51 Best Simulator Games Of All Time

Simulation Games. You know they exist because there are just…so many out there. No, really, there are a lot of them as our title for this list states quite clearly. But the reason there are so many is that many people get into them so they can try out things that they won’t do in the real world, or to experience something they can’t in reality. So with that, allow us to show you the 50 Best Simulation Games of All Time!

#51 Forza Motorsport

Platform: PC XSX|S
Release Date: October 10, 2023

Steam | Xbox

In all honesty, there are two kinds of racing video games out there: the ones that focus simply on the racing and getting to the end of the track first, and those that pride themselves on “realism” and presenting an accurate take on the sport.

Forza Motorsport is in the latter category, and it’s more than happy to state that. For example, in the career mode, you’ll get to outfit your car to be better, stronger, and faster, and help you make the moves needed to secure a victory.

The game also has realistic tracks, the ability to see how safe you are as a driver, and more.

#50 WWE 2K22

Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows

Have you ever wanted to be a wrestler? Well, if you have but you couldn’t do it for one reason or another, WWE 2k22 is a good simulation game to help you become what you dreamed of. Yes, the WWE 2K series hasn’t always been good (or even meh at times), but this one is a decided improvement. The graphics are solid, the gameplay is tight enough, and there are plenty of modes to do.

Including a GM mode where you’ll try and manage your roster and put on the best show possible.

Plus, you’ll be able to create a character and have them fight against the current (and former) WWE superstars.

So give it a world and see if you can be a star…then…now…forever.

#49 No Place Like Home

Platforms: PC

No Place Like Home is a farming simulation game that was only released in March 2022 for PC. The game is incredibly cute and relaxing, allowing gamers to play as Ellen Newland. She is a girl who has decided to visit her grandfather on Earth for the very last time before moving to Mars. Despite her big plans, she soon discovers that her grandfather is missing and that his beloved farm has been destroyed. Ellen takes on the job of saving the environment, helping the community, and rescuing the missing animals from the farm, all while searching for her grandfather. No Place Like Home is perfect for anyone looking to kick back and play a good farming simulator, and the great story is an added bonus. This game is available on Steam.

#48 Jurassic World Evolution

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

When the Jurassic World movie came out and rocked the theaters (in the good way), it was only natural that there would be spinoffs of a sort to make an attempt to capture that “good will” and one of those methods was that of Jurassic World Evolution.

This was a game made to give you the chance to be what Jurassic Park/World was, a builder of a place where the dinosaurs could live.

You’ll construct your ‘zoo’ and then try and keep it both safe and contained as you start getting more and more dinosaurs in your care. Plus, the cast of the movie come in to offer guidance and “help you’ in certain scenarios.

It’s not as easy as it looks, and you’ll need to be sharp if you’re going to keep the dinosaurs in their zones.

#47 Prison Architect

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, macOS

The irony about simulation games is that they can be about…well…anything. Prison Architect is a multi-pronged game if you will about prisons. On one hand, you can go and be a ruthless prison warden who aims to keep his prisoners locked up at all costs.

Or, you can flip the script and become a prisoner who is trying at all costs to get OUT of the prison. You can play this game either way and as such there’s a lot to do. You can even make prisons for others to try and escape from, or, escape from their prisons that they upload online.

Think you can make the “great escape”?

#46 Farming Simulator 22

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S

On the surface, Farming Simulator 22 doesn’t sound like something you’d want to play. Especially when you learn that trying to play it can be hard due to its lack of a tutorial. But, if you have patience, and you let the game explain itself to you in its own way…you’re going to find a rather deep experience.

Because as the name states, this is a game where you become a farmer. You’ll have land and need to take care of it to grow crops, make profits, and expand your growth in order to keep things moving. It’s not going to be easy, as any farmer can tell you in the real world. You’ll need to manage your funds while also ensuring you have the best tools for the job so that you don’t go broke.

But people really like this title, and they’re even turning it into an eSport! Yes, really!

