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Squirrel's Pick Squirrel's PickThe best game on this page. If you only try one, try this.
SportsFootball (Soccer)Real Time Tactics
~400.7 hr median no co-op complexity: heavy 89.9% of 20k
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.
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SportsFootball (Soccer)Football (American)
~484.5 hr median no co-op complexity: heavy 89.3% of 32k
The Squirrel's verdictFootball Manager 2020 runs a full 3D match engine with deeper tactical and scouting systems, built for players who want substantial club-building simulation across long saves. Reviewers log a median 484.5 hours, reflecting how much the underlying management loop holds attention. Criticism focuses on a repetitive attacking pattern reliance, yoyo scorelines, and illogical AI transfer behavior — complaints grounded in simulation depth rather than pay-to-win mechanics.
Not for you if you want a lightweight, fast-paced manager or expect a deeper engine to eliminate erratic results entirely.
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Turn-Based CombatFootball (Soccer)Economy
Strong Mods Strong ModsA deep, active modding scene extends it past its base content.
$24.99 ~119.3 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 87.1% of 4k
The Squirrel's verdictTurn-based pitch control is what separates FTG from Soccer Manager's hands-off simulation: you call every move on the field rather than watching an engine resolve the match. The management layer — transfers, contracts, stadium upgrades, season-to-season promotion — is still present, but results come from your in-match decisions. Steam rating is Very Positive (87.1%) and median playtime is 119.3 hours. Reviewers warn the opening hours are tutorial-heavy and early promotion battles can stall progress.
Not for you if you want realistic football simulation rather than turn-based tactical puzzles, or dislike a heavy tutorial-driven learning curve.
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SportsFootball (Soccer)
~172.1 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 87.6% of 1k
The Squirrel's verdictFM 2020 Touch removes mobile-style monetization entirely and delivers a full simulation engine with youth development and a dedicated development centre — features reviewers single out as highlights. The tradeoff is a persistent injury bug and unrealistic long-range shot conversion that reviewers flag as unresolved. No pay-to-win mechanics are present, but the sim's depth means median playtime runs past 170 hours.
Not for you if you want short sessions rather than a deep simulation, since median playtime here runs past 170 hours.
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Budget Pick Budget PickThe best game here for the least money.
SportsFootball (Soccer)RPG
$19.99 ~47.7 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 87.4% of 522
The Squirrel's verdictBoth are football management sims built around transfers, match simulation, and board expectations. New Star Manager trades spreadsheet depth for a card-based system and mini games, with simplified mouse-driven match action instead of pure text simulation. It suits players who want tactical management without granular depth, and without free-to-play monetization pressure.
Not for you if you want deep tactical granularity rather than a simplified, card-driven, arcade-leaning take on match simulation.
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Football (Soccer)SportsTime Management
$24.99 ~58.1 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 77.5% of 1k
The Squirrel's verdictWE ARE FOOTBALL positions the player at club-owner level rather than tactical micromanager. Match simulation shows only the ball-carrier instead of a full pitch view, so team shape and defensive organization are not visible during matches. Reviewers note the game is relatively easy and that timed in-match decisions can feel rushed. For players who prefer relaxed, season-to-season club building over live tactical control.
Not for you if you need to see full team shape during matches or want fast-paced timed decisions rather than relaxed tactical planning.
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Closest Match Closest MatchThe most similar game to the anchor, by what players say.
SportsFootball (Soccer)Tactical
Monetized MonetizedHeads up: leans on microtransactions or free-to-play hooks.
~19.8 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 76.5% of 2k
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.
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SportsFootball (Soccer)Football (American)
Monetized MonetizedHeads up: leans on microtransactions or free-to-play hooks.
~26.6 hr median no co-op complexity: light 76.2% of 698
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.