Top 10 Best Simulator Games You Have To Play
Top 10 Best Sim Games of All Time
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today, we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Best Sim Games of All Time!
For this list, we’re looking at the funniest, most enthralling, and innovative simulator games ever made. We’ll be excluding dating sims however, as those have a list of their own.
Which sim have YOU spent the most time playing? Let us know in the comments!
#10: “Farming Simulator 19” (2018)
You know, we typically prefer to stay indoors when playing our games, but “Farming Simulator” almost makes us want to go outside ... The “Farming Simulator” games task players with building and managing the farm of their dreams. Plant your crops, maintain with various vehicles and tools, and harvest as much as you can to become the best farm in town! There’s something surprisingly relaxing about this game despite how much more complex it is compared to other construction and management sims. But what makes “Farming Simulator 19” special enough to earn a spot on this list is how it’s expanded the farming experience with more tools, better visuals, and a healthy community of players and modders.
#9: “Jurassic World Evolution” (2018)
While there have been other “Jurassic Park” sims, Frontier Development’s game is arguably the most convincing. “Dr. Hammond Simulator” – I MEAN, “Jurassic World Evolution” – recognizes the fantasy many of us had in building our own version of the famous (or infamous) park. Assemble your own dinosaur exhibits, attract guests to fund more projects, and pray to God that no dinosaurs break out and go on a rampage. In addition to a Career mode, “Evolution” includes two more modes - Challenge Mode, which imposes penalties and additional fees, and Sandbox Mode, which allows you to unleash your prehistoric creativity with limitless funds and no consequences. Just make sure you spend some time thinking about whether you SHOULD build something and not just whether you COULD!
#8: “The Sims 3” (2009)
We love our games complete and not scattered across dozens of DLC packs, which is why we chose “The Sims 3” out of all the games in the franchise. Not only was it more of what we loved about the Sims, but now, it was bigger than ever, allowing Sims to move freely without any loading screens! The game even gave players access to a tool where they could create our own styles for hair, clothing, and furniture. In other words, "The Sims 3" was all about expressing yourself...or making the most hideous home imaginable - and it was that flexibility that made this the best "Sims" experience.
#7: “Kerbal Space Program” (2015)
Ever wanted to become a rocket scientist, but don't want to go through the hassle of learning years worth of physics, astrology, and flight? Well, “Kerbal Space Program” lets you skip all of that and go straight to building rockets! Help the Kerbals reach the depths of space with the best ship possible, and yes, it is WAY harder than it sounds. You will frequently burn up and explode your creations, offing several Kerbals in the process. Fun with its simplicity and charm, “Kerbal Space Program” became such a success that it spawned two expansions and led to Take-Two’s acquisition of the game. And now, there’s a sequel scheduled to release sometime in 2022.
#6: “Tabletop Simulator” (2014)
If you love tabletop games, then you absolutely need this! “Tabletop Simulator” is exactly what it sounds like - a simulator where you and your friends can hang out in your own lobby and play a variety of tabletop games. While it does come with historic games like chess, checkers, and even a set of figures for tabletop RPGs, “Tabletop Simulator” has seen a monumental amount of mod support. Players can add in more games to their collection, from classics like Candyland and Monopoly to modern ones like Disney Villainous and Boss Monster. And the best part? Some board game manufacturers actually promote “Tabletop Simulator” and will sometimes use it to market future titles.
#5: “Evil Genius 2: World Domination” (2021)
The bad guys ALWAYS get the cooler toys, that’s just a fact of life. Luckily, “Evil Genius 2: World Domination” lets us get our hands on those awesome gadgets! A sequel to the 2004 game, “Evil Genius 2” is the ultimate Bond-villain simulator, letting you play as different criminal masterminds bent on world domination. Build your base of operations, command your henchmen to carry out crimes around the globe, and stop the Forces of Justice from foiling your dastardly plans. It’s a maniacally thrilling concept coupled with an exceptional art style and unique character abilities for bosses and minions, setting up “Evil Genius 2” to become a management sim favorite!
#4: “Two Point Hospital” (2018)
From the makers of 1997’s “Theme Hospital” comes “Two Point Hospital”, a business sim that sees players running hospitals and curing patients of the most ridiculous illnesses. Much like its spiritual predecessor, “Two Point Hospital” boasts the same level of challenge as any other business sim, but distinguishes itself with lighthearted and witty humor. Whilst listening to a snobby radio station and occasionally smarmy PA announcements, you’ll deal with patients suffering from having light bulbs above their heads, turning into clowns, or growing abnormal monobrows. It actually makes reading notifications hilarious, and you’ll be grinning ear to ear with each newly discovered disease.
#3: “Planet Coaster” (2016)
Getting some “Roller Coaster Tycoon” vibes? Well, that’s because this wonderful title was developed by some of the same people behind “Roller Coaster Tycoon 3”! “Planet Coaster” allows you to build your own theme park through a selection of scenarios, challenges, and themes. And for you psychopaths out there, you can choose a special “crash mode” where you may build incomplete rides and completely obliterate park guests. Since its release in 2016, “Planet Coaster” has been given a wealth of updates adding more rides, decorations, and even a campaign featuring the Ghostbusters! By the way, “Zoo Tycoon” fans may want to check out their other game, “Planet Zoo” which is just as fantastic.
#2: “Microsoft Flight Simulator” (2020)
We’ve spent years trying to figure out how to land the damn plane in older versions of “Microsoft Flight Simulator”. However, the 2020 iteration is certainly a technical marvel. Thanks to the power of Bing Maps and Microsoft Azure, players can fly to virtually any location in the world, and the way they’re rendered makes them just as breathtaking as their real-world counterparts. Sure, the load times are long and not all of the renders are completely accurate, but if you have a powerful enough PC, you’ve got some sightseeing to do!
Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions…
“Surviving Mars” (2018)
Developed Using Actual Data About Mars
“Game Dev Tycoon” (2013)
Learn the Ways of the Games Industry By Making Your Own
“Plague Inc.: Evolved” (2015)
An Addictive & Challenging Remake of Mobile Game “Plague Inc.”
“Cities: Skylines” (2015)
It Has a Steep Learning Curve, But Is So Satisfying to Play Once You Understand It
“Railway Empire” (2018)
Full Steam Ahead on Your Plans For Running Your Own Railroad
#1: “Stardew Valley” (2016)
Despite being a few years old now, this indie title is still very popular today, and for good reason! After your grandfather passes, he leaves you a farm, allowing you to leave your boring office job and move to the modest Pelican Town. “Stardew Valley” is a life sim RPG unlike any other, allowing players to run their own humble farm, meet local townsfolk, develop relationships, and even do some mining and light combat. With calming music, low stakes gameplay, and a colorful cast of characters, it’s no wonder people still play “Stardew Valley”. And to think this was all developed by one person.
