30 Best Games Like The Sims You Need To Try in 2023

Whether you like to roleplay as a powerful mage or relive historical events on the battlefield, sometimes we want to play simply as ourselves. Our next list is filled with life simulation games, which are somewhat similar to the trendy game – the Sims. We’ve checked out multiple platforms and taken into account different approaches to life simulation genre, and here’s what we dug out. Let’s check out our list of best games like The Sims.

Editor’s Note: This list was updated in November 2023 and includes the newest and hottest life simulation games.

1. Virtual Families

Platforms: PC, Android

Virtual Families is a life simulation game where you adopt and nurture a virtual family. The game allows you to control a character and guide them through various aspects of life, such as finding a job, building relationships, and raising a family. Players are responsible for making decisions about the virtual characters’ careers, marriages, and home improvements. As you can see by the familiar interface, it’s pretty similar to Sims.

2. Kudos 2

Platforms: PC

In Kudos, players take on the role of a character starting a new life, and the game revolves around making choices to shape the character’s lifestyle and social interactions.

The gameplay focuses on time management and decision-making. Players allocate their time to various activities such as work, socializing, hobbies, and personal development. Your choices affect your character’s attributes, relationships, and overall happiness.

3. Alter Ego

Platforms: PC, Android

Alter Ego is a text-based life simulation game that was first released in the 1980s. In the game, players guide a character from birth to old age, making decisions that shape their personality, career, relationships, and overall life path. The game is known for its deep exploration of the human experience and the consequences of various choices.

The game is divided into different stages of life, and players face a variety of scenarios and decisions at each stage.

4. Stardew Valley

Platforms: PC, Android, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Stardew Valley needs no introduction. It’s similar to the Sims when it comes to micro-managing your real estate and resources. When it comes to customization of your character, it’s not as intensive. In any case, if you haven’t tried this yet, now would be the perfect time.

5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Platforms: Switch

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more similar to Stardew Valley than the Sims but considering there are plenty of interactions with other NPCs and plenty of micro-management related to your own character, it’s worth putting on this list. The game will absolutely devour hours of your time.

6. Dinkum

Platforms: PC

Dinkum is an Australia-inspired family sim. Traverse eucalyptus forests, endure scorching deserts and chill by billabongs. Encounter adorable Aussie wildlife, gather resources through hunting and mining, and build your town. Attract townsfolk and businesses by customizing your surroundings. Team up with friends to explore landscapes teeming with dangers and protect each other in this unique adventure.

7. Disney Dreamlight Valley

Platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

If you’re a fan of Disney, this game is perfect for you. Disney Dreamlight Valley is mix of life simulation and adventure, offering quests, exploration, and engaging activities with a cast of beloved Disney and Pixar characters. In the enchanting land of Dreamlight Valley, where harmony once prevailed, a mysterious event called the Forgetting occurred. Night Thorns spread, erasing precious memories. The once vibrant inhabitants sought refuge in the Dream Castle. Now, as the player, the task is to unravel the tales of this world and restore the magic to Dreamlight Valley.

8. Medieval Dynasty

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Medieval Dynasty portrays a world ruled by nobles and clergy, where trade brings both prosperity and conflict. As young man escaping war, players in the game develop from inexperienced individuals into skilled leaders, navigating challenges such as hunting, resource gathering, and building to establish a lasting and prosperous dynasty. The open world offers a unique gameplay experience, allowing players to explore, build a thriving village, and ultimately craft their legacy amidst the challenges of harsh winters and unexpected events.

9. The Partners

Platforms: PC

I mean, the UI says it all. At first glance, this looks like the Sims 2, right? Well, it’s really similar: you take control of a character, and you engage in every day normal activities, trying to survive the best you can in the virtual world.

10. My Time at Portia

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

My Time At Portia is a simulation RPG set in a charming post-apocalyptic world. Players inherit a workshop and must restore it to its former glory by farming, raising animals, and mining resources. The game also features crafting, exploration, and building elements, along with interactions with the vibrant residents of Portia. It’s like Stardew Valley, but different.

