Simulation games have gotten more and more popular since their introduction in the early games of video games. With this, they have also gotten more complex, adding in more features that let you control or interact with the world around you. Some of the biggest moneymakers in the gaming world now fall into the simulation category, along with several of the most successful indie games to have come in the last decade.
If you are looking to find a new simulation game or just get into the genre, the options can be overwhelming. Below we have looked into various simulation games to create a top ten list of simulation games that you need to try.
10 The Sims
The most well-known simulation game is arguably The Sims. The series has long allowed players to make a custom set of characters and then help them live out their lives. In The Sims, you can now fully sculpt your character, give them a unique personality, and dress them; however, you please. Afterward, you can choose a job for them and use their hard-earned money to build your dream home.
The game also forces players to balance the sims lives by keeping food in their stomachs and their bodies well-rested. You even have to manage cleanliness and emptying your character's bladder.
9 Slime Rancher
Slime Rancher is a simulation game all about being a rancher who takes care of slimes. There isn't any combat in this game; instead, you must explore the various areas and capture slimes to take back to your farm. Once you have your new pets secured in a pin, you have to feed them to get them to produce plort that you can then use to earn money for farm upgrades.
The game will have you explore further into the Far Far Range the more you upgrade your character, and before long, you will have tons of different breeds of slimes, each with their own unique look.
8 Stardew Valley
One of the most popular indie games to come out in the last decade was the smash hit Stardew Valley. Inspired by other games in the life simulation genre, Stardew Valley set out to perfect the farming simulation formula. The game was completely made by one developer who has been releasing free updates for the players since day one.
You can now play Stardew Valley multiplayer on just about any game console you own. If your looking for a title that tests your farming skills but won't be too harsh on you if you run out of money, then this may be the game for you.
7 Cities Skylines
Cities Skylines is a game all about building up a city and controlling every little detail of the economy. The game has extremely heavy strategy elements that challenge the player to learn about the in-game economics. From the start of the game, the player must try and make money in order to expand and improve their city. They must also be careful not to go bankrupt of the game will end.
Every detail down to your transport system must be fleshed out in order to ensure that your city stays profitable. Many players even find that the game forces them to use guides in order to stop going into debt.
6 Euro Truck Simulator
While Euro Truck Simulator may seem like a strange title, it is actually quite enthralling. The game allows you to become a truck and drive across Europe. You will have to safely get your cargo from point A to Point B in order to successfully complete missions. As you start to make more and more deliveries, you can expand your very own truck company, hire drivers, and buy customizations for your trucks.
Euro Truck Simulator is equal parts driving game and business management. Many players note that the game is relaxing to play and lets them experience a life that they would never be able to live.
5 Prison Architect
If Prison Architect's name doesn't give the concept away, then just look at the photo above. You play the game to become a warden of your very own prison. Of course, as warden, you have to make sure that you make money and expand your facility so that you can take in more prisoners. The challenge comes in when you realize the NPCs you are caring for don't care much for rules or not increasing their prison sentences.
You will have to manage fights, riots, and even keeping inmates happy. While this may sound easy to do, you would be surprised just how quickly a large group of criminals can get out of control.
4 Planet Zoo
If you remember Zoo Tycoon from the early 2000s, then your probably thrilled to see a name like Planet Zoo. The game is designed by the same team behind Planet Coaster and has many similar gameplay mechanics. Players start out by being given a plot of land and must build exhibits for the games animals. The more you build, the more species you will unlock.
Along with making sure your animal has proper housing, you must manage your park's expenses and keeps guests happy. If your guests get frustrated by then, you will start to lose your customers.
3 Tropico
Tropico is a game much like Cities Skylines, but with a few major twists. The game has had six entries in the series and lets players take on the role of a dictator. You are given an island and must build up your city and fulfill requests to advance through the different time periods. The game has a heavy focus on politics, and you are forced to align with countries and political factions to stay afloat.
While the game has a ton of difficulty, all of the dialogue is based around dark comedy and constantly makes references to the fact you're a dictator.
2 Sid Meier's' Civilization
Sid Meir's Civilization is a turn-based resource management strategy game that lets you eventually manage a whole nation. The game lets players branch out over time to gain more land while dealing with political turmoil. The game can take hours or several sittings to beat, and many novice players will end up losing their first few rounds. Players can also choose from several different win conditions to keep each game interesting.
The difficulty can be adjusted in the game so that newer players can learn the ropes without being overcome by the game's many different management options.
1 Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
Despite the name, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator isn't that accurate at depicting battles. With that being said, it's still a fun simulation game and one of the more silly titles out there. The game has you take control of an army that you must strategically use to kill the opposing force. The catch is that the battles in the game works on a ragdoll system that can be hard to master at first.
Once you do get the game down, it can be satisfying to pelt mammoths with areas and watch their bodies crash into each other.