Best simulation games

A simulation game copies a part of real life and lets you run it. You can run a life, a farm, a city, a plane, a truck, or a business. The game gives you rules that act like the real thing. You make the choices.

Simulation games come in kinds. This post lists the best ones by kind: life sims, farming sims, city builders, vehicle sims, and management sims. Pick the kind first. Then pick the game.

You read this on the LifeSim blog. We make a free life sim that runs in a browser, so we are in the life sim group. We say where another game is the better pick.

A life sim lets you make people and live their days. These are the best known ones.

The Sims 4

The best known life sim. You make a household, build their home, and guide them through careers and family life. The base game is free since 2022. Packs cost extra. It runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox.

inZOI

A paid life sim on PC from Krafton, in early access since March 27, 2025. The people look real and the city is open. It needs a strong PC.

Paralives

A paid life sim on PC. The build mode is the main draw: walls can curve and furniture can change size.

LifeSim

Our game. You play one person on a real 3D map of Earth. You describe your character in one text box, and you talk to people in your own words. They remember what you say. It is free and runs in any browser, on desktop and phone.

LifeSim has no career ladder, no salary, and no home to buy. If you want those, play The Sims 4. Read more on our life simulator page.

For the full list of life sims, read the best life sim games and games like The Sims.

Stardew Valley

You take over an old farm near a small town. You plant crops, raise animals, fish, and get to know the people in town. It runs on PC, consoles, and phones. You pay once.

It is the farming sim most players name first. It is also a good pick if you like life sims, because the town people matter as much as the farm.

Cities: Skylines II

You plan a city from an empty map. You lay roads, set zones for homes, shops, and industry, and run power, water, and transport. The city grows if your plan works.

Pick a city builder if you like to see the whole system from above. Pick a life sim if you want to live inside one street.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

You fly planes over a model of the whole Earth. It aims for real flight controls and real places.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

You drive a truck across roads in Europe and deliver cargo. You earn money, buy trucks, and grow your own transport company.

Both games are calm. You spend long stretches on a route. Many players like them for that reason.

Planet Zoo

You build and run a zoo. You care for the animals, design their habitats, and keep the guests happy.

Two Point Hospital

You build and run hospitals full of strange, funny illnesses. You hire staff, build rooms, and keep the money in order. It has a light, comic tone.

Prices change, so we left them out. Check the store page before you buy.

What is the most popular simulation game?

The Sims is the best known life sim series. Stardew Valley is the best known farming sim. We did not compare sales numbers.

Are there free simulation games?

Yes. The Sims 4 base game is free. LifeSim is free, with no paid items and no subscription.

Can I play a simulation game in my browser?

Yes. LifeSim runs in any browser at play.lifesim.com, with no download. Most other games on this list need an install.

Does The Sims 4 support mods?

Yes, on PC and Mac. Read Sims 4 mods for the steps and Sims 4 cheats for the codes.

• The Sims 4 on Steam
• inZOI on Steam
• Paralives on Steam
• Stardew Valley on Steam
• Cities: Skylines II on Steam
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Steam
• Euro Truck Simulator 2 on Steam
• Planet Zoo on Steam
• Two Point Hospital on Steam