- #1 The Sims™ 3
97% matchVery Positive86% of 34,328 reviews2011
Dev: The Sims StudioPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 87.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
The Sims 3: Create the perfect world with full customization at your fingertips. Refine personalities and help fulfill destinies.
Why similar: Life Sim 41.4%, Building 15.2%, Character Customization 15.1%, Sandbox 15%, Simulation 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: Expands the life-simulation formula with an open-world neighborhood and deeper personality traits.
- #2 The Sims™ 4
96% matchVery Positive86% of 199,405 reviews2020
Dev: MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 53.7 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more.
Why similar: Life Sim 25.9%, Building 18.6%, Sandbox 17.3%, Character Customization 16.3%, Immersive Sim 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: The modern evolution of the series featuring robust building tools and extensive character customization.
- #3 Paralives
96% matchVery Positive90% of 20,976 reviews2026
Dev: Alex Massé and teamPub: Paralives Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Paralives is a life simulation game about building homes, lives and bonds. Through both hardship and success, where will your story take you?
Why similar: Life Sim 33%, Building 22.5%, Character Customization 20.5%, Sandbox 11.2%, Simulation 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: An upcoming life-simulation game that focuses heavily on advanced building tools and expressive character creation.
- #4 inZOI
95% matchMostly Positive77% of 32,478 reviews2025
Dev: inZOI StudioPub: KRAFTON, Inc.
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 16.4 hrs≥1hr: 91%
"Every life becomes a story" Create your unique story by controlling and observing the lives of 'Zois'. Customize characters and build houses using inZOI's easy-to-use tools to live the life of your dreams and experience the different emotions of life created by its deep and detailed simulation.
Why similar: Life Sim 33.2%, Character Customization 20.3%, Building 17.1%, Sandbox 13.4%, Simulation 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A high-fidelity life-simulation game that offers realistic graphics and deep control over the lives of its inhabitants.
- #5 Tiny Life
94% matchVery Positive86% of 426 reviews2023
Dev: Ellpeck GamesPub: Top Hat Studios, Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 58%
In Tiny Life, you control a set of people that live together in a household. You take care of their daily needs, build their skills, forge new relationships... or just mess up their entire life in whatever way you can think of!
Why similar: Life Sim 27%, Sandbox 20.5%, Building 19.3%, Character Customization 15.3%, Simulation 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A charming indie take on the classic life-simulation genre that captures the essence of managing a household.
- #6 Growing Up
94% matchVery Positive88% of 3,699 reviews2021
Dev: Vile Monarch
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
This is the story of your life. Experience the entire journey from toddler to adulthood. Go to schools, learn new things, meet new friends, and have wild adventures! Every choice you make will influence your future career, and decide who your romantic partner will be. Who will you become?
Why similar: Life Sim 42.6%, Management 18.3%, Character Customization 14.8%, Simulation 11.4%, Story Rich 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the generational aspect of life-simulation, allowing you to guide a character from childhood to adulthood.
- #7 Disney Dreamlight Valley
93% matchVery Positive92% of 24,686 reviews2023
Dev: Gameloft
Windows
Median: 32.3 hrsMean: 116.6 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Explore a world filled with the magic of Disney as you discover rich stories and build the perfect neighborhood alongside Disney and Pixar heroes and villains in this new life-sim adventure game. Welcome to Disney Dreamlight Valley.
Why similar: Life Sim 32.1%, Sandbox 21.3%, Character Customization 20.7%, Immersive Sim 9.9%, Simulation 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Combines life-simulation with social interaction and exploration in a vibrant, magical world.
- #8 MySims™
92% matchVery Positive87% of 226 reviews2025
Dev: MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Explore a new world with MySims™ — it's your world to transform in this retro re-release with updated graphics! Move to an adorable town. With a little creativity and some help from the locals, you can make this place thrive!
Why similar: Character Customization 55%, Simulation 15.4%, Immersive Sim 12.3%, Retro 8.3%, Colorful 3%
Why You'll Like It: A stylized, family-friendly life-simulation game that focuses on building and community interaction.
- #9 Life Makeover
91% matchVery Positive83% of 1,617 reviews2023
Dev: Archosaur Games
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 58.5 hrs≥1hr: 57%
Explore Life Makeover: Unleash your style, dye outfits, and design freely. Dive into unlimited dress-up, build your dream home - all for free.
Why similar: Life Sim 26.3%, Sandbox 20.5%, Building 13.6%, Character Customization 13.1%, Immersive Sim 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: Offers an intense focus on character customization and fashion, appealing to the creative side of life-sim fans.
- #10 The Tenants
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 7,769 reviews2022
Dev: EndGameLoop Games
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Become a landlord and deal with problematic tenants as you build your rental property empire. Decide how to react to annoyed neighbors or police interventions. Will you design your apartment for a group of gamer friends or an aspiring musician looking for a new home?
