The best PC simulation games allow you to immerse yourself in an experience outside of your usual wheelhouse, whether that means learning to fly a myriad of planes, transporting goods across Europe, planning a city , control a border or drive the fastest cars in the world. It’s one of the most encompassing genres, so we’ve definitely missed a few favorites, but these are guaranteed to give you an amazing experience.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
See the world
Microsoft’s Flight Simulator is truly a next-gen experience, with live satellite data that lets you see the whole world from the cockpit of one of 20 detailed aircraft. Fly over your house, fly over your friend’s house, then fly around the world. Set the level of simulation from an easy, carefree ride to a challenging real-time flight.
Cross Kings 3
Create a dynasty
Paradox took what made Crusader Kings II so good and kicked it up a notch. The third installment is easier to pick up as a newcomer to the series, offers more addictive RPG systems like the revamped dynasty feature, while retaining that medieval simulator charm. Just watch your back, you hear me?
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Drive through Europe
Driving through Europe in a truck might sound so exciting to some people, but it’s a deep game that’s surprisingly addictive. Manage your trucking business, customize your platform and meet deadlines to collect your salary. Best part? This game is massive, with countless hours of content, but it doesn’t require a powerful PC to enjoy.
Cities: Skylines
build a city
Cities: Skylines has been out for quite a while now, but it’s still the best building in town. He took over after the EA Sim City disaster and hasn’t looked back. With full modding support, tons of expansion content, and a great price, this is the simulation game if you like starting a town from scratch and helping it grow until it becomes a metropolis.
Stardew Valley
Live the rural life
It’s almost unbelievable that just one person developed this game considering how much content there is to enjoy. You start with a run-down farm next to a quaint town filled with people you can meet, befriend, and even love when you’re not farming and mining for gems. There is a reason why this game is so loved by so many people.
Planet Coaster
Build a theme park
Planet Coaster is a wonderful homage to the old Rollercoaster Tycoon games, allowing you to create a theme park from scratch. The graphics are gorgeous, there’s a ton of content to add to your park, and you can get lost designing new roller coasters that don’t kill or maim their riders. For screaming fun, definitely try this simulation.
table simulator
Sit back and play for a while
Tabletop Simulator is especially fun when people are stuck indoors, allowing friends to play the most popular board games behind a screen. Not only does it come with 15 games, but you can also design your own games to play with friends. It includes an RPG kit, but you can also import all your own content to use with your creation.
Totally accurate combat simulator
War like never before
This tongue-in-cheek combat simulator uses physics to create truly wacky clashes between historic armies. There’s a campaign to run through, as well as a sandbox mode where you can go crazy pitting units against each other. If that’s not enough, there’s also a workshop mode that lets you create custom campaign missions and battles.
papers please
Keep the border safe
It’s your first day as a border agent between the fictional East and West divisions of Grestin, and it’s up to you to make sure no undocumented or illegal immigrants get through. The game looks pretty simple, but it will have you tearing your hair out in no time. It’ll also likely leave you depressed as you choose between feeding your family and obeying the law – so much fun.
Factorio
From dirt to space travel
You’re stuck on a planet with nothing but a power tool, and it’s your job to launch a rocket into space. Along the way, you’ll create an ever-expanding factory that’s ruining native flora and fauna and draining the planet of its resources. You can play this game for years without seeing all it has to offer, and at $30, that’s a lot.
iRacing
Drive the car of your dreams
iRacing is about as close to real racing as you can get without putting on a helmet. Its ultra-realistic physics are supported by a great selection of real cars and tracks, and there’s a huge community of competitive racers to race against and series to participate in. It’s even a favorite of current F1 drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, so it can’t get much better approval.
Kerbal Space Program
Become an astronaut
I don’t know what Kerbals are, but that’s fine. What I do know is that they love space and will do just about anything to get here. It’s up to you to create a spaceship with a bunch of different parts that will actually fly when subjected to real physics and aerodynamics. Whether you have a working knowledge of this sort of thing really doesn’t matter to the Kerbals.
If we make suggestions
Any of these picks for the best PC simulation games will be a great addition to your library, but there are a few we can’t stop playing. Microsoft’s Flight Simulator is a stunning achievement, bringing photorealistic graphics, detailed aircraft and satellite data to deliver a literal world of content. Whether or not you want to be a flying enthusiast, this game is great fun with endless content. This is especially true when you consider the best Flight Simulator mods and add-ons that enhance the overall experience. It takes a beefy PC to run, so be sure to check out our pick of the best pre-built computer for Microsoft Flight Simulator if your rig isn’t quite up to the task.
We also had a great time simulating the rise of a medieval dynasty, as evidenced by our Crusader Kings 3 review. Paradox really knows how to make a strategy game, and the latest in the CK franchise makes getting started easier than ever. of the game. The game looks better than ever, there have been many improvements to the mechanics behind the scenes, and it’s always ready to give you endless hours of content as you try and try again. marry, stab and poison your way to European royalty.
If these games aren’t quite what you’re looking for, be sure to check out our roundup of the best PC games.
