Games like Soccer Manager 2021

The Squirrel's verdictSame core loop: transfers, tactics, seasons managing a club roster. The difference is depth and simulation fidelity — match engine, xG data, and transfer logic reviewers describe as realistic rather than random. Some players note artificial rival difficulty spikes and a steep learning curve, but the underlying club-management systems are far more developed.

Not for you if you want something simple and fast rather than a dense sim averaging 447+ hours with a real learning curve.

The Squirrel's verdictFootball Manager 2022 sits at Very Positive (92.6%) with a 437.9-hour median playtime, built for players who want realistic tactical depth and a large licensed database rather than a simplified free-to-play sim. The 3D match engine and scouting systems are far more developed than Soccer Manager 2021's, though some reviewers note the series changes little year to year and the match engine has drawn criticism for repetitive attacking patterns.

Not for you if you want a free, casual manager game or find that yearly FM releases feel too similar to justify the cost.

The Squirrel's verdictReviewers highlight FM2023's detailed licensed database and delegated staff systems as its strongest features, making it well-suited to players who want to sink long-term saves into a complex club-building simulation. Transfer behavior is described as realistic rather than arbitrary. Steam rating is Very Positive (89.9%) and median playtime is 400.7 hours, though several reviewers argue it represents one of the smaller year-on-year updates in the series.

Not for you if you want a simple, quick management game or find steep learning curves and hundreds of hours of commitment unappealing.

The Squirrel's verdictFootball Manager 2020 runs a full 3D match engine and deeper tactical systems than Soccer Manager 2021, built for players who want substantial simulation rather than quick sessions. Reviewers still flag scripted-feeling results, yoyo scorelines, and illogical AI behavior in transfers and match patterns. Median playtime is 484.5 hours, which reflects how much the underlying club-building loop holds attention despite those complaints.

Not for you if you want a lightweight, fast-paced manager or expect a deeper engine to eliminate erratic results entirely.

The Squirrel's verdictSame core loop: transfers, tactics, and season-to-season club building. FM19 goes deeper on training systems and tactical customization, with a match engine reviewers argue over on realism but nobody accuses of rigging results for monetization. Median playtime sits above 480 hours, so this rewards long-term commitment over quick sessions.

Not for you if you want quick seasons rather than a deep, time-heavy management sim with a dense tactical and training system.

The Squirrel's verdictFast seasons of roughly 3–4 hours each make Soccer Manager 2020 accessible for players who want a lightweight, free management sim without committing to a long-haul simulation. Reviewers still flag unrealistic transfer AI, overpowered free kicks, and match results that ignore tactical setup. Steam rating is Mostly Positive (76.5%) and median playtime is 19.8 hours.

Not for you if you want transfer logic or match simulation that behaves more consistently than in other Soccer Manager entries.

The Squirrel's verdictSoccer Manager 2019 added a 3D match view and contract-setting improvements that some reviewers called meaningful upgrades, while others report the same scripted-feeling results — identical yellow cards and free kicks in replayed matches — that appear in the rest of the series. Steam sits at Mostly Positive (76.2%) and median playtime is 26.6 hours, meaning most players engage for a few seasons before stopping.

Not for you if you expect the match engine's fairness issues to be resolved compared to other entries in the series.

The Squirrel's verdictPlayers who want the earliest iteration of the Soccer Manager formula — real club names, transfer windows, uncontrolled match simulation — will find it here in the 2018 entry. Steam rating is Mixed (68.7%) and median playtime is 9.5 hours. Reviewers flag one save slot only, erratic results including losing to much weaker opponents, and transfer scouting that blocks you from seeing player attributes before committing.

Not for you if you want multiple save slots, predictable match results, or visible player stats before scouting.