Simulation games are some of the most addictive experiences that fans can immerse themselves in. The idea of controlling and micromanaging an ever-evolving construct never eases to be satisfying, which is a testament to what good simulation games can do. As a result, fans who want to get into this genre have a wealth of titles to select from.
That being said, there are certain simulation games that are just ahead of the pack due to how engaging or memorable they became. These influential titles have helped this genre evolve, birthing everything from shameless copies to other great games that have built upon these established systems. Players who want to check out the most legendary and influential titles in the simulation genre should definitely try out the following games on this list.
10 Stardew Valley
One of the more recent games on this list is a simulation title with a ton of charm that never ceases to be entertaining. Stardew Valley is a game that's absolutely overflowing with creativity, leading to a timesink that players can spend hundreds of hours in.
Stardew Valley's great gameplay loops and brilliant characters make it a brilliant simulation game that is quite influential in its own right. Hopefully, Haunted Chocolatier will be just as charming, if not more.
9 Football Manager
The Football Manager series is one of the most iconic and brilliant sports simulation franchises ever made. The in-depth mechanics of this title coupled with its intricate systems makes for a great time that fans of the series absolutely adore.
It might take a while for players to wrap their heads around this game, but enduring this steep difficulty curve is rewarded with amazing gameplay and satisfying achievements. Soccer fans will have a great time with this deep and satisfying game.
8 RollerCoaster Tycoon
A game that is nostalgic for many people, RollerCoaster Tycoon is easily one of the most popular simulation games of all time. Creating an amusement park and stuffing it with things to do was always a highly engaging task.
The first two games in the series are an absolute classic, while the third game is also pretty great... albeit not as much as the classics. Any fan of great tycoon games should check out RollerCoaster Tycoon if they haven't already.
7 Zoo Tycoon
Speaking of tycoon games, it would be hard to not give credit to another classic game in this genre that is also pretty notable in its own right. Zoo Tycoon is a legendary title that most fans of simulation games would've already heard of.
This classic title allows players to manage a zoo and gain as much revenue as possible. The chaos that players could get into while creating the perfect zoo was hilarious and made for one of the best parts of the overall experience.
6 Two Point Hospital
For the longest time, truly good tycoon games had not seen the limelight in the gaming industry for quite some time. This changed with the advent of Two Point Hospital, which allowed players to experience all the wacky hijinks of classic tycoon games with a fresh coat of paint.
At a glance, maintaining a hospital doesn't sound like a great elevator pitch. However, it's the unrelenting charm and amazing gameplay loop of Two Point Hospital that makes it one of the better tycoon games that fans should check out.
5 Crusader Kings
Paradox Interactive is a studio that's quite notable for creating amazing grand strategy games. Crusader Kings is one such franchise that easily sports some of the greatest medieval simulators in gaming history.
The latest game in the series, Crusader Kings 3, is easily the best entry in the series by quite some margin. The beginner-friendly nature of this game coupled with its improved mechanics makes for a great time that is addictive at times.
4 Europa Universalis
Speaking of grand strategy games made by Paradox Interactive, another one of their famous franchises is Europa Universalis. The game lets players control a European nation from the Late Medieval Period all the way to the early modern period.
The sheer number of things that players can accomplish in this game is simply mind-boggling. Suffice to say, Europa Universalis will satiate any fan of deep grand strategy games with simulation elements.
3 The Sims
It would be impossible to talk about influential simulation games without mentioning The Sims. This legendary life simulation franchise is one of the most well-known and popular video games of all time.
Each game in the series has been a masterclass of simulation gameplay design, although the fourth game did stumble quite a bit at launch. Regardless, all four games are incredibly fun to play and make for a great time indeed.
2 Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a great simulation game that prides realism over everything else. The latest game in the series looks absolutely gorgeous, cranking the graphics all the way to the max to allow for a truly immersive experience.
This game is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. It's surprising just how therapeutic the simple act of flying realistic games can be, making Microsoft Flight Simulator a pretty massive achievement in its own right.
1 Forza Horizon
Most people consider Forza Horizon to be a racing game, which is a pretty accurate description. However, its realistic driving mechanics also lend in the title of a simulator and one of the most popular franchises on this list.
Forza has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in terms of both graphics and gameplay in the racing genre. The end result is one of the best racing franchises that is still going strong to this day.