Best Simulation Games You Should Be Playing
Simulation games offer a unique blend of immersion and creativity, letting you manage cities, pilot planes, or cultivate farms from the comfort of your couch. Whether you crave deep strategy or cas...
November 18, 2025 · 13 min read
Mom of two, gamer for life. I find the best games you can actually finish between school runs and bedtime stories.
Simulation games offer a unique blend of immersion and creativity, letting you manage cities, pilot planes, or cultivate farms from the comfort of your couch. Whether you crave deep strategy or casual fun, there’s a sim to match your playstyle. In this guide, we group the best simulation games by themes like long-term campaigns, strategy mastery, and budget-friendly picks. Each entry dives into what makes these games stand out - and who they’re perfect for.
For Long Campaigns & Immersive Worlds
1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Warhorse Studios · Deep Silver
Feb 4, 2025
A thrilling story-driven action RPG, with a rich open world, set in 15th century Medieval Europe. Experience the ultimate medieval adventure - thro…
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II isn’t just a game - it’s a masterclass in medieval authenticity. As Henry, you navigate 15th-century Bohemia with every action grounded in realism. Combat is brutal and tactical, requiring armor management and stamina conservation. The open world feels alive, from bartering at bustling markets to sneaking through hostile villages. Warhorse Studios crafts a narrative that blends political intrigue with personal growth, making every decision feel weighty. If you’re the type to get lost in a game’s lore and want to experience history as a participant, not just an observer, this is your pick.
What sets Deliverance II apart is its dedication to immersion. You can’t fast-travel, so exploration is a must. Want to cross a river? You’ll need to find a bridge or swim. Need to repair your armor? You’ll have to hunt for materials or barter with blacksmiths. These mechanics aren’t just gimmicks - they’re a reminder that survival in the Middle Ages was tough. The game rewards patience, so it’s perfect for players who enjoy slow-burn stories and deep world-building. Just be prepared to invest 40+ hours if you want to see everything.
2. Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto III
DMA Design · Take-Two Interactive
Oct 22, 2001
Featuring a fully 3-D living city, a combination of narrative driven and non-linear gameplay and a completely open environment, Grand Theft Auto II…
Grand Theft Auto III is a time machine to 2001, but its DNA is still shockingly fresh. Rockstar’s Liberty City is a sandbox of chaos, where you can rob banks, race supercars, or just explore the crumbling urban sprawl. The story of Tommy Vercetti’s rise from prisoner to kingpin is gripping, but the real magic lies in the freedom to play. Want to hijack a helicopter and crash into a skyscraper? Go ahead. Prefer to ignore the主线 and just drive? That’s allowed, too. GTA III’s non-linear design lets you tackle missions in any order, making every playthrough unique.
What makes GTA III a must-play is its sheer audacity. It’s a game that dared to let you do anything, with minimal hand-holding. The combat is simple but addictive, the missions are varied, and the city feels alive with NPCs going about their day. It’s a perfect example of how a sim can blend action, storytelling, and open-world experimentation. If you love games that let you break the rules and create your own fun, this is a modern classic in disguise.
3. Shenmue
Shenmue
Sega AM2 · Sega
Dec 29, 1999
"He shall appear from a far Eastern land across the sea. A young man who has yet to know his potential. This potential is a power that can either d…
Shenmue is the king of interactive storytelling. Its 100+ hour runtime isn’t just about missions - it’s about living in a world. As Ryo Hazuki, you spend days (in-game) waiting for a criminal to appear, hunting for rare fish, or playing arcade games. The attention to detail is staggering: NPCs have routines, weather affects gameplay, and even your character’s stamina depletes over time. It’s a sim of patience, where progress is measured in real-world minutes. The story of Ryo’s quest for revenge is gripping, but it’s the mundane moments that make Shenmue unforgettable.
What Shenmue offers is a blend of RPG and life sim. You manage Ryo’s resources, relationships, and even his physical state. The game’s pacing is deliberate, which might not suit everyone, but it’s ideal for players who want to savor every second. It’s like a soap opera meets a walking simulator, and that’s exactly what makes it special. If you’re the type to get lost in a game’s world and want to experience a story through action, Shenmue is your pick.
