Are you looking for the best life simulation games to escape the stress of everyday life and live life on your own terms? If so, the games we have compiled for you will offer you a unique experience that allows you to build and explore a virtual world that is all yours.
This article will discuss Stardew Valley, The Sims 4, Coral Island, Two Point Hospital, and more. If you’re ready, let’s dive into our list of the best life simulation games!
Best life simulation games (2024)
Below you can see the best life simulation games to relax after a tiring day:
- Stardew Valley
- The Sims 4
- Coral Island
- Two Point Hospital
- The Good Life
- My Time At Portia
- Harvest Moon: One World
- Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale
- Crusader Kings 3
- Reigns: Her Majesty
Before we dive into the best life simulation games, you may want to check the most anticipated games of 2024 for PS, Xbox, Switch, PC, and mobile. If you are interested, you can visit our related article.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game that offers a unique twist on the classic genre. In Stardew Valley, you inherit a dilapidated farm and are tasked with bringing it back to life. But farming is just the tip of the iceberg. You can also interact with the Pelican Town community, make friends, fall in love, take part in town festivals, or delve deep into mysterious caves fighting creatures and searching for treasure.
The Sims 4
The Sims 4 is another life simulation game that offers a unique experience. In The Sims 4, you are god-like beings who control and observe the lives of virtual people known as Sims. You can build dream homes, pursue a career, build relationships, or create drama. The game’s extensive character customization, complex life simulation mechanics, and interesting AI interactions ensure never dull moments.
I’ve played Sims 4 a few times before. The last time I played it, when everything was going so well, my main character fell off the bed and died. I deleted the game afterward. However, I must say that I can say that it is perhaps the best among simulation games.
Coral Island
Coral Island is a life simulation game inspired by classics like Stardew Valley. In Coral Island, you revive your family’s old farm, but there’s an entire island to explore! You can dive underwater to rebuild coral reefs, uncover hidden secrets, or mingle with the island’s inhabitants. Stairway Games combines traditional farming mechanics with environmental themes to create a rich and layered experience.
Two Point Hospital
Two Point Hospital is a life simulation game, the spiritual successor to Bullfrog’s Theme Hospital. In Two Point Hospital, you’re tasked with building and managing a hospital, and it’s up to you to keep it running smoothly. The game’s frantic nature and fun gameplay make it an easy atmosphere and a great addition to the life simulation genre.
The Good Life
The Good Life is a unique life simulation game with a main plotline that also tasks players with living their lives in a small town. The gameplay systems can be a bit awkward to work with, and the story itself isn’t all that gripping. However, this game brings a unique flavor to the mix that makes it worth checking out for fans of life simulation games.
My Time At Portia
My Time at Portia is a post-apocalyptic life simulation game combining farming, crafting, and exploration elements. In My Time at Portia, you inherit a dilapidated workshop and aim to restore it to its former glory, crafting items, farming, and befriending the town’s eccentric inhabitants. The game’s in-depth crafting system, fascinating character relationships, and ever-evolving narrative make it a great addition to the life simulation genre.
Harvest Moon: One World
Harvest Moon: One World is a farming simulation game that takes players on a globe-trotting adventure. The game introduces a new mechanic where crops can only grow in their home region, encouraging players to explore a vast world full of diverse biomes. A mix of classic farming and new exploration mechanics, One World breathes new life into the beloved series.
Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale
Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale is a VR life simulation game that offers a unique experience. In Cook-Out, you and three other players work together and serve a series of increasingly demanding customers on crazy levels in a fantasy world. It’s a step away from the traditional cooking game but a great addition to the life simulation genre.
Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 is a grand strategy game that can also be considered a life simulation game. In Crusader Kings 3, you take on the role of the current ruler and make decisions that will help you reduce your stress levels, improve your abilities, and make judgments on numerous important life events. One of the many tantalizing gameplay loops in this game is what made it such a popular hit and one of the most popular grand strategy games.
I’ve seen my friends play Crusader Kings 3 before, and I think the game is pretty good; I recommend you check this game out.
Reigns: Her Majesty
Reigns: Her Majesty is a simple yet innovative life simulation game that places a queen at the helm of events. In Reigns, you are tasked with making decisions that will help you reduce your stress levels, improve your abilities, and make judgments on a multitude of important life events. It’s a great addition to the life simulation genre and a game that offers a unique experience, unlike any other game on this list.
Final words
Life simulation games offer a unique experience that allows you to build, create, and explore a virtual world that is all yours. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing farming simulation game, a sandbox life simulation game, a tropical adventure, or a grand strategy game, the life simulation genre has something for everyone. So why not try one of these games and see what kind of virtual life you can create?
Featured image credit: Epic Games / Sims 4
