What is a dating sim?
A dating sim is a game where the main goal is to get to know characters and build a relationship with one of them. Good ones to start with are Boyfriend Dungeon, Monster Prom, and Stardew Valley, which has romance as one part of farm life.
Most dating sims work the same way. You talk to people, pick what to say from a list, and spend your time with the ones you like. Your choices decide how each person feels about you and which ending you get.
Some games are only about dating. Others mix it into a bigger game, like farming or fighting. Both kinds are below. We kept this list to games you can play without blushing in front of your family.
One note first: you’re on the LifeSim blog, so we’re in this list. We put ourselves where we fit, and we tell you when another game is the better pick.
What are the best dating sim games?
Boyfriend Dungeon: date your weapons
You fight through dungeons with weapons that turn into people. Then you can date them. If you would rather stay friends, that works too. It came out on August 11, 2021, and it’s on PC and Mac through Steam.
Monster Prom: a race to get a prom date
You have three weeks to find a date for the monster prom. Up to four people can play on one screen, so it’s a good one for friends. The studio warns that it has mature themes and rude jokes. It’s on PC and Mac through Steam.
Doki Doki Literature Club: not what it looks like
It looks like a cute dating sim about a literature club. It isn’t. The Steam page says it is not suitable for children or people who are easily disturbed. Take that warning seriously. It’s free on Steam for PC and Mac.
What games have dating but aren’t only dating sims?
Stardew Valley
You run a farm in a small town. There are 12 people you can date and marry, and each one has their own story scenes. Once you marry, your partner moves onto the farm with you. It’s on PC and Mac. More in games like Stardew Valley.
Persona 5 Royal
A long role-playing game. You play a student who moves to Tokyo. In the day, you go to class, hang out with friends, and do things after school. When you earn someone’s trust, they become a Confidant and help you. It’s on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Switch. The Steam page notes blood, sexual themes, and strong language.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
You don’t date anyone yourself. You make Miis and watch them fall in love, confess, and get married. You can set who each Mii may fall for. It’s on Switch. Read our Tomodachi Life guide.
Is there a dating sim where you say what you want?
In most dating sims, you pick a line from a short list. After a while, you can guess which answer the game wants. Some players want to just say what they would say.
That’s how LifeSim works. It’s not only a dating game. It’s a life sim, and romance is one part of life. You live in a real city on a 3D map of Earth. The people there have their own jobs, homes, friends, and routines.
You meet someone and talk to them in your own words, in person or by text. There are no dialogue menus. They remember what you told them, and they text you on their own. You can plan an outing, invite people, and walk to a spot together. Things like a proposal or a public breakup can show up on the map too. Read how the people in LifeSim work.
Be clear about the differences. LifeSim has no set love story and no endings to unlock. It’s in English only. If you want a written story with a clear goal, pick one of the games above. If you want a relationship that goes where your words take it, try LifeSim. It’s free and runs in your browser.
How do these dating games compare?
| Game | Best for | Runs on | How you pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boyfriend Dungeon | Dating plus action | PC, Mac | Once |
| Monster Prom | Playing with friends | PC, Mac | Once |
| Doki Doki Literature Club | A twist (read the warning) | PC, Mac | Free |
| Stardew Valley | Romance in a cozy farm life | PC, Mac | Once |
| Persona 5 Royal | School life in a long story | PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch | Once |
| LifeSim | Talking in your own words | Browser | Free. No in-app purchases. |
Prices change, so we left them out. Check the store page before you buy.
Are there free dating sim games?
Yes. Doki Doki Literature Club is free on Steam, but read its warning first. LifeSim is free too, with no paid items and no subscription. It runs in any browser on a computer or a phone, and you can play as a guest without an account.
In LifeSim, you can live in a real city, from Paris to Seoul, and meet people there.
Questions
What is the best dating sim for beginners?
Stardew Valley is an easy start. Romance is one part of the game, so there is lots to do if dating isn’t your thing.
Is there a dating sim you can play with friends?
Yes. Monster Prom lets up to four people play on one screen.
Is Doki Doki Literature Club a normal dating sim?
No. It looks like one, but the Steam page warns it is not for children or people who are easily disturbed.
Is there a dating sim where you type what you say?
Yes. In LifeSim, you talk to people in your own words, and they remember you. More on life simulators.
Sources
- Boyfriend Dungeon on Steam
- Monster Prom on Steam
- Doki Doki Literature Club on Steam
- Stardew Valley on Steam
- PlayStation: Persona 5 Royal
- Persona 5 Royal on Steam
- Atlus: Persona 5 Royal
- Xbox Wire: Persona 5 Royal available now
- Nintendo: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
- Nintendo Support: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream FAQ