Must-Try Simulation Games on PC

4 February 2025

Simulation games: they’re kind of like a “build-your-own-adventure” sandpit and an escape hatch from reality, all rolled into one. If you’ve ever dreamed of flying a plane, running your own farm, or even managing a bustling city plagued by heavy traffic (yes, some people dream about that!), simulation games are your jam.

The beauty of simulation games is that they’re as close to the real thing as it gets—without all the messy consequences. You want a pet llama on your farm? Done. Interested in controlling a galactic empire? Say less. Simulation games throw you into fantastical worlds but keep the mechanics grounded, making them highly immersive. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or someone who's just starting, there’s something undeniable about their endless possibilities.

So, if you’re sitting there thinking, “What should I play next?”, grab your snacks, maybe a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the must-try simulation games on PC. Trust me, there's something for everyone here.

1. The Sims 4

Let’s kick this list off with a classic—it’d be criminal not to. The Sims 4 is the granddaddy of life simulation games. Imagine being both a benevolent god and the devil on someone’s shoulder at the same time. That’s The Sims 4.

You create and control virtual people (aka Sims), build their homes, decide their careers, find them love (or heartbreak), and pretty much control every aspect of their existence. It’s eerily satisfying to micromanage their lives, but the best part? Unleashing chaos. Forgot to feed your Sim for days on end? Watch them starve (oops). Accidentally put the stove too close to flammable objects? Oh no, fire.

Thanks to expansions like Seasons and Discover University, the game keeps evolving. Don’t let its age fool you—there’s still a rabbit hole of content waiting for you.

2. Cities: Skylines

Are you secretly a city planner at heart? Do you look at poorly managed traffic in real life and think, “I could fix that”? Then Cities: Skylines was made for you.

This isn't your average "SimCity knockoff." You get total control over building a sprawling, custom-designed metropolis from the ground up. But it’s not all sunshine and perfectly placed roundabouts. With power outages, zoning issues, traffic jams, and environmental concerns, this game plays a fine balancing act between your wild ambitions and harsh reality.

The modding community also deserves a shoutout here. Want to add real-world landmarks? Done. Create an ultra-efficient subway system? Go for it. Basically, this game lets you live out your fantasy of being the mayor without the pesky part of getting elected.

3. Farming Simulator 22

You might be rolling your eyes at the idea of farming, but trust me, Farming Simulator 22 isn’t just some “plant carrots and go broke” kind of game. It’s a legitimate farming experience. Think of it as a zen garden mixed with strategic economics.

Here, you upgrade tractors, grow crops, raise livestock, and sell your produce. The attention to realism is mind-boggling—there’s even seasonal cycles and soil care to think about. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to run a farm without committing to the actual hard labor, this game scratches that itch. Plus, once you earn enough, you can upgrade to some ridiculously high-tech farming equipment. Who doesn’t want to drive a million-dollar tractor?

4. Microsoft Flight Simulator

If you’ve ever thought, “What if I became a pilot?” this game turns that hypothetical into something tangible. Microsoft Flight Simulator is more than just a game—it’s an experience. A stunningly realistic one, at that.

You can fly everything from tiny propeller planes to massive passenger jets, all while exploring an insanely detailed recreation of our planet. Thanks to real-world weather and GPS tracking, you may even find yourself dodging actual storms or landing in your hometown airport. The learning curve? Steep. But once you get past the “Wait, what does this button do?” stage, it’s one of the most rewarding simulation games out there.

Pro tip: invest in a joystick or yoke for a next-level immersion. Warning: you might accidentally call yourself “Captain” in real life after playing this.

5. Euro Truck Simulator 2

This might sound like a sleeper, but hear me out: this game is oddly hypnotic. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a trucking game at heart, but it’s also about freedom, exploration, and the simple joy of the open road.