#45 PowerWash Simulator

Platforms: PC

We swear we didn’t know this thing existed before we did this list. And now…we can’t look away…

As we noted before, simulation games can be about anything. Including being a powerwasher whose job it is to power wash anything that is dirty in your neighborhood! Yep, that’s the point of the game, you’ll go and have a “relaxing experience” as you go and clean things for money.

If you do well, you can post your scores online to see how you compare to other…uh…powerwashers.

Yeah, it’s weird, but apparently people REALLY like it, so who are we to judge?

#44 Gas Station Simulator

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One

We told you…these simulator games can be anything. And Gas Station Simulator puts you in charge of your very own gas station…in the middle of a freaking desert. Yep.

But as you might have guessed, it’ll be up to you to not just run the station, but try and expand the business while also making sure you don’t over exert yourself. Easier said than done. But running your own business isn’t meant to be easy.

So keep your wits about you, your head strong, and see what you can do with your little gas station.

#43 PC Building Simulator

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, SteamOS

It’s only going to get worse and more random from here, we promise you that. PC Building Simulator is a title that focuses on you owning a business where you try and make PCs for people. Many people want gaming PCs, but there are others out there as well.

The irony of this game is that you’re not just making “random PCs”, you’re actually using real-world parts to try and make the best PCs out there. Including ones that are more style than substance, and vice-versa. You might actually get a better understand of the world of PC creation via this game.

#42 American Truck Simulator

Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux

No, not just a truck simulator, American Truck Simulator, that says it all doesn’t it?

Anyway, the game places you as a semi-truck driver. Which on its own doesn’t sound like much, but, you’ll get to travel across beautiful landscapes across certain parts of the US like California, Arizona, and Nevada. All the while trying to make sure you get to your intended destination on time, which isn’t always a guarantee.

And with various trucks you can go and drive, you might find this more engaging than you realize.

#41 Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox On

Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is another in a long line of simulator titles that are actually a bit more in-depth than you may realize. Not the least of which is that you really will be put to the test of fixing cars. But not just fixing them, fixing the various parts of them, over 4000 parts are in this game across 72 cars.

That means you’re going to have to get down and dirty in order to fix them right. And that’s the point of the game right there. To learn more about cars and ensure that you can work on them properly without rummaging around hoping for things to work.

Think you got what it takes?

#40 Football Manager 2022

Platforms: macOS, Xbox One, Android, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Xbox Series X and Series S

No, we’re not talking “football” as in the NFL, we’re talking European Football, or soccer to those of you from the US.

Regardless, Football Manager 2022 is the latest in a long line of simulation games for this sport where the goal is to not just play well on the field, but to manage your club off the pitch and ensure it’s up to snuff.

Your managerial skills will be put to the test here. You’ll pick a club and run it from the ground it. Improve your team, your stadium, your business deals, and more, all in the name of making your club the best around. Whether that actually happens the way you want it to though…? That’s up to you.

#39 Game Dev Tycoon

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Macintosh operating systems, Classic Mac OS

There are many of you out there who have no doubt wanted to make video games in the past, but haven’t had the ability or the money to do so. Thus, Game Dev Tycoon might be your next best option because in it, you’ll be put into the 1980s and start your own game dev crew from the ground up. Make decisions about the games you make, and grow from there.

Technically, you yourself won’t be making the games, but guiding them so that they can be successful. And if you are successful, you can get out of your garage and then get your own building, build up your team even further and become game dev legends!!!!

Doesn’t that sound fun?

#38 Railway Empire

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Linux, Macintosh operating systems

In the early decades of the 1800s, the railway was considered one of the greatest inventions around as it connected one part of the US to the next. And now, via Railway Empire, you’ll get to be a part of that time period as you try and make your own railroad business go from just one of many, to the dominant party.

You’ll need to not only build your railroads from east to west and north to south, but build them to close to railway station, maintenance outlets, factories that can use them for business purposes, and more! And you’ll even be able to make tourist attractions to ensure you can make money off of curious people.

There are many who are trying to outdo you though, so make your empire a grand one, else get crushed by your competition.

#37 Train Sim World 2

Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

What’s that? You thought we were done with the train games? WRONG!!!

But while the last one was about building up your train empire, this one is about driving those various trains all over the modern world.

