Ever wanted to run your own shop without all the hassle of real-life logistics?

Well, you’re in luck, because shop simulator games let you dive right into the fun part of managing a store while avoiding the boring stuff like accounting (at least for the most part). From alchemists mixing up magical potions to card shops full of rare TCG treasures, there’s a whole world of shopkeeping adventures waiting for you.

In this list, we’ll take a look at five of the best shop simulator games that will scratch that entrepreneurial itch. Whether you’re bartering with mysterious travelers in Moonlighter, crafting concoctions in Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator, or running a cozy little TCG store, these games bring their own charm and challenges. So, grab your virtual cash register and let’s dive into these gems!

GameReleaseGenreDeveloper
TCG Card Shop Simulator 2024-09-15 Simulation, Strategy OPNeon Games
Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator 2021-09-21 Simulation niceplay game
Moonlighter 2018-05-29 Adventure Digital Sun Games
My Time At Portia 2018-01-23 Indie Pathea Games
Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale 2010-09-10 Indie EasyGameStation
Littlewood 2019-06-17 Adventure Sean Young
Verdant Skies 2018-02-12 Adventure Howling Moon Software
Garden Paws 2018-12-18 Adventure Bitten Toast Games
Graveyard Keeper 2018-08-15 Adventure Lazy Bear Games
Travellers Rest 2020-07-28 Isolated Games
Spiritfarer 2020-08-18 Building Thunder Lotus
Craft The World 2014-11-24 Indie Dekovir Entertainment

TCG Card Shop Simulator

Release date:2024-09-15
Genre:Simulation, Strategy
Developer:OPNeon Games

If you’ve ever wanted to own a card shop packed with rare trading cards, TCG Card Shop Simulator has you covered. You’ll be pricing, selling, and trading cards while keeping an eye on market trends.

The thrill of finding that rare card is real, and so is the satisfaction of making a sweet deal. The vibe is chill, but the competition can heat up, especially when those collectors come knocking!

Key features
  • Buy, sell, and trade rare TCG cards
  • Manage your shop’s inventory
  • Track card market trends
  • Build your collection and shop reputation

Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator

Release date:2021-09-21
Genre:Simulation
Developer:niceplay game

In Potion Craft, you’re not just running a shop—you’re concocting magical brews to sell to the townsfolk. The real fun comes from experimenting with different ingredients and seeing what potions you can create.

It’s all about creativity here, and with each customer’s unique request, you’ll be putting your alchemy skills to the test. Plus, the hand-drawn style gives this game a cozy, old-timey feel.

Key features
  • Mix and brew potions with creative ingredients
  • Sell potions to various customers
  • Experiment with recipes for unique effects
  • Gorgeous hand-drawn art style

Moonlighter

Release date:2018-05-29
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Digital Sun Games

Moonlighter lets you be both an adventurer and a shopkeeper. By day, you manage your little shop in the village, selling all the loot you gather from dungeon crawling at night.

The game is a perfect balance between managing your stock and fighting monsters for new, valuable items. It’s all about knowing when to sell high and when to dive deeper for better loot!

Key features
  • Dual gameplay: shopkeeping and dungeon crawling
  • Loot items and sell them to villagers
  • Upgrade your shop and expand your inventory
  • Unique pixel art with action-packed combat

My Time at Portia

Release date:2018-01-23
Genre:Indie
Developer:Pathea Games

This game throws you into the charming world of My Time at Portia, where you’ll not only run a shop, but also build and craft to fulfill commissions.

While you’re building up your workshop, you’ll be gathering materials, making friends, and even dabbling in farming. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and social interaction, set in a vibrant, colorful town.

Key features
  • Craft and sell items in your workshop
  • Gather materials and fulfill commissions
  • Explore an open-world filled with activities
  • Build relationships with townsfolk

Recettear: An Item Shop’s Tale

Release date:2010-09-10
Genre:Indie
Developer:EasyGameStation

Recettear is all about running a quirky little shop with a massive personality. You play as Recette, a girl who’s trying to pay off her dad’s debt by selling everything, from swords to potions.

The game blends shop management with some light dungeon crawling, as you’ll need to go out and find items to stock your shelves. It’s cute, funny, and surprisingly strategic as you haggle for the best prices!

Key features
  • Manage an item shop to pay off debt
  • Haggle with customers for better profits
  • Explore dungeons for loot to sell
  • Quirky story with fun characters

Whether you’re mixing potions, bartering for rare cards, or selling loot from your latest dungeon crawl, these shop simulator games offer a ton of fun and unique experiences. They let you dive into the hustle and bustle of running your own shop while adding special twists to keep things interesting. 

So, whether you’re in it for the adventure, the creativity, or the simple satisfaction of turning a profit, there’s something here for every aspiring shopkeeper. Why not give one (or all) of these games a try? You might just find yourself hooked on the thrill of keeping your shelves stocked, customers happy, and profits rolling in. Happy shopkeeping!