The best simulation games offer a momentary reprieve from the stresses and strains of real life — sometimes offering the stresses and strains of a virtual life instead. The last few years have been particularly strong for life sim games, but there has also been a steady stream of updates from old favourites in the genre. You’ll find some of the best simulation games of all time on this list, as well as a few hidden gems you might have forgotten.

There’s a considerable overlap here with the best strategy games, but great simulation games tend to focus more on the experience than the execution. A lot of these entries are base games, too, which keeps them affordable and accessible, but it’ll be worth checking out any new DLC to freshen up gameplay every few months.

• Developer: Maxis
• Publisher: EA
• Release Date: September 2, 2014
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

The Sims 4 is so synonymous with the genre of simulation games that it spawned countless knockoffs and imitators, and games like the Sims are still a popular choice in every yearly roundup. With seemingly endless DLC content, expansions, and mods, the game has taken on a life of its own, creating one of the biggest gaming monopolies we’ve ever seen–and for good reason. It’s also free to play, if you don’t download any extras.

The Sims 4 can be strategised and designed to maximum efficiency, or let loose and allowed to descend into chaos, depending on your style. You can create normal folk who go about their lives, having kids and working jobs, or you can try to take over the world as an alien-vampire hybrid. It’s up to you. We’ve also got guides for pretty much everything you might need, from our Sims 4 complete romance guide to exploring the occult in the Sims 4, which looks at vampires, werewolves, spellcasters, and more. If you can dream it up, there’s a good chance you can do it in The Sims.

• Developer: Colossal Order/ Tantalus Media
• Publisher: Paradox Interactive
• Release Date: March 10, 2015
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch

The first Cities: Skylines game can be recommended with zero caveats. It’s a detailed, smooth city builder with complex systems to really challenge your problem-solving brain. We’ve got a list of absolutely essential Cities: Skylines mods already lined up for when you master the art of the town planner in a game we’ll forever be referencing as one of the best simulation games of all time.

Cities: Skylines 2 is a bit harder to recommend, given the mixed reaction to a shaky launch, but might still interest people looking for a little more complexity than is offered in the first game. Buy at your own peril, though, as fan reviews still aren’t looking amazing for the sequel, and we’re all still quite happy with the original.

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• Developer: Giants Software
• Publisher: Giants Software
• Release Date: November 12, 2024
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Meta Quest

A lot of farming games fall into the cozy genre, with games like Stardew Valley seemingly saturating the market for anything farm-related, but the Farming Simulator series has never shied away from the honest hard work of a day out in the fields. Farming Simulator 25 is, like its predecessors, painstakingly realistic, showing every element of the job from sowing seeds to establishing supply chains to make a profit on your harvest.

With 25 crop types to take care of–as well as a variety of livestock, and hyper-realistic depictions of anything from ground deformation to weather systems–this is as close to farming as you can get without picking up a shovel. This year’s edition expands the adventure into Asia, with rice paddy fields as a new harvestable terrain.

• Developer: FuturLab
• Publisher: Square Enix Collective
• Release Date: July 14, 2022
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, Meta Quest

Cleaning in real life kinda sucks, but for some reason, PowerWash Simulator is one of the most relaxing games you’ll ever play–it’s calming and deeply satisfying. Who knew blasting encrusted dirt off garage doors was such good, clean fun? It’s very easy for minutes of powerwashing to turn into hours, especially if you play with friends online. In our review of PowerWash Simulator, we noted that “as a soothing and low-impact way to pass some time, it shines like the chrome on a recently power-washed classic car.”

Career Mode gives the game a bit of direction, letting you unlock new tools and upgrades as you scale up your business. PowerWash Simulator has also had countless DLC crossovers, from Spongebob Squarepants to Final Fantasy VII.