Why similar: Life Sim 26.1%, Building 20.2%, Management 18.3%, Sandbox 17.6%, Immersive Sim 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A management-heavy simulation game that lets you design properties and manage the lives of your tenants.
- #11 To Pixelia
90% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,284 reviews2025
Dev: Pixeduo StudiosPub: Crytivo
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Meet the Pixelians and discover the ultimate life simulator in To Pixelia. As you climb your career ladder of choice, step into the world of politics, art, sports, music, and even crime. Live your dream life in pixels!
Why similar: Life Sim 30.3%, Sandbox 19.5%, Management 14.6%, Character Customization 12.8%, Immersive Sim 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: A life-simulation game that emphasizes career progression, social relationships, and open-world exploration.
- #12 House Flipper 2
89% matchVery Positive87% of 19,835 reviews2023
Dev: Frozen District
Windows
Median: 10.6 hrsMean: 32.6 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Clean your worries away with this relaxing renovation simulator! Buy, fix, sell, and become a local legend. Or grab your power tools and build anything from scratch! With the online 2-4 players co-op mode, you can play both in sandbox and story mode together.
Why similar: Building 31.7%, Sandbox 28.5%, Immersive Sim 18.6%, Simulation 12.4%, Colorful 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: Provides the satisfying building and renovation experience that is a core pillar of The Sims gameplay.
- #13 Two Point Campus
89% matchVery Positive88% of 8,156 reviews2022
Dev: Two Point StudiosPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 20.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Build the university of your dreams with Two Point Campus, the sim with a twist from the makers of Two Point Hospital. Build, hire staff and run an academic institution packed with wild courses.
Why similar: Management 28.3%, Building 28.2%, Sandbox 22.3%, Simulation 12.2%, Cartoony 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Provides deep management and building mechanics with a humorous tone similar to the quirkiness of The Sims.
- #14 Coral Island
87% matchVery Positive89% of 27,509 reviews2023
Dev: Stairway GamesPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 13.6 hrsMean: 56.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Coral Island is a vibrant, laid-back farm sim reimagined with multiplayer! Experience enchanting island life at your own pace: farm with friends, nurture animals, build relationships, hang out with a diverse cast of characters, and dive into the magical Merfolk Kingdom.
Why similar: Life Sim 36.9%, Building 16.4%, Sandbox 16.2%, Character Customization 15.4%, Simulation 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A life-simulation game that blends farming with deep social mechanics and community building.
- #15 Two Point Hospital
88% matchVery Positive92% of 34,907 reviews2018
Dev: Two Point StudiosPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 35.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Design stunning hospitals, cure peculiar illnesses and manage troublesome staff as you spread your budding healthcare organisation across Two Point County.
Why similar: Management 30.6%, Building 30.4%, Simulation 17.4%, Sandbox 15%, Classic 2.5% ★
Why You'll Like It: A management-simulation game that focuses on building and optimizing a facility with a distinct, funny personality.
- #16 Stardew Valley
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 1,034,074 reviews2016
Dev: ConcernedApe
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 22.9 hrsMean: 85.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?
Why similar: Life Sim 44.7%, Sandbox 22%, Building 18%, Simulation 10%, RPG 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a rich, generational-feeling experience centered on building a life and forming relationships within a community.
- #17 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Complete Edition
86% matchVery Positive87% of 2,983 reviews2020
Dev: Frontier DevelopmentsPub: Atari
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Build the park of a lifetime and rediscover the critically acclaimed rollercoaster simulation bestseller. Feel the thrill of a genre-defining classic, complete with two huge expansion packs.
Why similar: Building 29.9%, Management 27.7%, Sandbox 23.7%, Simulation 10.8%, Cartoony 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: A classic management game that allows for detailed park building and simulation of guest experiences.
- #18 Youtubers Life 2
85% matchMostly Positive72% of 2,280 reviews2021
Dev: UPLAY Online
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 16.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Start from humble beginnings and take charge of the daily life of a wannabe influencer. Balance your day between creating trend-based content, completing tasks to earn money, and building trust with your neighbors to uncover their stories. Are you ready to embark on your road to fame?
Why similar: Life Sim 27.9%, Character Customization 17.3%, Sandbox 16.4%, Management 14.5%, Immersive Sim 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: A career-focused life-simulation game that tasks you with managing your character's daily schedule and social life.
- #19 Kynseed
84% matchVery Positive83% of 3,860 reviews2022
Dev: PixelCount Studios
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Embark on a lifetime of adventure in a beautiful world of creativity and intrigue. Raise a family, customise your farm, run a business, craft items, and battle some marvellously malevolent monsters.
Why similar: Life Sim 36.6%, Sandbox 29.7%, Management 21.6%, Simulation 8.7%, RPG 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: Features unique generational mechanics where your character ages and passes their legacy on to their children.