4. Medieval II: Total War
Medieval II: Total War
The Creative Assembly · Sega
Nov 10, 2006
Take command of your armies and expand your reign. Conquer, destroy, rebuild and improve the cities of the greatest medieval nations of the Western…
Medieval II: Total War combines grand strategy with battlefield chaos. As a ruler, you manage economies, forge alliances, and wage wars across a sprawling map. The real-time battles are cinematic, with thousands of soldiers clashing in brutal detail. What sets Medieval II apart is its historical depth: you can build castles, raise peasants, or even commission mercenaries. The game rewards careful planning, but also thrives on the unpredictability of war. A single miscalculation can cost you an army - or a kingdom.
The game’s scale is staggering. Campaigns can last hundreds of hours, and every decision has consequences. Want to conquer Europe as England? You’ll need to balance military might with diplomacy. Prefer to play as the Byzantines? You’ll have to defend against invasions while managing internal politics. Medieval II is a sim for history buffs and strategy veterans alike. If you enjoy games that let you shape the fate of nations, this is a must-play.
For Strategy & Tactical Mastery
5. Advance Wars
Advance Wars
Intelligent Systems · Nintendo
Sep 10, 2001
Just because this battle fits in the palm of your hand doesn't mean the stakes are small. On the contrary, this all-or-nothing fight will have you …
Advance Wars is a turn-based strategy gem that fits in your pocket. Despite its simple art style, the gameplay is razor-sharp. You command an army of tanks, planes, and troops, using a mix of offense, defense, and terrain to outmaneuver opponents. The game’s balance is near-perfect, with every unit having a role and a counter. Campaigns are short but punchy, making it ideal for quick sessions between chores or family time.
What makes Advance Wars stand out is its accessibility and depth. Newcomers can learn the basics in minutes, but mastering the meta takes time. The game’s AI is surprisingly smart, adapting to your tactics and forcing you to think creatively. With multiple difficulty levels and a robust multiplayer mode, it’s a sim that scales with your skills. If you want a strategy game that’s easy to pick up but tough to master, this is your go-to.
6. Sid Meier’s Civilization IV
Sid Meier’s Civilization IV is the gold standard for 4X strategy. As a leader, you build empires, discover technologies, and negotiate with rivals. The game’s turn-based design lets you plan every move, whether it’s launching a nuclear strike or building a wonder. What makes Civ IV special is its “Gloria” system, which ties your happiness, production, and research into a cohesive web of decisions. Every game feels different, thanks to randomized maps and events.
For parents and partners who want a game that can be paused and resumed, Civ IV
is perfect. You can play a few turns, save, and come back later without losing momentum. The modding community has also kept it fresh for over a decade. If you crave a game where every decision matters and history is yours to shape, Civ IV is a must-have.7. Mini Metro
Mini Metro
Dinosaur Polo Club · Playdigious
Oct 22, 2015
Mini Metro is a strategy simulation game about designing a subway map for a growing city. Draw lines between stations and start your trains running…
Mini Metro is a puzzle sim about designing subway systems. You draw lines between stations, assigning trains to keep the city moving. As the city grows, you’ll need to optimize routes, avoid overcrowding, and balance limited resources. The minimalist visuals and intuitive controls make it easy to learn, but the challenge of scaling a metro system is deceptively complex. It’s a sim that rewards creativity and efficiency.
What makes Mini Metro special is its simplicity and elegance. There are no tutorials - just a blank map and a few tools. You learn through trial and error, adjusting to each new level’s challenges. The game’s procedural generation ensures no two playthroughs are the same, and the difficulty curve is perfect for casual and hardcore players alike. If you love games that make you think on your feet, this is a hidden gem.
For Casual & Creative Play
8. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley
ConcernedApe · Chucklefish Games
Feb 26, 2016
Stardew Valley is an open-ended country-life RPG! You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tool…
Stardew Valley is the farming sim that everyone needs to play. As a new farmer, you till soil, plant crops, and raise animals, all while building relationships with quirky villagers. The game blends life simulation with RPG elements, letting you level up skills, discover hidden quests, and even start a coffee shop. What makes Stardew special is its cozy vibe and endless content. Each day feels like a small adventure, whether you’re fishing in a pond or digging up fossils.