But it’s not just about admiring the beautiful trains in your care. Rather, it’s about making sure that you get to where you need to go on time, operating your trains efficiently, and so on.

So, do you think you can pilot these trains with the best of them? Hop in, experience the realism of it all, and find out!

#36 Thief Simulator

Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

Oh…this can’t be good.

If you’ve ever wanted to tread on the dark side of things, here’s your chance. In the Thief Simulator series, you’ll actually get to be a thief in a neighborhood full of people to steal from. But it’s not as easy as just breaking in, you have to study your targets, see if they are worth stealing from, and then do the deed.

You’ll need to get in and out quickly, only grabbing what you can sell, then make sure your items are prepped so that they can be sold easily and for the most money.

And whatever you do, don’t get caught. Be sneaky, or run away fast if you get spotted. You’re a thief, so act like one!

#35 Job Simulator

Platforms: Oculus Quest, PlayStation 4, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Microsoft Windows, Windows Mixed Reality

Bet you were hoping the “odd ones” were done, huh? Nope, we got another one for you with Job Simulator. But there are a few twists on this one.

Not the least of which is that it’s a more tongue-in-cheek title.

You see, in this game you don’t play as a person, you play as a robot that has taken over the jobs of “society” and as a result, you’ll be doing some very “not historically accurate” takes on what humans used to do before the robots came.

This VR experience is meant to be silly, and it definitely comes off that way, so give it a shot!

#34 House Flipper

Platforms: Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Classic Mac OS

Depending on what televisions shows you watch, you might know about the various people who remodel houses and flip them for money. Well, now it’s your turn to do that…without actually doing that.

House Flipper puts you in the role of a handyman who wants to start flipping houses. First, you’ll need to start out by getting the money to buy your first property. Then, you’ll get your first home and start fixing it up. If you do well, you’ll buy the next one, and the one after that.

You’ll need to be smart though. Use the right tools, make the house as best as possible without blowing your budget, and then revel in how good your work is.

#33 SnowRunner

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows

We already showed you a truck simulator, but now we’re going to show you a truck simulator…for off-road trucks.

Yes, you’ll be put behind the while of over 40 different trucks designed to make it in some of the harshest conditions out there in the world today. We’re talking ice roads, going through torrential areas, mud-torn landscapes and more. You’ll need to be a special kind of truck driver to make it to your destination and complete the various objects.

And if that’s not enough for you, you can team up with others online or see what mods the community has made for hte game.

#32 Euro Truck Simulator 2

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems, Linux

You’ve been enjoying these truck simulator games so much, why not throw another one into the mix?

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is one that has dared to be special by not just providing realism, but fun as you go about your trucking!

You are tasked with doing important delivery jobs with your truck. With dozens of cities to explore from the UK, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and many more, you’ll find that this really is a fun experience as you virtually go all across Europe.

As you complete jobs you’ll be able to get new trucks, more trucks, and build up a fleet of trucks to do ever more jobs. So get to trucking!

#31 War Thunder

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows

War titles are very popular in regards to simulation games, and for War Thunder, they’ve brought forth a massive PVP experience where you’ll load up in a plane, tank, or naval ship in order to wage war against one another.

There are over 2000 craft between land, sea, and air for you to go and choose from. Then, wage war against numerous players (with millions in the install base) that’ll have you either reliving classic wars and battles or having certain missions that you can try to do that others will attempt to stop you from completing!

The game looks, sounds, and feels real, and with so many playing, you’ll always have a battle to do.

#30 Totally Accurate Battle Simulator

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, Microsoft Windows, macOS

Hint: it’s not that accurate. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator puts you in the lead of the Wobblers, and has you going and putting them into battles. But what these battles are can be up to you. You can have them teaming up with elephants, or going up against tanks, having them team up against enemies, or just rush head-long into battle.

The game intentionally has a “loose” physics system t up the fun factor, and you’ll find plenty of ways to use your Wobblers across the campaign, creator mods, sandbox mode, and more.

#29 DCS World

Platform: Microsoft Windows

Let’s keep the war games going, shall we?