11. Fantasy Life

Platforms: Nintendo 3DS

In Fantasy Life, players can choose from various “Life” classes, each representing a different profession or skill set. These Life classes include traditional RPG roles like Paladin, Wizard, and Archer, as well as non-combat roles like Tailor, Cook, and Carpenter. Players can switch between Life classes at any time, allowing them to explore different aspects of the game world and pursue various activities.

12. Crusader Kings III

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X

I know that Crusader Kings III looks nothing like the Sims, but hear me out…In Crusader Kings, you rule with an iron fist to instill fear or inspire subjects. You can have your own her, but beware, genetics play a role, passing along traits from genius to crippling stupidity. Groom heirs with appropriate guardians or take charge of their education. Customize rulers and noble houses, creating monarchs with inherited virtues and vices.

Manage an evolving realm, granting titles or seizing crowns from lieges. Beware of rivals, from restless serfs to revengeful concubines.

13. Wandering Willows

Platforms: PC

In Wander Willows, players find themselves stranded on a mysterious island after their hot air balloon crashes. The island, called Wandering Willows, is inhabited by various creatures and characters.

The main objective of Wandering Willows is to explore the island, complete quests, and interact with the diverse inhabitants. Players can befriend and help the whimsical creatures called Willows, each with unique personalities and needs.

14. Tomodachi Life

Platforms: Switch, Nintendo 3DS

Tomodachi Life is known for its quirky and humorous take on life simulation, allowing players to create and customize Mii characters and observe their daily lives on an island.

In Tomodachi Life, players can create Mii characters based on themselves, friends, family, or fictional characters. These Mii characters live on an island, and players get to watch their personalities and relationships unfold. The Miis have needs and desires, and players can fulfill these by engaging in various activities, such as feeding them, playing games, and giving them gifts.

15. My Time at Sandrock

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Play Station 4, Xbox One

In My Time at Sandrock, set in a charming post-apocalyptic world 330 years after a catastrophic event, you step into the role of a Builder. Tasked with revitalizing the city-state of Sandrock, you must gather resources, construct machines, befriend locals, and protect the community from menacing monsters. Accepting the job offer brings you to this wild and rugged city, where your trusty tools become instrumental in restoring Sandrock to its former glory. Oh, and by the way, this is from the creators of My Time at Portia.

16. BitLife

Platforms: Android, iOS

In BitLife, live your life by making choices that lead to different outcomes. Strive to become a model citizen with a happy family and a successful career, or take a different path filled with adventures, crime, and unconventional decisions. Your choices shape your unique story in this interactive text life simulator, offering a realistic simulation of adult life.

17. Sengoku Dynasty

Platforms: PC

Sengoku Dynasty is a dynamic blend of open-world RPG, city-building, life simulation, and survival set in feudal Japan. Navigate the turbulent times of this era by building and leading your own Dynasty. Play in solo or co-op mode, with the option of first or third-person views.

In a region once ravaged by famine and war, forge your life, cultivate a community, and establish a powerful dynasty. Explore a beautiful open world, gathering resources, crafting, hunting, building, and farming to ensure survival and prosperity for your village. Face formidable enemies, rise as a great leader, and fiercely defend your creations. It’s like the Medieval Dynasty but set in the Sengoku Period.

18. Oxygen Not Included

Platforms: PC

Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game, so it differs from the Sims in that aspect. Players are tasked with managing a group of colonists who find themselves stranded on an asteroid. The primary goal is to help them survive and thrive in this harsh and unpredictable environment.

19. Avakin Life

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS

Avakin Life is a virtual world and social simulation game. Players have extensive options to customize their avatars, from appearance and clothing to accessories and hairstyles. This allows for a high level of personalization. The game emphasizes socialization, enabling players to connect with other Avakins from around the world. Interactions can include chatting, making friends, and engaging in various activities together.

