Simulator games have developed massively from what they used to be. They are no longer solely focused on meticulously recreating cockpits or putting you into the racing seat; the genre is a lot broader and more open, allowing for new and exciting games to be released. They range from uniquely wacky and wild like Goat Simulator to the more classic, and more ‘simulation’-focused games like Microsoft Flight Simulator. Both titles are simulation video games in their own right and fill the genre in their own way, introducing new twists and turns to the genre.

In recent years simulation video games have really exploded in popularity and taken over the market. There have been waves of new titles released, with every publisher hoping to be the next best simulation video game. There are so many titles out there that you can find a simulation of nearly everything, even lawn mowing simulator games exist and can be surprisingly fun.

This article will help you pick out the best simulation video game, and will guide you on which titles to look out for! We’ve done the research, and examined the pros and cons so that you don’t have to, whether you're looking to learn, play, challenge yourself, or simply explore.

Mudtires is not your typical driving simulator experience, it is designed to challenge you and deliver on its unique premise.

Drive your fully loaded, heavy trucks, through some of the most challenging terrain going, and navigate your way through the Siberian wilderness to deliver your load to its destination. This game is not a racing simulator, it's about driving through thick mud in harsh conditions and making the right decisions to ensure your success. Mudtires delivers a truly unique experience like no other, it truly simulates the experience of driving through a muddy environment which is difficult to achieve even in real life.

Attention to detail is key in Mudtires: American wilds Edition, every decision has consequences that could lead to your success or downfall. Unlock bigger and better vehicles as you explore the 10 unique sandbox maps at your own pace. Or take a different approach and attempt to master the 11 challenge maps set in Siberia in order to develop your skills as a Mudtires driver.

American wilds edition delivers three extra DLC bonuses, allowing you to explore the American wilds and experience Mudtires in brand-new vehicles from some of the biggest and most iconic brands going. Drive across America in a Hummer or Chevrolet and try your best to not get stuck. The American landscape is entirely different to what you would find in the standard Mudtires experience, more tarmac, more open world to explore, and to drive your 18-wheelers across.

Key Features
  • Iconic US vehicles including Hummer and Chevrolet
  • True to life physics
  • 10 Unique sandbox maps
  • 11 Challenger maps set in Siberia
Specifications
  • Publisher: Focus Entertainment
  • Genre: Simulation, Driving
  • Mode: Single-Player, Multiplayer
  • Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
  • Rating: E
Pros
  • Multiple DLCs included
  • Unique driving experience
  • Big maps to explore
Cons
  • Gameplay on the slow side and repetitive at times
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Mudrunner: American Wilds Edition
Premium pick

2. Madden 23

9.79 / 10
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Madden 23 offers players a chance to experience the thrill of playing in the NFL from the comfort of their own homes.

With entirely new gameplay mechanics which bring you closer to the action, and giving you more control over each player's movement. The Fieldsense system allows for complete freedom of movement, letting you play football how you want and to hit harder in defense, while still following set plays that you can choose for yourself.

Madden 23 lets you play as your favorite NFL team, or create your own completely custom franchise from the ground up, choosing your own stadium, team kit, colors, and logo. You can even create your own custom NFL player in Face of The Franchise mode and live out your NFL dreams, will you become the next star player, or will you take to the sideline and warm the bench?

Experience every aspect of running an NFL franchise and become the head coach, making decisions on who plays for your franchise, where they play, and how they play. You can choose your own playbook and customize it to suit your specific play style. Leading your own franchise can be difficult at times, players may ask for higher pay or have different motivations behind why they want to play for your franchise. Entice new free agents to your franchise and make draft picks to get the best players going. Each team has up-to-date rosters, stats, and attributes according to their real-world performance.