This time we have DCS World, another free-to-play simulation game that’ll have you journeying across many different periods of war in a free-to-roam experience that like other titles mentioned have plenty of vehicles for you to partake in.

The game will guide you as you start your journey, and help build you up until you’re ready for the bigger and tougher missions, as well as ensuring you’re ready for other players of your skill level.

Plus, the game’s engine was designed to ensure the world looks beautiful across all terrains and at any height. Add to that a mission editor and a large variety of vehicles and weapons and you suddenly have something very special indeed.

#28 Space Engineers

Platforms: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Space Engineers is a title that prides itself on freedom and creativity. Because in this game, you’ll be in charge of building up spaceships, space stations, and more in order to expand and grow your species reach across the stars.

And with everything you explore comes the potential for new resources and growth. What’s more, everything you have can be both built, damaged, and destroyed. So you’ll need to be mindful of how you handle and use everything.

You can play the game across multiple modes, including one where you focus solely on building and construction, or, one where it’s all about survival.

So choose how you’d like to explore the stars, and see what you can build!

#27 Dyson Sphere Program

Platform: Microsoft Windows

Sticking with our current space kick, let’s talk about Dyson Sphere Program.

Because in this game, you’ll be part of a civilization that is SO CLOSE to true expansion, but, you need more energy. Thus, you are put in charge of making an actual Dyson Sphere, a contraption that will harness the power of the nearby star in order to fuel all your future prospects.

But, naturally, that won’t be easy, and you’ll need to manage resources and work labor in order to get it made. But once you do, you’ll be able to expand across a procedurally generated universe and see just how big you can expand both your empire, and the very Dyson Spheres you make.

#26 X-Plane 11

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Classic Mac OS

There are two true “flight simulators” on this list, and the first one we have is that of X-Plane 11.

And this one is one that boasts about how accurate it all is. Not only via the various aircraft you’ll be able to pilot, but the cockpits of the planes themselves. X-Plane 11 claims that every single plane system they have is accurate and meets the specs of the bodies that govern such things.

They’ve also redesigned their interface to make sure that you can be as simple and precise in how you guide your planes both across the sky and on the tarmac.

So, ready to take flight?

#25 Farm Manager 2021

Platforms: PC

Yes, it’s time to farm again! We already talked about one kind of farm game, but Farm Manager 2021 believe it or not is entirely different! …somehow.

Because here you’ll once again have to go manage a farm from the top down. To the extent where it is not just profitable and robust, but has happy workers and animals for you to take care of.

You’ll have to deal with the changing of seasons as well, so don’t sleep on this game, it can be a

#24 TheHunter: Call of the Wild

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

TheHunter: Call of the Wild is for those of you who want to go hunting…but prefer to do it in the virtual space for one reason or another. And you’re in luck, because this title boasts the most immersive digital hunting experience around.

They can back that up too, because each “reserve” that you take a journey into is full of life, as well as full of choices. Will you shoot the first thing you see? Or, will you wander around to try and find something more impressive? The choice is yours.

You’ll also be able to use all sorts of lures and scents to draw out your prey, and can even form a hunting party if you want!

So get hunting, the “big one” awaits.

#23 Kerbal Space Program

Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac

Some of you might remember the buzz this game had when this title came out. The Kerbal Space Program, you’ll be the head of the space program for an alien race known as the Kerbals (obviously). But what happens next will test your scientific mettle. Because you’ll need to build spacecraft for them, and if you don’t do it right, the thing won’t fly.

But even if they do fly, you’ll need to make sure that your Kerbals can survive in space, and once that’s done, you’ll set off to explore the universe as a whole.

This game is fun and wacky and plays very different from other simulation titles. There’s a lot to manage, but the payoff is very fun.

#22 Dirt Rally 2.0

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Rally car racing is honestly one of the fastest and most dangerous kinds of racing out there, especially since you’re doing it in locations that can put you in the dirt and mud really quick if you make a wrong turn.

This is why Dirt Rally 2.0 is so fun for many, because unlike other racing games where you’re just trying to win, Dirt Rally 2.0 has it to where you NEED to trust yourself and your co-pilot in order to make sure you don’t crash. Because with tracks across many different countries, you’ll need to keep your wits sharp if you don’t want to end your run prematurely.