• Developer: Two Point Studios
• Publisher: Sega
• Release Date: March 4, 2025
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch

The long-awaited Two Point Museum was one of the biggest game releases of March 2025, given almost universally high review scores and praised for bringing the series’ off-beat humour to the world of museum management. If you can picture yourself placing dinosaur bones, setting up gift shops, and dreaming up wild exhibits for visitors to enjoy, put yourself in the shoes of a Museum Curator and let your imagination run wild.

Sending your team on missions to find exhibits across the world, maintaining them when they arrive–Two Point Museum lets you make Indiana Jones proud. There’s always plenty to do in this, the most complex of the Two Point tycoon games yet–from arranging guided tours to diverting guests in the event of a disaster.

• Developer: Two Point Studios
• Publisher: Sega
• Release Date: August 9, 2022
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch

Two Point Campus is a tongue-in-cheek tycoon sim game that lets you run a university in the most chaotic way possible. It was one of Gamespot’s best PC games of 2022, and got an 8/10 in our Two Point Campus review, partly for its conceptual complexity and partly for how it maintains the series’ signature charm and wit in an all-new setting.

Keeping on top of students’ grades and class timetables is no joke, but add in their happiness, hygiene, health, and even socialisation to the mix and you’ve got your hands full. If you’re not sure where to start on your first day, check out our Two Point Campus for beginners guide, or study for the final exam with our how to make money fast in Two Point Campus guide.

• Developer: Two Point Studios
• Publisher: Sega
• Release Date: August 30, 2018
• Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

If you can wind your mind back all the way to 2018, you’ll find we gave an 8/10 in our review of Two Point Hospital, which set the tone for the above two games in spectacular fashion. Combining a layered and rewarding gameplay style with a biting satire and humour that cuts through every ailment or new challenge, Two Point Hospital is still a pleasure to play and one of the best tycoon sims around, proving laughter really is the best medicine.

It’s a goofy rework of Theme Hospital for a younger generation and it ticks all the same boxes. There are endless factors to consider and people to micromanage, but it all feels like part of a living, breathing whole.

• Developer: OPNeon Games
• Publisher: OPNeon Games
• Release Date: September 15, 2022
• Platforms: PC

TCG Card Shop Simulator was a bit of a sleeper hit that recently gained traction through a number of YouTube channels catching on to its unexplainably compelling gameplay. It may not look like much, but even in Early Access, those who get it, get it. Much like opening a mystery pack of cards, the habit soon becomes compelling, and before you know it, you’re running a thriving card shop where once stood an empty room.

• Developer: Frontier Developments
• Publisher: Frontier Developments
• Release Date: November 9, 2021
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

While we wait for Jurassic World Evolution 3, which is due out in October 2025, its 2021 predecessor still does a solid job of keeping us simultaneously terrified and entertained. Set after the events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, this simulator puts you in control of a dino-packed park, where you work alongside characters from the films to contain these unwieldy beasts.

Trying to balance the needs of the dinosaurs and the safety of your guests is no walk in the park, but Jurassic World Evolution’s story mode challenges give you something to really sink your teeth into.

• Developer: Squad
• Publisher: Private Division
• Release Date: April 27, 2015
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

I get it, Kerbal Space Program is old. But in its old age, it still manages to blow hundreds of other simulation games out of the water. Back in 2011 when the original came out, our Kerbal Space Program review gave it a 9/10. Since then, through updates and patches and even a move to consoles in 2016, the game has only gone from strength to strength.

It’s quirky and silly in some ways, but deadly serious in all the ways that matter. The original game is about simulating space flight with little green guys who repeatedly blow up. If you don’t want them to blow up, you better get your math correct. With highly accurate aerodynamic and orbital physics, Kerbal Space Program is one of the most realistic simulations available to play, making a victory of spaceflight all the more meaningful.

The sequel follows largely the same concept but aims to offer improved science systems, a more detailed career mode, and better graphics–although players cite a lot of issues getting it to work in its current state, so proceed with caution.