Key Features
  • Build your dream team with Madden Ultimate Team
  • Plan and Strategize your season in Franchise Mode
  • Create your own player in Face of The Franchise mode
  • New Fieldsense gameplay system give your more freedom
Specifications
  • Publisher: EA
  • Genre: Simulation, Sport Simulation, Sports
  • Mode: Single-Player, Multiplayer
  • Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S
  • Rating: E
Pros
  • Incredible graphics
  • Polished gameplay
  • Realistic and precise movement and controls
  • All 32 NFL team available
Cons
  • Large download to install
  • Online connection required for some features
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Best value

3. FIFA 22

9.50 / 10
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Looking to live out your soccer team fantasies and experience playing the world's game in front of crowds of thousands? Then look no further than FIFA 22. FIFA 22 lets you play as the clubs you want to, with the players that you want, and however you want.

Expanding on EA's flagship franchise, FIFA 22 lets fans, players, and newcomers to soccer experience the thrill of playing in front of huge crowds, who are fully rendered and react to your every kick, shot, miss, and goal. Every moment in the game counts, and you as the player are in full control of the players on the field and control the play of the ball. FIFA 22 also lets you experience managing and building your own team, either under the badge of your favorite club or by creating your own from scratch.

FIFA 22 can be enjoyed alone, against well-developed AI, who can give you a real run for your money. Or you can play with, or against, your friends in the various multiplayer modes on offer. Looking to settle a dispute about whose club is better? Then play it out for yourselves. Or challenge your friends to show off their skills in skills sessions and prove once and for all who is the better player. You can even create your own fully customizable player, give them the stats you want and train them how you want to, as well as building a team with your friends online in Pro-Clubs mode.

However, you want to enjoy soccer, FIFA 22 lets you experience it.

Key Features
  • Create your own player in Pro-Clubs
  • True to life soccer physics
  • New FIFA Ultimate Team Icons - play as soccer's biggest stars
  • Brand new goalkeeper system
  • Manage and play as your favourite club
Specifications
  • Publisher: Electronic Arts
  • Genre: Sport
  • Mode: Single-Player, Multiplayer
  • Platform: PlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series X|S
  • Rating: Everyone
Pros
  • True ball physics
  • Customizable Pro-Clubs
  • Create your dream team in FIFA Ultimate Team
  • Thousands of players and clubs to choose from
Cons
  • Requires online connection for most features
  • Does not add build much on older games
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The decades old legend is back with a bang, with Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) continuing the legacy of the 40-year-old franchise.

Microsoft's flight simulator games are known for being at the forefront of excellence within the simulation video game genre, and this latest title is no exception. Delivering breathtaking visuals, stunning landscapes and complex flight simulation models, Microsoft Flight Simulator really puts you in the cockpit and lets you live the dream of being a pilot, minus the thousands of hours of training of course.

The team behind Microsoft Flight Simulator have spared no expense with delivering a true simulator experience, with over 20 unique planes to pilot, each with fully modeled and functioning interior cockpits, as well as their own unique flight patterns based on complex real-world aerodynamics. There are thousands of airports for you to explore, allowing you to fly your favorite journeys or create totally new flight plans to follow. Thirty of the largest, and most flown airports have been meticulously handcrafted in order to deliver the most immersive experience possible, letting you experience take-off and landing at some of the most iconic locations in the aviation world.

The entire planet is your playground in this flight simulator, using brand-new satellite based imagery techniques in order to create true to life landscapes and cityscapes. Over 2 million cities exist in the game world, populated with over 1.5 billion buildings, a truly breathtaking number designed to deliver a true simulator experience. In-game weather patterns follow complex climate models based off real-life, and imitate the weather, time of day, and wind speed in order to let you experience what flying on the day would really be like.

Everything about Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is designed to fully immerse you in the flying experience.

Key Features
  • Over 30 handcrafted airports
  • Immersive terrain and buildings
  • Live world - real-time flights, weather and day/night cycle
  • Sophisticated flight model
  • Experience flying in some of the most iconic airplanes
Specifications
  • Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
  • Genre: Simulation, Flight Simulation
  • Mode: Single-Player
  • Platform: PC, Xbox Series X and S
  • Rating: E
Pros
  • Highly optimised for Xbox Series X
  • Realistic flight models
  • Full pre-flight and inflight checklists
  • Immersive world and experience
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Very little in-game explanation
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Microsoft Flight Simulator

Hunt the way that you want to in Hunter: Call of the Wild, play at your own pace and receive the full immersive experience that the game has to offer.

