The Sims series has provided the gaming community with some of the best life simulators to ever exist. Most fans have their own personal favorites in the series. The Sims, where it all started, fills them with nostalgia; The Sims 2 features exceptional animations and impressive details; others prefer the quirkiness of The Sims 3, and others can't turn back after experiencing The Sims 4.
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The Sims 4 was the latest entry in the series, and it was released over a decade ago. While DLC for The Sims 4 continues to come out, giving players new content, some fans have begun to look for more other options within the life sim genre. This list gives players an idea of upcoming Sims-like games that might just be their cup of tea.
The Ranchers
Live a Life on the Countryside
The Ranchers is an upcoming indie country-life simulator game, perfect for those who want to wind down after a long day. This project is moving forward with the help of the gaming community, as the developers were able to gather over $250,000 over the past few years through Kickstarter. According to its last release date update, it should launch sometime in the next couple of months.
Once it's available, players will be able to explore its charming open world, go down into the mines to gather resources, build their own farm, decorate their dream home, get to know its villagers, and maybe even find love.
Witchbrook
Become a Witch and Part of the Mossport Community
Witchbrook
- Released
- 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Chucklefish, Robotality
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, Farming, Casual
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
Sims players who enjoyed the Realm of Magic DLC for The Sims 4 should keep their eyes open for the launch of Witchbrook in 2026. In Witchbrook, they will take on the role of an aspiring witch and attend Witchbrook College in Mossport.
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They will meet various characters, explore the campus, and the town of Mossport. In their free time, players can practice magic, study for exams, attend extracurricular activities, befriend NPCs, and decorate their cottage in the woods however they like.
Starsand Island
An NPC-Focused Experience
Starsand Island
- Released
- February 1, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Seed Lab
- Publisher(s)
- Seed Lab
- Genre(s)
- Farming, Life Simulation, RPG, Casual
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
If players enjoy the social aspect of The Sims they might want to take a look at Starsand Island, whose developers have voiced how much they're focusing on building complex and realistic relationships between the player and NPCs - whether that is on a romantic, friendly, or professional level. Each NPC has their own background story, and players are incentivized to dig into it and learn more about them.
Additionally, since this life simulator is set on an island, players will be able to engage in all sorts of outdoorsy activities, such as fishing, farming, bug catching, animal raising, and even skating. Overall, their objective is to enjoy the simple life alongside interesting characters.
Pokopia
Pokemon's Take on Life Sims
Pokémon Pokopia
- Released
- March 5, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo, Game Freak
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, Simulation
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
Pokemon fans will be happy to know that they will soon be able to play a life simulator that takes place in a world filled with Pokemon. In Pokopia, players will take on the shape of a humanoid Ditto and farm, craft, and explore to their heart's content alongside Pokemon.
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Their only goal will be to relax and enjoy an easy life with their favorite Pokemon beside them. Many fans are already looking forward to the release of Pokopia, which is scheduled for March 5, 2026, on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Paralives
Long Time Fans' Most Anticipated Sims-Like Game
Paralives
- Released
- May 25, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Paralives Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Paralives Studio
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, Sandbox, Immersive Sim
- Platform(s)
- PC
Paralives has been on Sims fans' radar for a while now, as it is undoubtely the most anticipated Sims-like game on the market. While it was initially scheduled to release in December 2025, its launch has been delayed. Players can now expect Paralives to come out in May 2026, but hopefully it'll be worth the delay, as this ensures that the developers have plenty of time to improve the game's statue and ensure its success.
Just like in The Sims, players will get to control an household, interact with various townies, build relationships, start a family, explore various careers and skills, and live full lives as Parafolk. Fans expect its base game to be quite complete, as the developers have promised the addition of pets, vehicles, emotions, and much more during its early access phase.
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