Single-player games like Vivarium
Below are 8 single-player Steam games similar to Vivarium, ranked by player overlap. Every pick carries Steam's Single-player category, so multiplayer-only titles or always-online games don't sneak in. imho.run pulls the category data from Steam directly — Single-player here matches what the store labels.
Want the full alternatives list (paid + free + Steam Deck + cheaper picks)? See the parent games like Vivarium page.
Ranked picks
- 1
When I'm Not Drawing
Single-player alternative to Vivarium — playable solo, no multiplayer required.
In this cozy life-simulation RPG, you play as a young artist who moves to a new city to pursue your dreams. Plan your schedule, balance life and career, explore the city, and meet new friends! Live a fulfilling year on your own, at your own pace.
- 2
Magical Princess
Single-player alternative to Vivarium — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Adventure with Vivarium.
Raise your daughter while she attends a magical academy. Choose which classes she attends, jobs she does, training she undergoes, and more in a character raising sim packed full of story and over 50 endings to reach. How she grows up to be the world's cutest princess depends on you!
- 3
Lake
Single-player alternative to Vivarium — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Adventure with Vivarium.
It's 1986 - Meredith Weiss takes a break from her career in the big city to deliver mail in her hometown. How will she experience two weeks in beautiful Providence Oaks, with its iconic lake and quirky community? And what will she do next? It's up to you.
- 4
Repair this!
Single-player alternative to Vivarium — playable solo, no multiplayer required.
Become a phone repair technician, get the opportunity to look into the personal data of customers. Influence their destinies if you dare!
- 5
Volcano Princess
Single-player alternative to Vivarium — playable solo, no multiplayer required.
Prepare the next monarch by finding her hobbies, training her for battle, and befriending the citizens she'll one day protect. Dive into an all-new parenting-simulator-RPG adventure, where every decision you make will not only affect the future of your daughter but that of an entire empire!
- 6
Tiny Bookshop
Single-player alternative to Vivarium — playable solo, no multiplayer required.
Leave everything behind and open a tiny bookshop by the sea in this cozy narrative management game. Stock your tiny bookshop with different books and items, set up shop in scenic locations, and run your cozy second-hand bookshop while getting to know the locals.
- 7
Tavern Talk - A Cozy Visual Novel
Single-player alternative to Vivarium — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Adventure with Vivarium.
A cozy visual novel about running a tavern in a D&D-inspired fantasy! Gather rumors, serve magical drinks, and meet adventurers on a life-changing quest.
- 8
CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience
Single-player alternative to Vivarium — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Adventure with Vivarium.
CHANGE is an award nominated homeless survival experience set in a randomly created city with rogue-like elements. Explore, survive, earn perks, find items & kindness to develop your character & escape to a new life. Over 7 years of development & over 200 updates so far!