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9 Best Simulation Games, Ranked

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Best Simulation Games - Thief Simulator

If you have had enough of fictional universes, it’s time to take a look at the best simulation games that imitate real life with a bit of fun. Being one of the most popular game genres in recent years, there is a simulation game for almost every niche. What kind of game you want to play is up to you, but this list has it all.

Some of these games will challenge you, just like the real version. The others are entertainment-oriented, as they rely entirely on absurdity and comedy. That’s why you shouldn’t think about the first definition of the word “simulation” in this article.

The games in this article will give you dozens of hours of tasks. If that’s still not enough for you, you can take a look at the best open-world games that are expected to be released in 2022. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look at the best PC and console simulation games we found for you.

Screenshot from Thief Simulator

Thief Simulator

Indie game developers have focused on the simulation genre in recent years. Thief Simulator is one of the most absurd and entertaining examples of this focus. Prepare your tools and try to rob a house stealthily.

This simulation tries to be a fun copy of real life. It has an open world map and how you play the game is entirely up to you. Ideal for a few fun hours with alarms, hosts waking up, witnesses, open windows and more.

Thief Simulator 2 is in development. The release date isn’t yet known.

Platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch

Screenshot from PC Building Simulator

PC Building Simulator

Let’s move from a fun-oriented simulation game to one that’s all about seriousness and attention. PC Building Simulator, which in a short time has become one of the most popular games on Steam, lives up to its name. This game is about building, repairing and cleaning computers down to the smallest detail.

The whole purpose of the game is to provide a completely realistic experience. That’s why they’ve collaborated with brands like Intel, AMD and NVidia. You’ll try to satisfy the desires of your various clients with completely real products.

This game is a great way to learn new information that you can use in real life, or just to build your dream computer.

Platforms: PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch

Screenshot from PowerWash Simulator

PowerWash Simulator

Everyone expected PowerWash Simulator to be so successful. The game was developed in the spirit of indie simulation games and published by Square Enix. With a sufficient budget and the right level of mechanics, it became one of the best-selling games on Steam.

In each level, you clean a different place with water. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? It’s, but it’s also very satisfying. It’ll be a great feeling to clean the dirt, mud and stains that have accumulated on various objects with a water jet.

If you want to play and relax for a few hours a day, you should definitely check out this game. There’s no announcement about the second part yet, but it certainly seems to be coming.

Platforms: PC

Best Simulation Games - House Flipper

House Flipper

The peak of indie simulation games was when House Flipper was released. It captured all game videos and live broadcasts, especially on Youtube. Millions of gamers started recreating the houses of their virtual clients. Like a TLC show, it’s simple, but very entertaining.

Repair and recreate your clients’ homes with hundreds of different items and dozens of different tools. Sometimes it’s as simple as cleaning the floors and sometimes as challenging as tearing down walls.

You can play this game on almost all platforms and enjoy an interesting level of organizing.

Platforms: PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Mobile

Best Simulation Games - My Summer Car

My Summer Car

We’re not sure how to describe My Summer Car compared to the other games on this list. Yes, it’s an indie simulation game. You build, fix, tune, and maintain cars. It’s also a survival game. So you’ve to eat, sleep and stay away from dangerous things like car accidents.

With almost endless possibilities, you can improve your car as you want. However, you’ve to be careful not to die in the process. This is because there’s a perma-death system that’s not been changed in the game. So as soon as you die, everything is for nothing.

The notice posted by the game’s creators on their Steam page sums it up: Warning, this game isn’t for fainted heart. Severe car fever is required to play this properly due to it’s meticulous approach on car building.

Platforms: PC

Best Simulation Games - Farming Simulator 22

Farming Simulator 22

If we leave aside Microsoft Flight Simulator, one of the most comprehensive and detailed simulations is Farming Simulator 22. With dozens of licensed vehicles, equipment and products, you can enjoy an endless farming experience.

After choosing one of the large maps, you’ll be able to farm the land as you like. Animals such as chickens, cows and horses are also part of the experience.

Farming can sound a bit boring. But if you’re patient and learn the game mechanics, you can get an experience that will last hundreds of hours.

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Mobile

Best Simulation Games - Euro Truck Simulator 2

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Knowing how great the state-of-the-art trucks are, it’s no wonder the Euro Truck series is so popular. Driving long distances with good music is really addictive.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is one of the most popular games of all time on Steam. With tens of different brands, hundreds of different vehicles, and routes that feel endless, this simulation will give you great hours. Note that you’ll have to take into account mechanisms such as payload, fuel consumption and damage. After all, this is still a simulation game.

When you consider that ETS2 was released in 2012, you will understand more clearly that it is a success story.

Platforms: PC

Best Simulation Games - Cooking Simulator

Cooking Simulator

We couldn’t complete this list without a game where you take on the role of a professional chef. Cooking Simulator does exactly what its name suggests. A huge kitchen, hundreds of recipes and a crazy control mechanic that makes it all so fun.

All you’ve to do in this game is cook according to the recipes. In the VR version, this may seem even more impossible. But even in the normal version you’ll have a hard time.

Forget about all the chefs you’ve ever seen on TV and show everyone that you “can’t cook that well”.

Platforms: PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Mobile

Best Simulation Games - Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator

When it comes to simulation games these days, there are few surprises for the best. That’s because Microsoft Flight Simulator has managed to exceed all expectations. The best simulation game on this list in almost every way.

With stunning graphics, detailed control mechanics, different planes that completely change the gameplay and much more, you can live your dream of becoming a pilot.

If you want, you can experience everything in the most difficult mode with the full simulation mode. Or try to find your own home with 4K graphics.

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Cloud Gaming

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AUTHOR

Based in Istanbul, Turkey, Burak is a Guides Writer at Gamezo. He loves video games, high-production shows, post apocalyptic stories and more.