In this game, you’ll haul cargo across beautifully rendered European landscapes, manage your trucking company, and feel a strange sense of pride every time you back a trailer into a tight parking spot. It’s oddly meditative—you pop on your favorite playlist (or some in-game radio stations), watch the miles roll by, and get lost in the rhythm of the road. I dare you not to feel accomplished when you deliver cargo without a scratch.

6. Planet Zoo

Animal lovers, this one’s for you. Planet Zoo is essentially a zoo tycoon game on steroids. You build, manage, and expand your dream zoo, all while making sure your animals are happy, healthy, and not staging mass breakouts.

The level of detail here is wild—pun intended. From managing animal welfare to creating stunning habitats, this game feels like a mix between running a business and being a conservationist. Pro tip? Don’t start building enclosures haphazardly, or you’ll end up with a pack of cheetahs running loose. Not fun. (Or maybe it is?)

The game’s campaign mode also takes you around the world, introducing you to diverse climates and exotic species. Plus, who doesn’t love watching a baby panda roll around in its habitat?

7. Kerbal Space Program

Are you ready to tackle rocket science? No, seriously. Kerbal Space Program (KSP) puts you in charge of building and flying spacecraft while managing your Kerbal crew—a lovable race of green, googly-eyed astronauts.

The physics here are incredibly realistic, so don’t expect smooth sailing right out of the gate. Your first few rockets? Probably going to explode (spectacularly). But once you get the hang of it, achieving orbit or landing on the Mun (that’s “moon” for Kerbals) is one of the most satisfying moments in gaming.

It’s educational too—you’ll learn about propulsion, orbital mechanics, and why slapping random parts onto a rocket isn’t usually the best idea. If you’ve ever wanted to reach for the stars (literally), this game is a must-play.

8. Two Point Hospital

Running a hospital might not sound like fun, but Two Point Hospital is proof that managing a healthcare empire can be hilarious and, dare I say, addictive.

You’ll be diagnosing quirky diseases (like “Cubism”—patients actually turn into cubes), designing efficient hospitals, hiring staff, and dealing with all sorts of ridiculous scenarios. The game is packed with humor, making even the most stressful situations oddly enjoyable. Ever tried to cure someone suffering from “Lightheadedness” by replacing their head with a lightbulb? Now’s your chance.

It’s not just about laughs, though. Beneath the goofy exterior lies a surprisingly in-depth management sim. Perfect for those who like to plan, optimize, and deal with unexpected chaos.

9. Factorio

Ever wondered what happens when a game combines factory building with engineering and resource management? Enter Factorio.

The goal is simple: build and automate a factory on an alien planet to manufacture increasingly complex products. The execution? Not so simple. Every decision you make—from where to place conveyor belts to how you power your machines—has implications on efficiency and resources. Oh, and did I mention there are aliens who will attack if you’re not careful?

It’s the kind of game you’ll sit down to play for “just an hour,” only to emerge six hours later wondering what year it is. If you love logic, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of watching your factory hum along perfectly, this one will consume you. In the best way.

10. RimWorld

Last but certainly not least, we have RimWorld. Think of it as the lovechild of a colony sim and a story generator.

You’re tasked with managing a group of colonists stranded on an alien planet. It sounds simple enough, but then the game throws wild curveballs your way: pirate raids, resource shortages, and unpredictable colonist behavior. One minute everything’s peaceful, the next? A colonist has gone berserk and is attacking everyone with a frying pan.

What sets RimWorld apart is its ability to craft unique stories. No two playthroughs are the same, and the narratives the game generates are often hilarious, heartbreaking, or just plain weird. It’s a sandbox for unpredictability.

Final Thoughts

Simulation games have this magical way of pulling you into their worlds, offering both relaxation and challenges in equal parts. These titles highlight the sheer diversity of the genre—whether you’re building cities, managing a zoo, flying planes, or farming, there’s something out there waiting for you.

Still unsure where to start? Pick one that matches your vibe and dive in. But fair warning: these games are notorious time-sinks. Before you know it, you’ll be saying “just one more turn” or “let me wrap up this delivery” well past your bedtime.