Simulators are similar to the tomes hidden by bookstores inside a vault. While they’re not necessarily expensive, they’re scarce in many gamers’ collections. The reasons for the scarcity are simple, simulators don’t offer instant gratification like many other games do. Play Dead Cells, and you’ll be accumulating kills before you reach the next corridor. Prefer an FPS shooter instead? Headshots in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare are satisfying. The point is that simulators should be considered long-form experiences. To that end, these are the best examples.
Also Read: All Mafia Games Ranked Worst to Best
10 Best Simulators in 2023
These simulators are the best in their category, and they range from farm work to racing through the cities of Europe. In fact, you might even find a flight simulator on our list.
#1: Stardew Valley | Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC
Stardew Valley is a farming simulator that’s inspired by games like Harvest Moon. At a glance, it looks like a simple game of three steps.
- Prepare the land.
- Sow some seeds.
- Reap the harvest.
However, once you progress further in the story, Stardew Valley starts to shine. You’ll familiarise yourself with the community, and from there, you’ll start noticing that your daily goals aren’t simple farm tasks anymore. Instead, your relationships with the in-game residents open up new activities to enjoy. You can start romantic relationships or help your friends achieve their goals, the choice is yours. Thankfully, the file size isn’t large; You can find out more about it here.
#2: Game Dev Tycoon | Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, PC, and Nintendo Switch
Game Dev Tycoon is a casual game that lets players develop games. It’s not a tactical game, but it does require some management skills. The actual highlight is the score or rating your game is given after it’s published. These reviews tend to be brutally honest, because people may simply hate your game.
Game Dev Tycoon gives players plenty of control over the titles they develop in-game. You can decide how much development time the game gets and the features that your developers should add to the game. The feedback your games get makes this simulator the most realistic title on this list.
#3: Goat Simulator | Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
Goat Simulator was developed by Coffee Stain Studios and released in 2014. The gameplay is playful because you control a goat that’s hell-bent on causing as much havoc as possible. Luckily for players, there’s a well-detailed world to explore, and it contains all of the nuances of our daily lives to further immerse gamers.
Since you’re a killer goat-god, you can attack anything on sight and remain healthy. You’re insusceptible to damage. The developers further encourage players to smash things by awarding in-game points.
#4: PowerWash Simulator | Supported Platforms: Android, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch
This game is the closest that players are getting to an FPS on our list. As the name suggests, you control a power washer, which you’ll use to complete different tasks. We love the game because it’s extremely engaging. After all, cleaning is therapeutic, especially when the scenery is beautiful. You can play this game alone or with your friends.
#5: F1 23 | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC
F1 23 is an invigorating racing simulator where you race with Formula One cars. You tackle corners fast and hard, but with the best brakes in a vehicle, you only have to improve your reaction time. The game is fleshed out with great content, including a Braking Point campaign. Other features of F1 23 are:
- It features single and multiplayer modes.
- Superb physics and handling mechanics.
- Great visuals, including ray-tracing technology.
- Customisable controls.
#6: X-Plane 12 | Supported Platforms: PC Only
X-Plane 12 is a flight simulator that allows players to fly a plane. Of course, you’ll find different types of planes, including the Airbus A330, Piper PA-18 Super Cub, Lancair Evolution, Cessna Citation X, Cirrus SR22, and Van’s RV-10. Other features that we love about the game are:
- The game is used to train real-life pilots.
- Great weather system, which includes different seasons, wind, trees, and lighting.
- You can fly different types of planes and helicopters in X-Plane 12.
- The aerodynamics and flight physics are some of the best in video games.
#7: My Time at Portia | Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch
My Time at Portia bridges the gap between RPGs and simulation games. Released in 2019 by Pathea Games, you’ll meet up with different characters, construct buildings, complete requests, and date your romantic interests. It’s the closest simulator to Stardew Valley. Though, it’s a 3D world with a larger area.
#8: Fallout Shelter | Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch
Fallout Shelter is a spin-off of the Fallout game series, but don’t be fooled because the game is a complete simulator. In Fallout Shelter, you’ll be in charge of a safe house. That means you’ll manage survivors, defences, population, resources, and even expansion. If you’re a fan of apocalyptic games, Fallout Shelter is a great pick.
#9: Settlement Survival | Supported Platforms: PC and Android
In Settlement Survival, you’ll build cities in a world where survival is key. You’ll ration everything from resources and shelter to warmth and food. At first, you’ll be managing a camp, which can later be upgraded to a city. The sense of urgency that the survival aspect of the game introduces is fun. To experience Settlement Survival in its full glory, grab a tablet with a vibrant and sharp screen.
#10: Pocket City 2 | Supported Platforms: Android
The original Pocket City was a hit, and naturally, Pocket City 2 follows in its footsteps. First, you’ll create your avatar, which can drive planes, helicopters, bikes, and many more vehicles. While it doesn’t offer the instant gratification of FPS games, this is a great city-building simulator. The final highlight of this game is the terrific graphics, which come with features such as:
- Day and night cycles.
- Dynamic seasons.
- Massive and detailed sandbox to explore.
Our Final Say
We love simulators because they’re pretty laid-back compared to other games. Let’s not forget that simulators are some of the most realistic games out there. Above all, playing simulation games is the best way to beat boredom at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Game Like The Sims Is Being Released in 2023?
Life by You is a video game that’s being developed by Paradox Tectonic. Fans will be able to play the game early once it launches on September 12, 2023. However, only PC players will be able to test the game via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Life by You is Paradox Tectonic’s only video game to date.
What Is the Best Simulation Game for Android Devices?
Provided you’re using an Android smartphone with beefy specifications, there are quite a few games to try out. The list of titles is:
- Game Dev Tycoon.
- My Time at Portia.
- Fallout Shelter.
- Stardew Valley.
- Goat Simulator.
Simulation games don’t require a lot of power for smartphones to run them. That’s why there’s an impressive collection of simulators for both Android and iOS devices.
Has The Sims 5 Been Confirmed?
Otherwise known as Project Rene, The Sims 5 is currently under development. True enough, EA confirmed that the game is in the works. Nevertheless, the studio hasn’t announced an official release date for this title. Players can expect a 2024 release date at the earliest.