And when you’re done racing the AI, you can jump online and put your skills up against other racers.

#21 Two Point Hospital

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Macintosh operating systems, Microsoft Windows, Linux

Here is a game that has very much been making the rounds as of late. Two Point Hospital is a hospital simulator that has you not just building and running a hospital, you’ll need to deal with a wide manor of…curious patients. As well as staff that you’ll need to keep in line…if you can.

The game is very wacky, as you’ll need to truly make the right hospital to handle the “oddities” that come your way. Thankfully, you’ll start out as a smaller hospital in a small town area. Learn the ropes, and then move to the big city in order to make your case as the best hospital around!

#20 Project Cars 2

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One

There are all sorts of car games out there that try to boast that they are the “most authentic car simulator around”, and many do live up to that title in various ways. But for Project Cars 2, they REALLY wanted to be that authentic experience.

Because not only did they put 180+ cars in the game, and made sure they looked the part, they also went and hired drivers to ensure that each of these cars would handle as they would on the various roads of the world.

Add to that, they made sure the world itself was both drivable and realistic in terms of day/night cycles and even having the seasons in play.

It’s not the best racing game ever (as you’ll see later on), but it does make a concerted effort to be realistic, and we can appreciate that.

#19 Surviving Mars

Platforms: PlayStation 4, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Linux, Macintosh operating systems

Surviving Mars is a title that has you do what we on Earth are trying to do right now…colonize Mars. Yes, you’ll be part of a group that is aiming to be the first colony on Mars, and every single choice you make for them and with them will determine whether they survive or not.

It’s not just about making a colony, it’s about making sure where you put the colony has resources for them to use, then expanding them so that they can handle more people, and build a safe community for them to thrive in.

It won’t be easy, but if you make it work? You’ll truly be living on Mars.

#18 BeamNG.drive

Platform: PC

How about a game that is both realistic…and lets you have fun with the cars you’re driving? BeamNG.drive is a title that you can have fun with on services like Steam and Humble Bundle, but its real fun lies not just in the realism of racing, but the fact that you can actually damage the cars you’re driving.

Yes, many simulation games only lightly touch on car damage, but here in BeamNG.drive, it flaunts it.

Plus, you’ll be able to drive “common man” cars and not just the “top of the line” elites. Drive a cop car, a taxi, a jeep, a compact car, whatever you want across 12 sprawling environments daring you to burn rubber on them. And with various modes to truly burn rubber on them, you’ll be off to the races in no time.

#17 The Sims 4

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems, Classic Mac OS

Yep, it’s finally time for The Sims! Some of you would likely put this higher on the list, but in truth, it’s The Sims, you know what you’re getting from the moment you buy it…and its infinite expansion/DLC packs.

Yes, you’ll be creating your very own Sim and then do whatever you want out in the world. Go and be a specific kind of person, go and romance someone in the area you’re living in, go and get a job that you really want, and more!

And as noted, the game has a lot of extra content so you’ll do everything from go to new locations, to become part of mysteries and so on. It’s The Sims, if you dive in? You’ll be playing for quite some time.

#16 Planet Coaster

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, macOS

Have you ever wanted to build your own theme park? There have been multiple games that have allowed that dream, but with Planet Coaster, you’ll get a simulation experience unlike any other.

Because in this game, you’re not just able to make rides and a park, you’ll be able to build and manage several! As well as reshaping the landscape of the places you want to build upon.

But it’s also about making sure your customers are happy. Every single person that comes to your place has a personality and feelings. So do your best to please as many as you can so you can truly make a planet of coasters. And then, when you make something you really like, share it online! Or, see what others are doing online and get inspired by them! The possibilities are endless!

#15 Stellaris

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems

Stellaris is a sci-fi space exploration title that has you starting out as a species that has just discovered long-distance space travel. Now, the galaxy is open to you, and it’s up to you to explore, research, grow, and make your own empire.

The galaxy is a big place though, and as a result, you’ll be interacting with various species. Some will be peaceful, others…not so much.

