The Best Simulation Games

Update : Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator added at rank #40.
1

Powerwash Simulator (2021)

View Similar Games
88
Review score
Logo of Powerwash Simulator Screenshot of Powerwash Simulator Screenshot of Powerwash Simulator Screenshot of Powerwash Simulator

Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows

Step into the world of PowerWash Simulator, a stress-free game where you build your own power-washing business. Strip dirt from various surfaces, unlock new tools, and enjoy the therapeutic art of power-washing. With a variety of modes, captivating graphics, and engaging story, this game is sure to wash away your worries.


What we like:
  • Satisfying sense of progression and accomplishment
  • Unique concept in the simulation genre
  • Engaging story adding depth to gameplay
  • Therapeutic and relaxing experience
  • Variety of modes and well-designed levels
What could be improved:
  • Gameplay can become repetitive over time
  • Co-op progress only counts for host player
  • Limited exploration opportunities

  • simulation
  • relaxing
  • cooperative
  • first-person
  • casual
  • wholesome
  • free-play
  • immersive
  • online
  • controller-support
  • shooter
  • funny
  • multiplayer

2

Dwarf Fortress (2022)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Dwarf Fortress Screenshot of Dwarf Fortress Screenshot of Dwarf Fortress Screenshot of Dwarf Fortress

PC Windows IOS iPhone

Dwarf Fortress is an incredibly detailed, complex game where you help a colony of dwarves build a settlement by carving out bedrooms, dining halls and other necessary structures from the side of a mountain. You don't control individual dwarves but instead provide instructions for them to follow, with each dwarf having their own needs and wants that you become familiar with as you play.

Buy

What we like:
  • Robust mouse support
  • New tutorial to help new players understand menus
  • Complex web of characters and relationships
  • Simulated world is full of surprises both big and small
  • Ability to create artifacts and engravings that tell stories
What could be improved:
  • Inscrutability can be off-putting for those expecting a more streamlined experience
  • Convoluted user interface can make it difficult to figure out what is even possible in the game or how to access the different menus

  • simulation
  • colony
  • management
  • city-building
  • procedural
  • moddable
  • base-building
  • pixel
  • survival
  • economy
  • fantasy
  • construction
  • sandbox
  • text
  • resource-management

3

Disney Dreamlight Valley (2022)

View Similar Games
85
Review score
Logo of Disney Dreamlight Valley Screenshot of Disney Dreamlight Valley Screenshot of Disney Dreamlight Valley Screenshot of Disney Dreamlight Valley

PC Windows IOS iPhone Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch

Immerse yourself in the magical world of Disney Dreamlight Valley. Restore the memories of beloved Disney and Pixar characters, and rebuild a vibrant neighborhood in your unique style. Experience thrilling adventures, solve captivating puzzles, and enjoy the endless customization options. With new content continuously added, there's always a fresh adventure waiting for you!


What we like:
  • Immersive magical world with beloved Disney characters
  • Nonlinear gameplay with a variety of quests
  • Extensive customization options for character and town
  • Engaging storyline with mysteries to uncover
  • Regular updates with fresh content
What could be improved:
  • Gameplay can be repetitive over time
  • Limited space for town customization
  • High time investment needed for progression
  • Occasional technical glitches and crashes

  • simulation
  • farming
  • crafting
  • life-sim
  • life
  • cooking
  • fishing
  • sandbox
  • adventure
  • immersive
  • character
  • relaxing
  • customization
  • exploration

4

PC Building Simulator (2019)

View Similar Games
93
Review score
Logo of PC Building Simulator Screenshot of PC Building Simulator Screenshot of PC Building Simulator Screenshot of PC Building Simulator

PC Windows Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Xbox One

PC Building Simulator allows you to build your dream PC without the physical constraints. With licensed components, customizable LED and cabling colors, and step-by-step instructions, you'll enjoy experimenting with different configurations, completing repair jobs or entire system builds while balancing your books to ensure a profit. From novice to expert, this simulator is perfect for PC enthusiasts at all levels. Start building your marketable skills now!


What we like:
  • Accurate representation of building PCs
What could be improved:
  • For the hardcore PC enthusiasts
  • No story

  • simulation
  • immersive
  • education
  • hardware
  • management
  • building
  • life
  • modern
  • real-world
  • empire
  • fully-fledged

5

American Truck Simulator (2016)

View Similar Games
97
Review score
Logo of American Truck Simulator Screenshot of American Truck Simulator Screenshot of American Truck Simulator Screenshot of American Truck Simulator

PC Windows Linux Mac OS

American Truck Simulator allows you to drive classic American trucks across California and Nevada, delivering cargo and completing contracts. Customize your truck, follow the rules of the road, and avoid getting fined by the police. With multiplayer mode and online community features, you'll love this captivating game experience.