• Developer: Frontier Developments
• Publisher: Frontier Developments
• Release Date: November 6, 2024
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

If you want to inject a little thrillseeking into your sedate simulator experience, Planet Coaster 2 is the perfect balance of the two. The game offers a blank slate terrain for you to build the roller coaster-filled theme park of your dreams–meaning you can go full corporate efficiency or concoct something mind-bendingly bizarre.

Once the big rides are down, you can also tweak smaller bits of scenery, foliage, and decor around your park, as well as take care of your guests’ needs for shade, water, food, toilets, and more. Building on the original game, Planet Coaster 2 introduces water rides and co-op play, where you can build parks as business partners with friends and share them online for others to visit.

• Developer: Sports Interactive
• Publisher: Sega
• Release Date: December 7, 2023
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Apple Arcade

Sports and simulation go hand-in-hand, and for soccer fans, it doesn’t get much better than Football Manager. Not only can you see games play out and build your own team, you can also keep a handle on the transfer market, develop each player’s skills and mentality, and manage budgets across all areas of your club.

Mirroring real-world developments in the game, as well as new features for the 2024 edition, this is the most complete version of the game after Football Manager 2025 was canceled after multiple delays. Fortunately, we’ll see Football Manager 2026 hit the market hopefully before the end of the year. Until then, use our guide to the best Football Manager 2024 wonderkids and young players to get yourself started in the game.

• Developer: Frozen District/ Empyrean
• Publisher: Frozen District/ PlayWay
• Release Date: December 14, 2023
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

House Flipper 2 is one of the most relaxing simulation games on PS5, combining creativity and cleanliness into a game with the vibe of a makeover show. The premise is simple: You’re given access to a string of locations–some in need of a bit of renovating and some where you wonder if knocking it down is the only way to make it truly clean again–and work your magic using an array of cleaning and building tools.

Career mode takes you from an odd-job guy to a fully-fledged business owner, while creative mode lets you build, decorate, furnish, and sell houses from a clean slate.

• Developer: SCS Software
• Publisher: SCS Software
• Release Date: October 18, 2012
• Platforms: PC

Another old-but-gold entry on the list, Euro Truck Simulator 2 is still a firm favourite among those in the know. The game itself is super cheap, but has almost endless DLC adding new countries and vehicles into the mix. Exploring new locations is made pretty easy, as long as you don’t take your eyes off the road for too long, which is probably why it’s one of the top played games of all time on Steam Deck.

Euro Truck Simulator is perfect for sitting back and watching the (virtual) world go by, or you could take it super seriously and kit out your PC setup with a proper steering wheel. There’s also an eight-player convoy mode where you and your friends can take on the open road together–just as good as a trip abroad, surely?

• Developer: Asobo Studio
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Release Date: November 19, 2024
• Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC

Fans of Microsoft Flight Simulator somehow celebrated the 40th anniversary of the series in 2022, and it’s still one of the most well-respected and accurate flight simulators around. Regular updates and DLC means the game is always up-to-date with the latest technologies, and can be used both casually and with an incredible depth of knowledge. Some Microsoft Flight Simulator players even shell out hundreds on customized flight sticks, making the experience more realistic than ever.

Although complex enough to train real pilots in some cases, new players shouldn’t be intimidated. If you just want to head for the skies, you can ease your way in using nothing more than a gamepad and some common sense.

• Developer: TVGS
• Publisher: TVGS
• Release Date: March 24, 2025 (Early Access)
• Platforms: PC

Schedule 1 takes you from small-time drug dealer to cartel kingpin, expecting you to master manufacture, distribution, sales, and getting one over on your competition. One minute you’ll be tending your precious crop of illegal plants, the next you’ll be engaged in a shoot-out with law enforcement. Never a dull day.

Perhaps to add to the realism, Schedule 1 doesn’t hold your hand gameplay-wise. You’re expected to jump in and sort yourself out. Fortunately, we’ve got a bunch of useful guides. Start off with our how to play Schedule 1 guide, then move into how to make money in Schedule 1 to maximize your ill-gotten gains.