What games are like Second Life?
VRChat and Roblox are the closest games to Second Life, because players build the worlds. IMVU and Avakin Life are close too, if you care most about your avatar and meeting people.
Second Life is a 3D virtual world made by Linden Lab. You make an avatar and meet people in clubs, groups, and role-play communities. You can build things, write scripts, and sell what you make on its Marketplace.
So ask what you like most about it. Is it building? Is it meeting people? Or is it living a second life as someone new? Each game below does one of these well.
One note first: you’re on the LifeSim blog, so we’re in this list. But LifeSim has no multiplayer. We say how it is different, and we tell you when another game is the better pick.
Is Second Life still around?
Yes. You can still join Second Life for free. There is a paid Premium plan. It runs on a computer, and there is now a free Second Life Mobile app for iPhone and Android.
If you left years ago and miss it, try it again first. Your old friends may still be there. Nothing below has the same history.
What is a Second Life alternative where you can build?
VRChat: worlds made by players
VRChat is a free social app. Players made most of its worlds and avatars, and you can upload your own. You join groups and events to meet people. It works on PC, Meta Quest, Pico, iPhone, and Android. You don’t need a VR headset.
It feels the most like Second Life today. It’s more about voice chat, and on Steam it’s still in Early Access.
Roblox: games made by players
Roblox is full of games and places that players made. You can build and publish your own. You dress up your avatar and play with friends. It’s free, with paid Robux and a Premium plan. It runs on phones, computers, PlayStation, Xbox, and Meta Quest.
Pick Roblox if you want to make games. It’s more about playing than hanging out.
What is a Second Life alternative for meeting people?
IMVU: avatars and chat rooms
IMVU is a 3D avatar app. You make an avatar and visit thousands of rooms that players made. You make friends from around the world by text or voice chat. It’s free, with paid credits and a monthly VIP plan.
Pick IMVU if you want the chat and the fashion, but less building.
Avakin Life: avatar, home, and friends
Avakin Life is a social world from Lockwood Publishing. You make an avatar, build a home, and meet new friends at events and parties. It’s free on iPhone, Android, and PC through Steam.
Pick Avakin Life if you want an easier start than Second Life.
Is there a game like Second Life you can play alone?
Yes. In LifeSim, you live a second life in a real city on a 3D map of Earth. You play alone. LifeSim has no multiplayer, so you won’t meet other players. The people you meet are AI people.
You make your character by describing them in one text box. Write a name, an age, a look, a job, and a city. The game draws a portrait. Pick Tokyo, Paris, New York, or almost any town on Earth.
Each person in your city has a name, a job, a home, friends, and a daily routine. You type what you want to say, and they answer in their own words. They remember you, and they text you on their own. Parties, karaoke, and a grand opening show up on the map, and you can go.
Pick LifeSim if you want a new life in a real place, with people who remember you. Pick Second Life or VRChat if you want real people. LifeSim is free, with no paid items, and runs in your browser. It’s in English only.
What about The Sims 4?
The Sims 4 is also a game you play alone. You make Sims, build their homes, and decide how they spend their days. You watch a whole household, not just one person.
The base game is free on PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox. Packs cost extra. For more, read games like The Sims.
All of them, side by side
| Game | Best for | Who you meet | How you pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Life | Building and groups | Real people | Free to join. Paid plan. |
| VRChat | Worlds made by players | Real people | Free |
| Roblox | Making games | Real people | Free. Paid Robux. |
| IMVU | Avatars and chat rooms | Real people | Free. Paid credits and VIP. |
| Avakin Life | An easy social world | Real people | Free. Paid items. |
| LifeSim | A second life in a real city | AI people | Free. No in-app purchases. |
| The Sims 4 | A whole household | No one. You play alone. | Free base game. Packs cost extra. |
Prices change, so we left them out. Check the store page before you pay.
Questions
What is the closest game to Second Life?
VRChat. Players make the worlds and avatars, and you meet people there. It’s free, and you don’t need VR.
Is there a Second Life alternative on phone?
Yes. IMVU, Avakin Life, VRChat, and Roblox all have phone apps. Second Life has a mobile app too. LifeSim runs in your phone’s browser.
Does LifeSim have multiplayer?
No. You play alone. The people you meet are AI people who remember you.
Is there a free game like Second Life?
Yes. All the games here are free to start. LifeSim is free with no paid items at all. More on life simulators.