What we like:
  • Realism of the trucking experience
  • Great soundtrack
  • Fun way to connect with family
  • Cute cat petting feature
  • Immersive experience
What could be improved:
  • None

  • simulation
  • truck
  • driving

6

SnowRunner (2020)

View Similar Games
88
Review score
Logo of SnowRunner Screenshot of SnowRunner Screenshot of SnowRunner Screenshot of SnowRunner

Mac OS Android Xbox Series X Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Experience the thrill of conquering extreme off-road environments in SnowRunner! Drive over 40 powerful vehicles from top brands and customize them with upgrades and accessories. Take on challenging missions across an untamed open world filled with mud, water, snow, and frozen lakes. Play solo or with up to 4 players in co-op mode and expand your experience with community mods. Get your adrenaline pumping and leave your mark in SnowRunner!


What we like:
  • Realistic driving mechanics
  • Huge map with lots of missions and cargo to transport
  • Variety of vehicles and upgrades
  • Co-op multiplayer adds a fun team dynamic
  • Time-consuming gameplay is enjoyable
What could be improved:
  • Some frustrating bugs, especially in hard mode
  • DLC releases feel rushed without fixing basic issues first
  • Multiplayer connectivity issues
  • Slow-paced gameplay may not be for everyone
  • Vehicles prone to getting stuck or flipped

  • truck
  • simulation
  • vehicle
  • driving
  • off-road
  • physics
  • sandbox
  • open-world
  • trucking
  • cooperative

7

Tropico 6 (2019)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Tropico 6 Screenshot of Tropico 6 Screenshot of Tropico 6 Screenshot of Tropico 6

IOS iPhone Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One

Tropico 6 is a city-building game that offers an engaging mix of elements such as ruling your own island dictatorship, sandbox mode with customizable goals, missions, and easy controller support. You can be a big picture person and make decisions that impact the entire island or get into the minute details of urban planning.


What we like:
  • Engaging mix of elements
  • Sandbox mode with customizable goals
  • Missions
  • Easy controller support:No need for mouse and keyboard or touchscreen
What could be improved:
  • Minor performance issues

  • city-building
  • simulation
  • economy
  • political
  • sandbox
  • management
  • strategy
  • construction
  • military
  • politics

8

Hardspace: Shipbreaker (2020)

View Similar Games
87
Review score
Logo of Hardspace: Shipbreaker Screenshot of Hardspace: Shipbreaker Screenshot of Hardspace: Shipbreaker Screenshot of Hardspace: Shipbreaker

PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 5 Xbox Series X

Are you ready to be a part of the team that salvages spaceships in zero-g? In Hardspace: Shipbreaker, you can cut through the metal with a laser cutter and use the grapple tool to move the salvaged parts with ease. Earn upgrades and maximize your profit as you salvage through a compelling campaign, relax in freeplay, or compete in timed challenges. Join the union and fight against corporate greed in this unique gameplay experience!

Buy

What we like:
  • Fun and engaging core gameplay
  • Enjoyable story and characters
  • Great soundtrack
  • Satisfying
  • Scratches the 'take things apart and organize' itch
What could be improved:
  • Repetitive gameplay
  • Gameplay and story not integrated well
  • Cutscenes disrupt gameplay flow
  • Inconsistent physics mechanics
  • Lack of new core features added since early access

  • simulation
  • sci-fi
  • space
  • relaxing
  • physics
  • narrative
  • first-person
  • dystopian
  • futuristic
  • puzzle
  • zen
  • blue-collar
  • tanks
  • destruction
  • sims

9

Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 (2021)

View Similar Games
88
Review score
Logo of Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 Screenshot of Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 Screenshot of Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 Screenshot of Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

Xbox One Android Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4 PC Windows

Work your way to a service empire. Get your hands dirty in a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to details. Pay a visit to a new Auction house and buy cars in various conditions. Expand your range of services by investing in a new work space and equipment.


  • simulation
  • auto
  • racing
  • realistic
  • driving
  • moddable

10

My Child Lebensborn (2018)

View Similar Games
94
Review score
Logo of My Child Lebensborn Screenshot of My Child Lebensborn Screenshot of My Child Lebensborn Screenshot of My Child Lebensborn

PC Windows Android IOS iPhone Playstation 4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch

Experience the emotional and challenging journey of raising an adopted child in post-WWII Norway in My Child Lebensborn. Balance your time and resources to provide for your child's needs while navigating a world filled with hate and bullying. This BAFTA-award winning game offers a genuine and immersive nurturing simulation that will tug at your heartstrings.


What we like:
  • Impactful story
  • Emotional journey
  • Realistic characters
  • Meaningful choices
  • Good replay value
What could be improved:
  • Fairly linear gameplay
  • Some may find it too emotionally taxing

  • simulation
  • war
  • emotional
  • time-management
  • choices
  • life
  • hand-drawn
  • story
  • social
  • historical
  • casual
  • crafting
  • atmospheric
  • management

Not seeing your game?