Either take a slow and methodical approach, and enjoy the full simulation experience, or tear around on an ATV and pick up the pace to your own liking. Either experience will be surrounded with immersive animal behaviors, breathtaking landscapes and stunning graphics which all make each reserve truly feel alive and full of life. Hunter: Call of the Wild has an immersive and engaging story for you to follow in single-player mode, or you can take a more sandbox approach and explore the world completely on your own.

Bring some friends along to experience the world with you and play co-operatively to track and hunt animals, or split up and see who can find the trophy game first. Each animal has a complete set of unique, life-like behaviors that really make it a challenge to hunt them, as you play you learn these behaviors and can use them to gain an advantage in your hunting experience.

Hunter: Call of the Wild offers a full progression system, allowing you to unlock perks and skills which will give you an edge, and let you hunt the way that you want to. There are lots of firearm choices to make, even letting you take a bow and take an even more stealthy and silent approach to hunting.

Key Features
  • Hand crafted reserves to hunt on
  • Create your own hunting experience
  • Immersive DLC to enhance, and spice up your hunting experience
  • Authentic animal behaviours
Specifications
  • Publisher: THQ, Expansive Worlds
  • Genre: Simulation, Sports Simulation, Adventure
  • Mode: Single-Player, Multiplayer
  • Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • Rating: T
Pros
  • Breath-taking visuals
  • Never ending gameplay experience
  • Constant updates
  • Truly immersive hunting experience
Cons
  • Can be slow-paced at times
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The Hunter: Call of the Wild

Farming Simulator 22 is the latest title in the series, boasting more choice, more freedom, and more farming machines to build your farming empire with.

Giants Software has pulled out all the stops for this latest release, promising players the options and freedom to manage their farm how they want to. A staple franchise in the simulation video game genre, Farming Simulator is a fan favorite for a reason, and this latest release is no exception. Players can live out their farming dreams and create their farming empire using over 400 fully licensed machines from big brands such as John Deere and Massey Ferguson.

Players can now experience fully fleshed-out production chains, meaning that you can maximize your profits by processing your crops further. Farming Simulator 22 promises to deliver modern farming at its finest. Letting you experience every aspect and step of the farming lifestyle whether it be through agriculture, forestry, or animal husbandry. The new realistic weather system has real-time impacts on crop growth, and seasonal changes can make or break your farming operation. You need to time your crop planting, harvesting, and processing with the seasons, meaning players can expect to be planning and managing their crop rotation carefully.

Farming Simulator 22 can be enjoyed alone or with friends, allowing you to build and grow your farming business at your own pace, or quickly become one of the biggest farming operations going. As you grow you can purchase new fields, and new fields mean bigger and badder machinery for you to enjoy — and we think that makes this one of the best simulation video games out there.

Key Features
  • Over 400 farming machines to use
  • Seasonal cycles affect crop growth and value
  • Fully licensed big-brands with detailed models
  • Large variety of crops to choose
Specifications
  • Publisher: Giants Software
  • Genre: Simulation, Farming, Management
  • Mode: Single-Player, Multiplayer
  • Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S
  • Rating: RP
Pros
  • Freedom to choose your own production path
  • Big brands with realistic detailed models
  • Realistic production chains
  • Lots of freedom to manage your own farm
Cons
  • Difficult to add mods, unlike previous titles in the series
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Farming Simulator 22

Hunting Simulator 2 lets you explore wild landscapes and discover unique hunting zones for yourself.

This game has very little in the way of hand-holding, you are very much left to discover and explore the world by yourself. Discovering the best hunting spots, the daily habits and the complex traits of the many species available for you to hunt. You can explore alone, or online with your friends either working together to score the biggest game possible or challenge each other and make it a competition to get the biggest trophy going.

Offering hundreds of different challenges and objectives for you to complete as you explore. Hunting Simulator 2 offers a different twist on the simulation experience, creating a more adventure-type feel than the typical simulation experience. There are a multitude of firearms and accessories for you to choose from as you explore and stalk your prey, giving you the edge as you progress further and further into the game. As you master each area and score bigger game Hunting Simulator 2 lets you develop as a successful hunter. Each area has unique properties and challenges your hunting knowledge, whether you are an experienced hunter or complete newbie Hunting Simulator 2 offers a challenge like no other.

