Simulation games manage to convert the mundane into something interesting when the mechanics are executed properly. Most players wouldn't even think about doing the things they become accustomed to in their favorite simulation games, which is pretty amusing.
7 Best First-Person Simulation Games, Ranked
These are some of the best first-person simulation games fans of the simulation should try out.
Some games let players live out a fairly regular life with only splashes of excitement from time to time that venture outside the realms of believability. Otherwise, these titles genuinely feel like players are just living a regular life and trying to make the most they can out of every day, making for a relatable time.
My Time At Sandrock
A Cozy Farm Life Sim Set In A Post-Apocalyptic World
My Time At Sandrock
- Released
- November 2, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Comic Mischief +
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation, Farming
Fans of My Time at Portia who liked this sim game despite some minor gripes will find more of the same in My Time at Sandrock. The post-apocalyptic setting adds to the richness of the world as players try and live off the land in a relaxing and cozy video game.
Players will live the simple life as they tend to their farms and mine for materials. Sure, there's some combat and the like, but the bulk of tasks players perform are things many people do on a regular basis.
InZOI
This Sims Killer Can Reach Great Heights If The 1.0 Release Is Satisfactory
InZOI
- Released
- March 28, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation
inZOI's Early Access period may be a bit of a mixed bag, but that shouldn't take anything away from this title's promise. Most players feel that this game can reach immense heights and actually live up to its moniker of being a Sims killer if things go according to plan.
The visuals are beautiful, and the character creator shows a ton of promise. If inZOI hones its edges and makes the simulation gameplay more meaningful, then players will lose days living out a virtual life in this beautiful game.
Dave The Diver
Managing A Sushi Farm And Hunting For Fish Feels Great
Dave the Diver
- Released
- June 28, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Adventure
Players who want to live the life of a restaurant owner who personally fishes for their ingredients will love what Dave the Diver brings to the table. This charming indie title is packed with a ton of things for players to spend time in, so much so that it can even get overwhelming after a point.
10 Best Games That Let You Grow A Garden
Whether getting comfortable in a cozy life sim or diving deep into underwater survival, these games let players grow their very own garden.
However, diving to acquire fish and running the restaurant are two rock-solid gameplay loops that never get old. This, coupled with the amazing pixel art, ensures that Dave the Diver will leave a lasting impression on players.
Farming Simulator 25
An Accurate And Relaxing Sim Game Where Players Maintain A Farm
Farming Simulator 25
- Released
- November 12, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Genre(s)
- Farming, Simulation, Immersive Sim
Farming Simulator 25 is the latest entry in a long-running series where the core gameplay loop is clear as day. Players follow the day-to-day routine of tending to a farm and selling their produce to make a ton of profit.
The gameplay is surprisingly detailed and relaxing as players slowly come to grips with how to tend a farm. Being a farmer in real life may be challenging for most players, but Farming Simulator 25 will come pretty close to fulfilling this fantasy.
Sun Haven
A Stardew Valley-esque Game With A Fantasy Twist
Sun Haven
- Released
- March 11, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, RPG
Players who enjoy Stardew Valley and want to check out life sims of a similar nature will have a blast with Sun Haven. The fantasy twist ensures that this game will be fresh, but make no mistake — living a normal life is more than feasible in this game.
Sure, there are some combat segments that feature a D&D-esque class system, but that's just one of the many gameplay aspects that players can get immersed in. For the most part, tending to a farm and interacting with the townsfolk is what players will love most in Sun Haven.
The Sims 4
The Content Present In This Game Makes Up For Its Early Disappointments
The Sims 4
- Released
- September 2, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
The Sims 4 may not have the greatest reputation right now, but fans looking for the most feature-rich life sim experience will love what this title brings to the table. The expansions add some supernatural elements for players to mess around with, but these can be turned off.
8 Best RPGs Where Players Don't Need To Think Too Much, Ranked
Not all RPGs have to be dense or complex. These ones allow players to kick back and turn off their brains for a bit.
This can help players guide their household throughout their life, either living a mundane existence or reaching for the stars. Either way, the joys of controlling characters players can get invested in ensures that The Sims 4 will leave a lasting impression on players.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Players Will Love Maintaining Their Island And Making It Prettier Than Ever
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released
- March 20, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
Just like every other Animal Crossing game before it, New Horizons lets players live out a virtual life where their creativity has no limits. This time, players have a tropical island all to themselves and must construct various buildings and structures on it while cleaning things up.
New Horizons feels like a warm hug at times, with players de-stressing as they turn a ruined, desolate island into their version of paradise. While Nintendo hasn't done a great job of supporting this title, New Horizons is still an amazing title that fans will have a great time with.
Stardew Valley
A Farming Life Sim For The Ages That Fans Can't Get Enough Of
Stardew Valley
- Released
- February 26, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation
One of the biggest indie successes of all time, which is mainly the passion project of a single developer, it's amazing to see the heights that Stardew Valley has reached. Eric Barone's masterpiece channels the energy of Harvest Moon and makes for a splendid experience loaded with charm.
Managing a farm and bonding with the residents of this small town make for a great time. It genuinely feels like players are living a virtual life in this quaint town, being able to do everything from enjoying this game with a friend in multiplayer mode or marrying one of the townsfolk.
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