Games like Football Manager 2020

The Squirrel's verdictSame club-building loop: sign players, manage contracts, upgrade facilities, climb divisions. The difference is the match itself — instead of watching FM's simulated engine, you directly control a turn-based, chess-like tactical battle each game. Suits players frustrated by FM's match engine who want hands-on control over results instead of scripted outcomes.

Not for you if you want to manage from the sidelines rather than personally execute turn-based tactics on the pitch each match.

The Squirrel's verdictNew Star Manager covers the same fundamentals — signing players, satisfying the board, building a squad — but replaces deep tactical sliders with a card-based system and mini-games. Reviewers note that decisions produce visible, direct outcomes, and the PC version drops the microtransactions present in the mobile release. At $19.99 with a median playtime around 48 hours, it fits managers who want a lighter, more arcade-paced alternative to FM's simulation depth.

Not for you if you want FM's exhaustive squad database, detailed scouting systems, and granular tactical control rather than a card-driven, simplified management layer.

The Squirrel's verdictStadium construction and a cleaner interface distinguish this from its predecessor, and Steam Workshop support fills the gap left by absent official licensing. Reviewers flag that player fee negotiations are basic and that some game mechanics lack clear explanation compared to FM. At $39.99 with median playtime near 61 hours, it targets managers who want a cheaper, broader club-management package over FM's simulation precision.

Not for you if you rely on FM's depth in transfer negotiations, or need licensed names and clubs available without installing third-party Workshop content.

The Squirrel's verdictWE ARE FOOTBALL covers season-to-season club building — recruitment, training, load/save progression — at a broader level than FM's trainer-view micromanagement. The match view shows only the player with the ball rather than a full pitch overview, so team shape is not directly visible during games. Median playtime is around 58 hours. Suits managers who want accessible season-building without deep in-match tactical control.

Not for you if you need full pitch visibility during matches or want FM's level of in-match tactical adjustment and micromanagement.

The Squirrel's verdictThis is a free PC port of a mobile game, retaining the mobile interface and a microtransaction system where gold bars are required to pay agent fees. Real player names are included. There is no option to skip matches and view results directly. Median playtime is 16.8 hours. Suits someone wanting a zero-cost introduction to management mechanics rather than a feature-complete FM alternative.

Not for you if you want FM's tactical depth without paywalled basic actions, or expect a purpose-built PC interface rather than a mobile-derived one.

The Squirrel's verdictSoccer Manager 2021 keeps the core loop: sign players, set tactics, manage board expectations, build a club across seasons. It trades FM's depth and simulation detail for a lighter, faster session model, with median playtime under 21 hours, suited to players who want quick club management without FM's scale of database and staff systems.

Not for you if you expect realistic transfers and match results — reviews describe erratic simulation, unrealistic transfer windows, and sudden sackings despite improved form.

The Squirrel's verdictLicensed player and team names are the headline feature here — something FM charges a premium to provide. Soccer Manager 2019 is simpler and lighter than FM, lacking advanced scouting and staff depth. Reviewers document scripted match outcomes, with identical incidents and scorelines repeating on reload. Median playtime sits around 27 hours. Suits players who want a no-cost entry point with real names rather than FM's complexity.

Not for you if you expect consistent, realistic match simulation — reviews describe repeated identical incidents and fixed results regardless of tactical input.

The Squirrel's verdictFree and browser-paced, this runs as a persistent online league where matches simulate against other real players' squads rather than AI. Median playtime among players reaches 749 hours, reflecting how the ongoing structure keeps managers engaged across seasons. Suits FM players who want a lighter, no-cost alternative with a live competitive community rather than a self-contained single-player save.

Not for you if you want a private single-player save, or are put off by patreon-influenced development and reviews describing scripted results at higher divisions.