Everything is designed to keep you immersed from the start of your experience until the end of it, from the stunning visuals to the sculpted landscapes and highly detailed firearm models. Take your time to experience the world and immerse yourself in the mindset of a true hunter, taking a slow and methodical approach towards your prey.

Key Features
  • Immersive gameworld
  • 12 unique regions to explore
  • Unique hunting zones in each region
  • Hundreds of different objectives to complete
Specifications
  • Publisher: Maximum Games
  • Genre: Sports
  • Mode: Single-Player, Multiplayer
  • Platform: Cross-platform
  • Rating: T
Pros
  • Multiple hunting Modes
  • Realistic hunting experience
  • Progression through campaign
Cons
  • Somewhat limited range of content
  • Animal AI needs some improvements
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Hunting Simulator 2

MotoGP 21 delivers an authentic Moto racing experience, allowing you to experience the thrill of racing on 2 wheels from your own home.

With unprecedented levels of realism MotoGP 21 offers the most immersive 2 wheeled racing experience. Packed full of content, as well as new and improved features the game offers you the chance to develop your own racing career. Every decision matters in MotoGP 21, check your fuel levels, bike temperature, brake temperature, as well as the wear on your bike and make informed decisions to give you a competitive advantage. You can experience the challenges of not only racing, but of managing a full racing team. Hire mechanics, race supervisors and many other staff to try and give you the edge in your racing career.

Either choose your favorite team, or create completely new one for your career mode, choosing your own livery, race number and much more customization options. Race your way to the top either in Moto GP, Moto 2, or Moto 3, and once you reach the top you can create a junior team to guide and build to follow in your footsteps. Manage every aspect of the junior team and try and raise the next generation of great riders.

MotoGP 21 offers an excellent physics engine and simulation model, really letting you experience every corner and straight to the max. Truly experience the thrill of racing with your knees against asphalt and push the limits of what is possible in MotoGP 21, one of the best simulation video games available.

Key Features
  • Manage your own racing career
  • Compete in Moto GP, Moto 2, and Moto 3 classes
  • 40 historic riders and their bikes
  • Customize helmet, suit, stickers, livery and rider number
Specifications
  • Publisher: Milestone
  • Genre: Simulation, Racing Simulation, Racing
  • Mode: Single-Player, Multiplayer
  • Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch
  • Rating: 8.5
Pros
  • Incredibly detailed graphics
  • Fully customizable rider and bikes
  • 120 official riders
  • 20 official circuits to race on
Cons
  • Online connection required despite single-player mode
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This is a completely different take on the simulation genre. Management and business skills are the central components of Two Point Campus.

Two Point Campus offers players the unique experience of running and managing your own university campus, tending to students needs both in and out of the classroom, as well as offering extra classes. This is no traditional university experience however, Two Point Campus follows from the wacky and silliness of Two Point Hospital, and lets players offers classes on wizardry and witchcraft, knight school and even funny business.

This game promises to be a fun and interesting experience from start to finish, offering engaging and rewarding gameplay loops. Each student has a procedurally generated personality archetype, resulting in unique wants and needs. As the university manager you have to care for these wants and needs, struggling unhappy students will lead to a drop in reputation which in turn results in lower revenue, potentially leading to a downward spiral in university standards. You will need to utilize and employ new strategies to improve your student's university experience, in order to maximize not only your revenue and profits but also student satisfaction, amassing wealth is not the primary objective of this management simulator.

The campaign of Two Point Campus guides your through each step, from humble beginnings to academic greatness, and lets you experience every aspect of the improved and easy to follow management system. Every aspect of Two Point Campus is thoroughly enjoyable, and the fun silly nature of the game will ensure that you enjoy every moment spent playing it.

