd. Player sentiment 83% positive of 36,073 Price $24.99 SimulationDrivingAutomobile SimRealisticVRFirst-PersonModdable
- 16
Cities: Skylines II
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Management and Strategy.
Raise a city from the ground up and transform it into a thriving metropolis with the most realistic city builder ever. Push your creativity and problem-solving to build on a scale you've never experienced. With deep simulation and a living economy, this is world-building without limits.
Cities: Skylines II at a glance Released 2023 Studio Iceflake Studios Player sentiment 56% positive of 91,995 Price $49.99 SimulationManagementStrategyRealisticModdableMod
- 17
Drug Dealer Simulator
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Management and First-Person; released around the same time (2020).
Have you ever considered creating your own crime empire, without the legal and moral consequences? SIMULATE IT! Crawl into the dark alleys of the street business in this OG drug-dealing game, and make a fortune! A co-op sequel – DDS2 – is out NOW
Drug Dealer Simulator at a glance Released 2020 Studio Byterunners Player sentiment 86% positive of 21,029 Price $19.99 SimulationManagementFirst-PersonRealisticStrategy
- 18
OMSI 2: Steam Edition
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Automobile Sim, Simulation and Driving.
Off to the next round! Experience a new omnibus simulator with OMSI 2 and start discovering Spandau while driving the omnibus. OMSI 2 is the successor of the well-known and awarded omnibus simulator "OMSI - The Bus Simulator".
OMSI 2: Steam Edition at a glance Released 2013 Studio MR-Software GbR Player sentiment 86% positive of 14,844 Price $29.99 Automobile SimSimulationDrivingRealisticModdableFirst-PersonManagement
- 19
Euro Truck Simulator
Why it matched: both open world; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Automobile Sim and Driving.
The original Euro Truck Simulator - the game which has become the classic of the genre and is still relevant today. The first truck simulation game in a European setting, with European long haul trucks!
Euro Truck Simulator at a glance Released 2013 Studio SCS Software Player sentiment 84% positive of 7,665 Price $4.99 SimulationAutomobile SimDrivingRealisticFirst-PersonModdableManagement
- 20
American Truck Simulator
Why it matched: both open world; shares 6 player tags including Automobile Sim, Driving and Simulation; released around the same time (2016).
Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. American Truck Simulator takes you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and widely recognized landmarks around the States.
American Truck Simulator at a glance Released 2016 Studio SCS Software Player sentiment 97% positive of 195,613 Price $19.99 Automobile SimDrivingSimulationRealisticModdableManagement
- 21
DiRT Rally 2.0
Why it matched: both open world; shares 6 player tags including Automobile Sim, Simulation and VR; released around the same time (2019).
DiRT Rally 2.0 dares you to carve your way through a selection of iconic rally locations from across the globe, in the most powerful off-road vehicles ever made, knowing that the smallest mistake could end your stage.
DiRT Rally 2.0 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 89% positive of 48,388 Price $19.99 Automobile SimSimulationVRDrivingRealisticFirst-Person
- 22
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Moddable; released around the same time (2020).
A strategy/action RPG. Create a character, engage in diplomacy, craft, trade and conquer new lands in a vast medieval sandbox. Raise armies to lead into battle and command and fight alongside your troops in massive real-time battles using a deep but intuitive skill-based combat system.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord at a glance Released 2020 Studio TaleWorlds Player sentiment 88% positive of 296,754 Price $49.99 StrategySimulationModdableRealisticFirst-Person
- 23
Schedule I
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Management and First-Person.
From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more.
Schedule I at a glance Released 2025 Studio TVGS Player sentiment 98% positive of 314,499 Price $19.99 SimulationManagementFirst-PersonStrategyDriving
- 24
RIDE 4
Why it matched: both open world; shares 6 player tags including First-Person, Simulation and Automobile Sim; released around the same time (2020).
Are you ready to live the best gaming experience that a motorcycle fan can get? RIDE 4 will spark your competitive soul with hundreds of bikes, dozens of tracks and a whole new level of realism.
RIDE 4 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Milestone S.r.l. Player sentiment 83% positive of 12,391 Price $39.99 First-PersonSimulationAutomobile SimDrivingVRRealistic
Common questions
What game is most like Bus Simulator 18?
Construction Simulator 2015, on the evidence we have. It both open world and strategy. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Bus Simulator 18" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Bus Simulator 18. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.