Best Simulation Games to Play in 2025

Simulation games continue to offer players a chance to step into alternative worlds and manage everything from cities and universities to farms and space programs. In 2025, the genre includes both established franchises and newer releases that expand on familiar mechanics. These titles provide a range of experiences, from relaxing day-to-day management to complex, strategy-driven gameplay.

Best Simulation Games to Play in 2025

Life Simulation

The Sims 4 remains one of the most well-known life simulation games. Released in 2014 by Maxis and EA for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, the game allows players to create and manage characters, homes, and social networks. It supports a variety of play styles, from carefully organized households to more chaotic and imaginative scenarios. With an extensive library of DLCs, expansions, and mods, The Sims 4 continues to offer long-term engagement for both new and returning players.

City and Management Simulation

Cities: Skylines has long been a benchmark for city-building games. The original release in 2015 set a high standard with detailed systems for traffic, zoning, and public services. Cities: Skylines 2 expands on these mechanics, though early reception noted technical issues at launch. Both games give players the ability to plan and manage cities in a highly detailed, open-ended environment.

Two Point Hospital puts players in charge of running a hospital, including staff management, patient care, and facility organization. Released in 2018 by Two Point Studios and Sega, the game combines strategic systems with humor to create an approachable management simulation. Its follow-ups, Two Point Campus and Two Point Museum, extend the series into university and museum management, respectively, offering new challenges such as maintaining student satisfaction or curating exhibits.

Farming and Work Simulation

Farming Simulator 25, released in November 2024 by Giants Software, delivers a realistic depiction of agricultural life. Players manage crops, livestock, and supply chains while navigating weather and terrain conditions. The latest installment introduces Asian-inspired environments, adding new diversity to the series’ established gameplay.

PowerWash Simulator turns cleaning into a structured simulation. Since its release in 2022, the game has allowed players to operate power washing equipment across various environments, with career progression unlocking new tools. Similarly, House Flipper 2 combines renovation and cleaning mechanics, giving players the ability to run a renovation business or experiment in creative mode.

Theme Park and Entertainment Simulation

Planet Coaster 2 lets players design and operate theme parks, managing roller coasters, scenery, and guest needs. Released in 2024, it builds on the first Planet Coaster with co-op play and water ride options. Jurassic World Evolution 2 offers park management with a dinosaur twist, balancing the needs of the animals with guest safety while incorporating characters and storylines from the Jurassic World films.

Sports Simulation

Football Manager 2024 provides a detailed soccer management experience. Players control team development, transfer markets, and budgets, mirroring real-world club operations. The game updates its systems annually, allowing for a current and realistic management challenge across multiple competitions.

Science and Space Simulation

Kerbal Space Program simulates spaceflight with realistic physics, requiring careful planning and engineering for successful missions. Originally released in 2015, the game remains relevant due to its detailed orbital mechanics and science-based challenges. Players must balance risk and experimentation while designing spacecraft and completing missions.

Niche and Collector Simulation

TCG Card Shop Simulator provides a smaller-scale but engaging experience, focusing on running a collectible card shop. Released in 2022 for PC, the game challenges players to manage inventory, interact with customers, and develop a functioning retail business. Its unique concept has attracted attention for its depth within a seemingly simple premise.

Simulation games in 2025 continue to cater to a broad audience, offering opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. From managing virtual cities and farms to running theme parks, hospitals, and space programs, these titles highlight the diverse experiences the genre can offer. Here’s a complete list of all the simulation games mentioned:

1. The Sims 4
2. Cities: Skylines (original)
3. Cities: Skylines 2
4. Two Point Hospital
5. Two Point Campus
6. Two Point Museum
7. Farming Simulator 25
8. PowerWash Simulator
9. House Flipper 2
10. Planet Coaster 2
11. Jurassic World Evolution 2
12. Football Manager 2024
13. Kerbal Space Program
14. TCG Card Shop Simulator

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the best Simulation games in 2025?

The best simulation games in 2025 include upcoming titles like Farming Simulator 25, Kingmakers, and inZOI, alongside established hits such as Microsoft Flight Simulator and PowerWash Simulator. You can also find popular management games like Supermarket Simulator and city builders like Cities: Skylines to play now.

What are the best Simulation games for PC in 2025?

The best simulation games for PC in 2025 include new releases like Farming Simulator 25, Inzoi, and Two Point Museum, alongside established favorites such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, The Sims 4, and Euro Truck Simulator 2. Other top choices span various genres, from realistic driving and city-building to life, space, and even cleaning, with titles like Assetto Corsa Competizione, Cities: Skylines, Kerbal Space Program, and PowerWash Simulator offering diverse simulation experiences.

Which new Simulation games are coming in 2025?

New simulation games coming in 2025 include Paralives, a life-simulation game aiming for early access in 2025, Jurassic World Evolution 3, a dinosaur park management sim, and News Tower, a newspaper tycoon simulation game also in early access with a 2025 full release plan. Other notable releases are Two Point Museum and Firefighting Simulator: Ignite.

Which are the No. 1 Simulation games so far in 2025?

There is no definitive "No. 1" simulation game in 2025 as it depends on individual preferences, but popular and acclaimed titles include Two Point Museum, inZOI, and JDM: Japanese Drift Master. Other highly-regarded simulation games released or coming in 2025 include Frostpunk 2, Paralives, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and The Alters.