For families, Stardew Valley is ideal. You can play alone or with a partner, taking turns managing the farm. The game’s low-pressure design means you can play for 30 minutes or 10 hours - either way, you’ll feel accomplished. With mods adding new crops, animals, and even magic systems, the game keeps evolving. If you want a game that feels like a digital garden where you can relax and create, this is your pick.
9. Sunflower Land
Sunflower Land
Thought Farm PTY LTD
Apr 15, 2022
Farm, Gather, Cook, Raise Animals, Fish, Craft & Trade your NFTs in this Web3 RPG based farming simulator
Sunflower Land brings blockchain to farming simulators. Like Stardew Valley, you farm, gather, and craft, but with a twist: your items can be minted as NFTs and traded. The game’s web3 integration adds a layer of strategy, as you need to balance your playstyle with market trends. The art style is bright and colorful, and the gameplay is surprisingly smooth for a blockchain title. It’s a sim that appeals to both gamers and crypto enthusiasts.
What makes Sunflower Land unique is its hybrid design. You can play it purely for fun, or treat it like a side hustle. The game’s accessibility is high, but the NFT mechanics might have a learning curve. It’s a great pick for tech-savvy parents who want to introduce their kids to blockchain in a playful way. If you’re curious about the intersection of gaming and crypto, this is a fun experiment.
10. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Polyphony Digital · Sony Computer Entertainment
Apr 28, 2001
More than two years in the making, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec features over 150 detailed cars -- each composed of more than 4,000 polygons -- 60 beginne…
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is the pinnacle of racing simulators. With over 150 cars and 4000-polygon models, it’s a technical marvel for the PlayStation 2 era. The physics are incredibly detailed, from tire grip to engine revs. You can race in championships, endurance events, or rally, with each mode offering a different challenge. For casual players, the arcade mode is forgiving, but the simulation difficulty is for purists who want to master every curve.
What Gran Turismo 3 proves is that racing simulators don’t need to be flashy to be fun. It’s a game that respects your time, letting you play a few laps or dive into a multi-hour campaign. The music and visuals may look dated by today’s standards, but the core gameplay is timeless. If you’re a car enthusiast or want to feel the thrill of real-world racing, this is a classic.
11. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Asobo Studio · Xbox Game Studios
Aug 17, 2020
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the next generation of one of the most beloved simulation franchises. From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly…
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the most realistic flight experience ever made. From small planes to jumbo jets, every aircraft is meticulously modeled. The world is dynamic, with real-time weather, air traffic, and even 3D buildings. You can fly anywhere, from a remote island to a busy airport, and the sense of scale is breathtaking. For casual players, the game offers quick flights and tutorials. For hardcore pilots, it’s a training tool with advanced flight dynamics.
What makes Flight Simulator stand out is its attention to detail. You can manage fuel, check instruments, and even experience turbulence. The community has added thousands of custom aircraft and sceneries, ensuring the game never feels stale. If you want to experience the freedom of flight without leaving home, this is the ultimate sim.
12. Thief II: The Metal Age
Thief II: The Metal Age
Looking Glass Studios · Eidos Interactive
Mar 21, 2000
The ultimate thief is back! Tread softly as you make your way through 15 new complex, non-linear levels full of loot to steal and guards to outsmar…
Thief II: The Metal Age is a stealth sim where light and sound are your enemies. You play as Garrett, a master thief navigating dark castles and industrial warehouses. The game emphasizes non-lethal tactics: pick locks, disable guards, and steal loot without getting caught. The levels are labyrinthine, requiring patience and planning. It’s a sim that rewards careful observation, as every move must be calculated.
What makes Thief II special is its focus on atmosphere. The sound design is top-notch, with every creak and whisper adding to the tension. The game’s AI is smart, with guards reacting to your actions in believable ways. It’s a perfect pick for players who enjoy slow, methodical gameplay. If you want to feel like a ghost in the night, this is your game.
Simulation games are more than just virtual tasks - they’re portals to new worlds, challenges, and creativity. Whether you’re building empires, managing farms, or flying planes, there’s a sim to match every mood and schedule. These picks prove that the best simulation games don’t just fill time; they enrich it.