- #20 SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
84% matchVery Positive82% of 9,827 reviews2010
Dev: EA - MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 54%
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone.
Why similar: Building 23.3%, Sandbox 23.3%, Management 18.3%, Immersive Sim 13.3%, Simulation 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A classic city-builder that offers the same level of strategic management and world-building found in the Sims series.
- #21 Planet Coaster
83% matchVery Positive91% of 72,129 reviews2016
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 22.3 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Planet Coaster® - the future of coaster park simulation games has arrived! Surprise, delight and thrill incredible crowds as you build your coaster park empire - let your imagination run wild, and share your success with the world.
Why similar: Building 32.1%, Sandbox 25.2%, Management 21.3%, Simulation 13.4%, Atmospheric 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: A premier building and management simulator that allows for extreme creative freedom in designing environments.
- #22 Retro Rewind - Video Store Simulator
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 10,130 reviews2026
Dev: Blood Pact Studios
Windows
Median: 9.9 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Manage your very own video store in the early 90s! Rent, sell, decorate and expand your business from the ground up and relive the golden ages of video rentals!
Why similar: Management 28%, Building 23.8%, Immersive Sim 17.2%, Simulation 16.2%, Atmospheric 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A management-simulation game that focuses on the daily operations and customer interactions of a small business.
- #23 Habbo Hotel: Origins
82% matchMixed56% of 1,195 reviews2025
Dev: Sulake Oy
Windows · Mac
Median: 18 minMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 21%
A pixel-art social simulation MMO where you customize your avatar, build and decorate rooms, trade rare items, and join live community events in a nostalgic yet ever-evolving virtual world.
Why similar: Life Sim 36.2%, Sandbox 32.3%, Immersive Sim 16.5%, Simulation 7.2%, Old School 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic social sandbox that emphasizes character expression and interactive room design.
- #24 Planet Zoo
82% matchVery Positive91% of 97,434 reviews2019
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 31.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them.
Why similar: Building 29.6%, Management 28.8%, Sandbox 26.4%, Simulation 13.2%, Singleplayer 1.4%
Why You'll Like It: Offers unparalleled building and management depth for those who enjoy the creative construction aspects of simulation games.
- #25 My Dream Setup
81% matchVery Positive91% of 6,903 reviews2023
Dev: Campfire Studio
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 65%
My Dream Setup is a simulation game about building the room you've always dreamed of. A huge selection of furniture, computers and their accessories, posters, pictures, plants, and other interior details await you. Try all of them and create your dream setup.
Why similar: Building 32.2%, Sandbox 26.5%, Immersive Sim 11.4%, Simulation 11.4%, Management 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses entirely on the interior design and room-building aspects that many players love in life-sims.
- #26 Roots of Pacha
81% matchVery Positive94% of 4,536 reviews2023
Dev: Soda Den
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 21.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The charming and relaxing stone-age farming sim where you live in a thriving community exploring the wonderful world of Pacha. Discover "ideas," domesticate crops, befriend animals, and help your village grow. Play co-op with friends or explore the early days of civilization in single-player.
Why similar: Life Sim 32.9%, Building 22.1%, Sandbox 21.6%, Immersive Sim 11.9%, Simulation 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A community-focused life-simulation game that emphasizes cooperation and the development of a village.
- #27 Big Ambitions
78% matchVery Positive93% of 13,452 reviews2023
Dev: Hovgaard Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 11.0 hrsMean: 25.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Big Ambitions is a revolutionary role-playing business sim. Go from nothing to the biggest entrepreneur in New York by opening small businesses or slowly building huge corporations any way you like.
Why similar: Management 32.9%, Life Sim 28.9%, Sandbox 17.3%, Simulation 10.7%, Immersive Sim 8%
Why You'll Like It: A deep management-simulation game that allows you to build a business empire while managing your character's personal life.
- #28 Potion Permit
79% matchMostly Positive79% of 5,410 reviews2022
Dev: MassHive MediaPub: PQube
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Moonbury's residents need healing, and you're the best chemist around! With your trusty tools, a brewing cauldron, and a canine companion at your side, you'll need to diagnose symptoms, gather ingredients, brew potions, and cure ailments in this open-ended sim RPG.
Why similar: Life Sim 45.9%, Character Customization 26.4%, Simulation 12.3%, Colorful 6.6%, Singleplayer 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: A life-simulation game that focuses on social bonds and community service within a small, charming town.
- #29 Travellers Rest
79% matchVery Positive88% of 18,025 reviews2020
Dev: Isolated Games
Windows
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 20.6 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Craft, farm, build and cook! In Travellers Rest you will have to use all the available tools to become the best tavern keeper in the realm. Create unique dishes and drinks to please your customers as you discover the world and its colorful characters.