Each run you do will be different, ensuring that you’ll never be bored as there’s always something new to find, a new species to interact with, and a new planet to explore.

#14 Assetto Corsa

Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC

There are a few car entries over the next few spots on this list. But with Assetto Corsa, this title is very much about having a realistic racing experience in some beautifully rendered cars.

Assetto Corsa goes the extra mile (pun intended) to give you that realism, including using laser scans of actual race tracks so that you’ll race on them virtually as if you were racing on them in the real world. Monza, Silverstone, Imola, Mugello, Spa, Brands Hatch and many more await you in this game.

Plus, the title boasts having certain car models that you’ll only be able to race in this title. So if you’re looking for accurate cars, racing, and tracks? Why not get Assetto Corsa?

#13 F1 2022

Platforms: PC, Consoles TBA

While the title isn’t out yet, F1 2022 is easily a very highly-anticipated racing game, mainly because the F1 racing circuit is a very popular and competitive one and gamers do like going down tracks at very high speeds.

You’ll of course be able to race in various models of F1 cars, and there is even rumors of new modes with ‘supercars’ that might be coming, though not confirmed. Also not confirmed, but teased, is that of cross-play, which will allow much more interactivity between players.

And of course, the tracks you’ll play on will be synced with the true 2022 season of F1, so it’ll be like you’re racing on the circuit yourself.

#12 Crusader Kings III

Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems

There have been a LOT of medieval simulators out in the gaming world, but Crusader Kings III honestly dares you to not just build a kingdom, but build a lasting one. Because here, you’re not just building up a house, you’re trying to build a legacy and a dynasty.

You’ll start out as you would expect, you’ll get your kingdom started and work to make it a lasting one. But then, when you die, your next of kin will take over and you’ll play as them. And so on and so forth until your dynasty is eternal…or wiped out.

You’ll have to combat not just rival armies, but those that lurk in the shadows. Can you make a kingdom that truly lasts the span of time?

#11 Forza Horizon 5

Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

There are certain racing simulator games that are mostly about the cars, but other racing simulator games has you focusing not just on the cars, but the world you’re in. Forza Horizon 5 came out last year and it got a lot of praise from both fans and critics. Not the least of which is that you won’t just have access to HUNDREDS of beautifully rendered cars, but you’ll be able to take them across a beautiful open world.

Forza Horizon 5 puts you in a fictionalized version of Mexico, and has a map that was 50% LARGER than Forza Horizon 4. That’s a big growth. You’ll get to witness the landscape as you drive across it and the team clearly put in a lot of work to make it all beautiful. So why not give it a test drive?

#10 Tropico 6

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS

Tropico 6 likes to put a spin on things in terms of city/world-building by putting you in the role of a dictator. Er, sorry, “El Presidente”. Right…

Anyway, in Tropico 6 you’ll find yourself on an archipelago and be able to build upon it to your hearts content, and to the discontent of others. No, really. Because not only can you build up your new empire on various islands at the same time, you’ll be able to STEAL things from other nations because…well…it looks better on your island.

Why just have fun with building a world when you can have fun while being the “bad guy”? Exactly.

#9 Microsoft Flight Simulator

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S

It might seem odd that we’re putting Microsoft Flight Simulator so high up on the list. But there’s a reason for that. The short of it is that this isn’t just a simulator, it’s one of the most accurate simulators out there. To the point where there are real pilot programs that use this simulator to train would-be pilots.

So technically speaking, if you were to learn from this program, and pay attention, you could technically fly a plane. And even if that’s not your goal, Microsoft Flight Simulator does give you a very fun experience as you fly a bunch of planes all over the place with rather stunning landscapes and realistic conditions to deal it.

#8 Cities: Skylines

Platforms: PlayStation 4, macOS, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Macintosh operating systems

The spiritual successor to SimCity, Cities: Skylines takes a modern approach to the city-building games of the past and ensures that you have a very deep experience throughout.

You’ll play as the mayor of a new city, and it’s your job to make it stand out in the best way possible. The catch is that you can’t just build random buildings, it has to be a functional city from the ground up. Balance out these things and ensure that your city can thrive!

