Want to learn more about the basics of trading but don’t know where to start?
These trade management games not only build confidence and teach market dynamics but are incredibly fun as well!
Playing a merchant is one of the most fascinating features in video games. You can gather resources, craft something, and then try to earn a fortune for future investments that bring even more of that sweet satisfaction.
As it turns out, some video games focus mainly on this aspect (sometimes enriched with other factors) that can let you rise as a born trader!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Superpower 2 | 2004-10-11 | Simulation | GolemLabs |
 | Nobunagas Ambition Sphere Of Influence | 2015-09-01 | Strategy | KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. |
 | Terra Invicta | 2022-09-26 | Simulation | Pavonis Interactive |
 | Crusader Kings III | 2020-09-01 | Strategy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Hearts Of Iron IV | 2016-06-06 | Simulation | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Distant Worlds 2 | 2022-03-10 | Simulator | Code Force |
 | Sid Meiers Civilization VI Platinum Edition | 2016-10-20 | Economy | Aspyr (Mac, Linux) |
 | Stellaris | 2016-05-09 | Strategy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Victoria 3 | 2022-10-25 | Strategy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Europa Universalis IV | 2013-08-13 | Economy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Cities Skylines II | 2023-10-24 | Simulator | Colossal Order |
 | Cities Skylines | 2015-03-10 | Economy | Colossal Order Ltd. |
 | Factorio | 2016-02-25 | Indie | Wube Software LTD. |
EVE Online
| Release date: | 2003 |
| Genre: | Space simulation, massively multiplayer online role-playing game |
| Developer: | CCP Games |
Explore over 5,000 solar systems to become part of a community-driven spaceship MMORPG and decide your destiny. It’s a free-to-play game, so nothing stops you from fulfilling that dream!
Design your playable avatar and decide what you want to do with the endless development opportunities this game has to offer. Crave a little trading adventure? Get a ship, gather resources, invent new technologies, and transport goods between stations. Whatever activity you choose, your actions have a visible impact on the surrounding environment.
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Stellaris
| Release date: | 2016-05-09 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Paradox Development Studio |
Gathering thousands of players daily on Steam, Stellaris gives you the excellent opportunity to explore a massive galaxy and establish an unbeatable empire.
Stellaris is all about multitasking. To survive in this vast universe, you’ll first need to learn how to juggle various management factors, including trade, food supplies, science, combat, diplomacy, discovery, and more. It’s definitely a simulation for those craving a challenge!
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Offworld Trading Company
| Release date: | 2016-04-28 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Mohawk Games |
You’ve already colonized Mars, but it’s time to survive and beat the competition. Welcome to a world where even oxygen is tradable!
Run your own trading company on Mars and conquer the market as fast as possible. In this game, everything depends on your choices, so plan the perfect trading strategy and dominate the market to witness how your actions influence the situation – solo or multiplayer.
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Port Royale 4
| Release date: | 2020-09-25 |
| Genre: | Economy |
| Developer: | Gaming Minds Studios |
Use your trading skills to conquer the 17th-century Caribbean. You are still young, but experience comes with time!
Play as the governor of a modest settlement to establish an economic empire in the beautiful Caribbean. Create production chains, design trade routes connecting 60 other cities, and earn fame to unlock more development opportunities. But beware, as stormy waters and naval battles can shatter your dreams of ultimate victory.
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Tropico 6
| Release date: | 2018 |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Limbic Entertainment |
It’s a fun economic strategy game to play as El Presidente – the leader of a banana republic.
Unleash your inner dictator and invent the most creative solutions to design the perfect banana republic. Steal technology from other countries, create an efficient transport system, give speeches, and increase the approval rating of unsuspecting people. Or become a ruthless leader of a police state – after all, you are in charge of everything that happens in this game.
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From Caribbean islands to massive galaxies, these games won’t shy away from testing your trading skills.
And although these environments are digital, many perfectly reflect the mechanisms that govern the market.
Therefore, every playthrough can become a valuable lesson. Or better – an opportunity to experiment with the wildest ideas!