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Some of the best simulation games make players forget everything and just immerse themselves in the game world. They allow gamers to experience the alternate life of their fantasies – from a dream career to piloting an entire spacecraft.

The simulation genre has one of the most diversification in the game industry, and it is very difficult to fit them all into one box. From ever-popular flight simulations and easy-to-play farming and cooking games to goat simulator, this genre offers unlimited experiences.

Here’s a quick rundown of some unique simulator titles that are easy to play and deserve a revisit.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the opinion of the writer.


7 ready-made simulation games that are fun and addictive

1) Railroad Empire (2018)

  • Developer: Gaming Minds Studio
  • Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux

With Railway Empire, users can build an extensive network of railway lines, purchase over 40 different types of railway models, and basically take charge of the vast railway network.

It takes players to the industrial age of the United States when the economy boomed and new lands were inhabited. It is a game that allows them to take advantage of the economic opportunities of the New World to build extensive and profitable rail networks.

The New World on display at Railway Empire has been elaborated down to the last detail and is a feast for the eyes in itself. Overall, it is a very fun and engaging game about managing, expanding and overseeing an entire railway network where players can easily lose track of time.


2) Thief Simulator (2018)

  • Developer: Noble Muffins
  • Available on: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Thief Simulator, a simulation game that allows users to become thieves, is an extremely addictive stealth-based simulation game about performing burglary missions. It takes players to a world of rich people, expensive cars and rare valuable items.

In the game, they can explore a neighborhood or individual house and spy on the residents before carrying out burglary missions. It is not an easy thief simulation game as players have to prepare a toolkit to unlock each rigid security system and disable potential alarms to become the worst man around.


3) Tropico 6 (2019)

  • Developer: Limbic entertainment
  • Available on: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, SteamOS, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, Xbox One.

The Tropico games are a bunch of fun and highly addictive construction and management simulation titles, in which players take on the role of the president of the island nation of Tropico.

Many consider Tropico 6 to be the best rendition of the Tropico series ever. Unlike previous editions where the island nation of Tropico only had to develop one island, Tropico 6 offers an entire archipelago of islands where players can build the nation of their dreams.


4) Farming Simulator 19 (2018)

  • Developer: GIANTS software
  • Available on: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PS4 and Google Stadia

Farming Simulator 19 is the best rendition of the popular franchise. The game offers a beautiful photo-realistic setting in a tranquil setting, making it a delightful escape. Apart from that, all the core gameplay elements of the Farming Simulator series will be preserved.

It is a game about enjoying daily farming activities, tending the crops, buying more fields, upgrading to better types of equipment and becoming the best farmer in town. Farming Simulator 19’s sound and environment provide an ideal therapeutic break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.


5) Euro Truck Simulator 2 (2012)

  • Developer: SCS software
  • Available on: Microsoft Windows, Linux and macOS.

This is perhaps the most popular simulation game used here. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a super addictive truck simulation game that also includes some business management elements. Since its release, the game has become overwhelmingly popular and has inspired several other Truck Simulator games in recent times.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a scaled-down version of the satellite imagery of Europe and shows the countries of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Northeast France, Germany, Northern Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Western Poland, Bratislava in Slovakia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

To get started, players must choose a starting location. The objective of the game is simple enough, to move goods from one point to another, and as the player increases his/her trucking experience, new regions and tasks are unlocked. Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers 12 different official truck brands for players to try out.

Driving through the beautifully created European landscape in Euro Truck Simulator 2 is an enjoyable yet challenging journey. Players must designate the shortest and easiest trade route and consider factors such as fuel, finances and repairing the rides as they navigate the European landscape.


6) Not for broadcast (2022)

  • Developer: NotGames
  • Available on: Microsoft Windows

Not for Broadcast is one of the most unique indie simulation games ever created. It is a propaganda simulator game that transforms players into the fast paced stressful life of a media house. In the game, players find themselves as employees of the biggest news program on TV, National Nightly News.

It is the player’s job to select the news feed, censor harmful images and use foul language before the news is presented live. The gameplay has steadfast elements with players having to make quick decisions behind the scenes as the news headlines go live one after the other.


7) Cooking Simulator (2020)

  • Developer: Big Cheese Studio
  • Available on: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android and PlayStation 4

While there are hundreds of cooking simulation games, Big Cheese Studio cooking simulator is the real deal. It puts users in charge of a large kitchen that has all the ingredients and usability to cook some of the most sumptuous and exquisite dishes in the world.

This particular cooking simulation game involves precise measurements of each ingredient as players try to satisfy all the hungry diners. It also has some cool elements that allow them to intentionally cook a bad dish, overheat the microwave, or just break some plates. All in all, it is a fun and challenging simulation game.