And not just that, Cities: Skylines has all sorts of DLC to ensure that you have the best of times and situations to play around in. Good luck, Mr. Mayor.

#7 Elite Dangerous

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems

There are plenty of “space simulators” out there for you to go and try, but one could argue that Elite Dangerous is the best of the lot. Not the least of which is that they try to offer a true 1:1 experience in terms of the size of the Milky Way galaxy and give you an open-ended universe to explore to do…whatever you want.

Want to be a good guy and hunt down those who are doing wrong? Go for it! Want to a space pirate and take whatever you feel is your by “right”? Sure, why not? Be the best, or be the worst, the galaxy is waiting for you to enjoy.

#6 World of Tanks

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Who doesn’t like to blow stuff up with a tank? Exactly. There are actually places where you can go and be allowed to do just that. But, if you prefer the digital space to handle such urges, then you should go and jump into World of Tanks.

This game has been around since 2010 believe it or not, and as a result, it’s gone through many upgrades and improvements to provide the best tank fighting experience. Hope in a large menagerie of tanks and then you shall fight other players who feel that they are the best around.

Pilot your tank well and be victorious! Or don’t and get shelled. Your choice!

#5 Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 & 2

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Sometimes…you just can’t beat a classic. The original Tony Hawk games were The simulators to play if you wanted to be a skateboarder but didn’t have the skill in the real world. Mix that with a fun soundtrack and you had a recipe for success.

Then, recently, they remastered them and made them perfect to play on the newer console line. But no matter which versions you have, the gameplay is enough to make you wish you could grab a board and be like Tony Hawk.

#4 This War of Mine

Platforms: Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iOS, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Classic Mac OS

This game is not for the faint of heart. Because This War of Mine puts you in a survival scenario that is meant to be tough, emotionally challenging, and where your every move can affect your decisions, your life, and the lives of others.

In the game you are part of a group of survivors who are trying to survive in a war-torn and besieged city. You have little to no supplies, going outside your house is dangerous, and there are others who want your help, or want to take from you.

Every day in This War of Mine is a fight for survival, and if you don’t get enough to live, you’ll die. If you go outside and bump into the wrong people and aren’t prepared to fight them? You’ll do. You’ll only last in this game as long as your luck and skills let you.

Good luck, you’ll need it.

#3 Animal Crossing New Horizons

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing as a whole has amazed people with how fun it can be to live a life that isn’t your own, and with Animal Crossing New Horizons, they take that to the next level. Because this time around, Tom Nook himself is giving you an entire ISLAND to go and build to your hearts’ content.

And…that’s what you’re going to do! Start small, get resources, do trades, and then start crafting your island the way you want. You can even go and visit other people’s islands to see what they’ve done!

This was THE game of the early days of the global pandemic, and people went all out to make islands that suited their needs and personality. And with continual updates and even DLC content, you’ll have a lot of ways to make your island shine.

#2 Stardew Valley

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Stardew Valley is very much the simulator game that keeps on giving. Because it’s a farming simulator that is also a life simulator that is also an exploration game and everything in between.

You get to start a new life on a farm that a family member left to you. But how you proceed from there is up to you.

You can start building up your farm, you can mingle with all the townspeople, you can do things just for your, or to make more money, or to better the area. You can expand your farm, or keep it simple. You can be a loner, or you can go and form a relationship with someone you meet.

The sheer amount of ways you CAN play Stardew Valley, mixed with seeing the results of your work, and your new life, is entrancing. People have spent hundreds of hours in this game, and they’ll spend many more before they decide to stop.

#1 Goat Simulator

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS4, PS3

So, what is Goat Simulator? Well, it might honestly be better to tell you what ISN’T Goat Simulator. Goat Simulator isn’t really a game, or a simulator. It’s a broken toy of sorts that people really love to play for one reason or another.

To their credit, the team said outright that this “is not a game”, and then when they got a lot of people pledging money to help “improve it”, they did just that. So that goes to show you how a community can work in your favor.

If you’re looking for “dumb fun”? Try out Goat Simulator.