Key Features
  • Build and manage your own university campus
  • Organize different cultural events and extra-curricular activities
  • Procedurally generated student personalities
  • Nurture your students until they graduate
Specifications
  • Publisher: SEGA
  • Genre: Simulation, Business Simulation, Indie, Strategy
  • Mode: Single-Player
  • Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch
  • Rating: T
Pros
  • Very rewarding gameplay experience
  • Approachable, easy to learn
  • Managing reputation is more important than amassing wealth
  • Customizable and flexible ways to play
Cons
  • Performance can drop when things get busy
  • Game sometimes crashes
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Two Point Campus

Theme parks and amusement parks are full of all sorts of fun an excitement, so why no build your own in RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures.

RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures lets you build and manage the park of your dreams, letting you choose from over 200 different rides, shops, and restaurants to place in your park, each with their own set of customization options. There are also hundreds of additional decoration pieces to choose from in order to truly make the park your own and add your own style to it.

You can truly let your imagination run wild and experience the twists, turns and challenges of managing your own amusement park. With a completely new challenge and event system, the game constantly throws new challenges at you meaning that you may have to make some difficult decisions on the fly.

The eye-catching vivid world follows the franchises unique art style, and enhances the immersion in the wackiness of running an amusement park. New landscaping tools let you adjust the terrain to your liking, and build the park how you want to. Every tool is easy to use and intuitive in its design, letting you take full control when it really matters Managing your park couldn't be easier, the management overview system lets you keep an eye on many things at once, and see where you are losing money, or raking it in.

RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures is optimized for Nintendo Switch gameplay, letting you build and manage your park wherever you travel, but can also be played on PC devices.

Key Features
  • Brand new event system
  • Fully customizable rides
  • Intuitive management system
  • Hundreds of rides to choose from
Specifications
  • Publisher: Atari
  • Genre: Simulation, Business Management, Construction Simulation
  • Mode: Single-Player
  • Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
  • Rating: E
Pros
  • Lots of Freedom to choose your own designs
  • New gamemodes
  • Easy to use management overview system
Cons
  • Not enough challenge for some
  • Buggy at times
Buy This Product
RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures

With so many new simulation video games being released constantly it can be difficult to decide where to start looking and what to look out for. The thing to keep in mind is to be open to new suggestions and ideas, some of the silliest sounding games can turn out to be the most fun, and the ones that you spend the most amount of time playing. You should decide early on what kind of pacing you are looking for in your next simulator game, and how much immersion you are after — the scope can vary drastically.

Whether it’s winding down with a relaxing, slow simulation video game or a high-octane racing sim which covers every detail, this article covers the major titles you should look out for. Some featured titles here are highly detailed and focused on delivering the truest experience possible, while others aim to deliver a more relaxed and rounded experience, less focused on the ‘simulator’ aspect and more on delivering a fun enjoyable experience for everyone.

If you’re looking for flight simulator games you might be interested in purchasing a flight stick, and we’ve got you covered in this article. Flight simulator games tend to focus on covering every detail possible, and letting you experience the full thrill of sitting in the cockpit and flying different airplanes. Racing simulator games are best enjoyed using a racing wheel and pedals to get the full simulator experience, the best Thrustmaster wheels have been ranked for you here. These types of games strive to deliver you the full simulation experience. Recreating cockpits and car interiors with painstaking detail to allow you to fully immerse yourself. They also look to deliver the most realistic physics possible. Often these games have a very steep learning curve and are incredibly difficult for the first few hours that you play, but once over that hurdle deliver endless of hours of fun and excitement.

If you’re looking for a lighter experience, you are better off exploring titles that steer away from the traditional simulation video game genre. These games are typically tailored to an audience that wants a simulator experience that puts them in the driving seat but doesn’t need in-depth knowledge, or hours of practice in order to succeed. Some of the best simulation video games out there are sports titles that let you enjoy your favorite game, like football or soccer, while still offering some flavors of the traditional simulator experience with complex management decisions. Of course these titles let you ignore these aspects and let you get stuck straight into the action, if that's what you prefer.

Whatever you’re looking for, the best simulation video games are ones that you enjoy and can spend a few hours winding down, there are thousands of titles out there covering every interest that you can think of.