20. WorldBox – God Simulator

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS

WorldBox – God Simulator is a sandbox god game. Players can create and customize their own worlds by shaping the land, creating mountains, valleys, oceans, and more. The game provides a variety of tools for terraforming. Once a world is created, players can introduce various creatures and beings to inhabit it. These beings can develop civilizations, build structures, and interact with each other based on the player’s influence.

21. IMVU

Platforms: PC

In IMVU, users create and customize 3D avatars that represent them in the virtual world. The customization options are extensive, allowing users to personalize their avatars’ appearance, clothing, and accessories. The primary feature of IMVU is virtual chat, where users interact with each other in a three-dimensional environment. Avatars can move, gesture, and communicate with others through text chat, creating a social and interactive experience.

22. The Guild 3

Platforms: PC

The Guild 3 is yet another installment in the highly successful life & trading sim franchise. Choose your path as an honest craftsman, trader, romantic, bribing official, or engaging in subterfuge. Acquire titles, secure council positions, and join guilds to advance your power. With a range of professions, a complex skill tree, and unlockable actions, customize your strategy. Explore 13 authentic historical scenarios in Central and Northern Europe, navigating a dynamic day and night cycle with seasonal impacts.

23. Sun Haven

Platforms: PC

Sun Haven is more of a Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing clone, but due to its pronounced sim features, it belongs on this list. Tend to seasonal crops, raise fantastical animals, and engage in various activities. Play with up to 8 friends online, explore three different cities, and utilize over 40 crafting stations for diverse tasks like smithing and jewelry making. Decorate your house and farm with numerous furniture items. Romance from 15 marriage candidates, combat monsters using swords, crossbows, or magic and unlock mine floors to gather resources and gems. The game offers a blend of farming, crafting, and adventure elements for an immersive gaming experience.

24. Second Life

Platforms: PC

Second Life provides users with a 3D virtual world where they can create and customize avatars, explore diverse landscapes, and participate in various activities. A significant feature of Second Life is user-generated content. Users can create and design their own virtual spaces, known as “islands” or “regions,” where they can build homes, businesses, and other structures.

25. Youtubers Life 2

Platforms: PC, Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

In Youtubers Life 2, embark on a journey through NewTube City to elevate your online presence. Explore trends in three distinct neighborhoods, facing challenges, engaging in seasonal events, and encountering famous characters. Each trend unfolds a unique story, providing opportunities for content creation and channel growth. Build relationships with over 30 characters who can become friends, rivals, or even lovers.

26. Moonstone Island

Platforms: PC, Switch

Moonstone Island is a creature-collecting life simulation game set in an expansive open world with 100 islands to explore. Engage in activities such as making friends, brewing potions, and collecting Spirits. The core of the game involves testing your strength in card-based encounters to advance through your Alchemy training.

27. Welcome to Bloxburg

Platforms: PC

This is technically a Roblox Game, so you will need to get on the platform to play it. , The game allows players to build their own houses using a variety of tools, ranging from simple homes to elaborate mansions. The extensive house-building system is complemented by a wide selection of furniture and decorations for customization. In addition to house design, players can get jobs, make friends, and engage in roleplay scenarios. It’s also a blatant Sims clone.

28. FreeSO

Platforms: PC

They are not allowed to use ‘The Sims’ in the game, but you get the point. FreeSO is a Sims 1 port, and it’s basically the same game with few added functionalities like multiplayer.

29. Sapiens

Platforms: PC

In Sapiens, you craft your prehistoric civilization, guiding your tribe through the ages as you shape the world around you. With complete freedom, build towns and industries, ranging from the smallest details to monumental structures. Starting with nothing, progress through thousands of years of technological advancements in this intimate yet expansive colony simulation. Choose your home from a vast selection of procedurally generated lands on a map larger than Earth, each with unique climates, resources, and challenges.

30. Virtual Villagers Origins 2

Players lead a group of villagers, known as the “Isola tribe,” in their efforts to thrive on the island. This involves tasks such as building shelters, farming, and solving various challenges. The villagers in Virtual Villagers Origins 2 exhibit realistic behaviors and interact with each other. They age, have families, and possess unique skills that contribute to the overall success of the village.

Have a game to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!