Why similar: Life Sim 40.4%, Management 22.2%, Building 18.3%, Immersive Sim 9.4%, Simulation 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Combines management and life-simulation as you run a tavern and interact with the local population.
- #30 The Sims™ Legacy Collection
78% matchMostly Positive72% of 2,438 reviews2025
Dev: MAXISPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 62%
The original game you know and love. For Windows 10/11. Create a neighborhood of Sims and guide their lives through careers and romance. Or create chaos with open-ended gameplay that lets you shape their destinies.
Why similar: Life Sim 18.7%, Sandbox 16.6%, Building 15.3%, Management 11.9%, Character Customization 10.8%
- #31 Two Point Museum
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 13,230 reviews2025
Dev: Two Point StudiosPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.5 hrsMean: 25.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Curate and manage incredible museums! Explore to discover amazing artifacts. Design and refine the layout, keep staff happy, guests entertained, donations plentiful… and children off the exhibits
Why similar: Life Sim 24%, Building 23.8%, Sandbox 20.2%, Management 14.3%, Simulation 10.7%
- #32 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 2: Triple Thrill Pack
77% matchVery Positive90% of 5,846 reviews2014
Dev: Chris Sawyer ProductionsPub: Atari
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 38%
This compilation includes the entire RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 series, with the original game as well as the Time Twister and Wacky Worlds expansions.
Why similar: Management 25.2%, Sandbox 19.5%, Classic 18.8% ★, Building 16.2%, Simulation 13.1%
- #33 RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe
77% matchVery Positive94% of 8,281 reviews2014
Dev: Chris Sawyer ProductionsPub: Atari
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 14.8 hrs≥1hr: 54%
One of the best games from acclaimed Tycoon series, with well designed gameplay mechanics, appealing graphics, and really high re-playability value. There’s no limit to what you can create so design and build the most thrilling roller coaster the world has ever seen!
Why similar: Management 25.7%, Sandbox 22%, Classic 19% ★, Building 16.4%, Simulation 14.6%
- #34 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Platinum
76% matchVery Positive92% of 5,244 reviews2008
Dev: Frontier
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 Platinum combines the excitement of rollercoasters with the fun of a great strategy simulation. RCT3 Platinum combines the roller coaster theme park fun of the Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 with included expansion packs Soaked! and Wild! Now enjoy more options than ever.
Why similar: Management 26.2%, Sandbox 25.8%, Building 24.2%, Simulation 14.4%, Classic 8.1% ★
- #35 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition
74% matchMostly Positive80% of 15,927 reviews2023
Dev: Rockstar Games
Windows
Median: 16.2 hrsMean: 47.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: It’s the early ’90s. After a couple of cops frame him for homicide, Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets.
Why similar: Classic 40.9% ★, Sandbox 37.5%, Story Rich 14.9%, Singleplayer 6.7%
- #36 RollerCoaster Tycoon® Classic
75% matchVery Positive91% of 3,107 reviews2017
Dev: Origin8 Technologies Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 61.2 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Create incredible parks in the original rollercoaster sim from Chris Sawyer.
Why similar: Management 39.1%, Simulation 16.1%, Classic 15.8% ★, Sandbox 14.7%, Building 10%
- #37 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition
74% matchVery Positive83% of 9,211 reviews2023
Dev: Rockstar Games
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 29.6 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Welcome to the 1980s. From the decade of big hair and pastel suits comes the story of one man's rise to the top of the criminal pile. Grand Theft Auto returns with Tommy Vercetti’s tale of betrayal and revenge in a neon-soaked tropical town full of excess and brimming with possibilities.
Why similar: Classic 38.1% ★, Sandbox 31.4%, Story Rich 13.9%, Singleplayer 8.6%, Atmospheric 8%
- #38 Planet Coaster 2
73% matchMostly Positive74% of 14,453 reviews2024
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 31.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Build and customise thrilling roller coasters and incredible water slides, manage the ultimate theme park experience, and share your epic creations. Are you ready to ride the wave?
Why similar: Sandbox 32.3%, Building 31%, Simulation 16%, Management 13.6%, Atmospheric 3.2%
- #39 House Flipper Remastered Collection
73% matchMixed68% of 824 reviews2026
Dev: Frozen Way
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 16.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Guess who's back – and shinier than ever! House Flipper Remastered Collection lets you become a one-person renovation crew. Clean, build, decorate, and sell for profit! Now with better graphics, voice acting, all expansions in one toolbox, and some more heartfelt addition. It’s flipping time!
Why similar: Building 28.3%, Sandbox 24.8%, Management 17.7%, Immersive Sim 13.4%, Simulation 12.4%
- #40 MySims™ Kingdom
72% matchVery Positive93% of 135 reviews2025
Dev: MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Meet New Friends and explore all the New Lands
Why similar: Character Customization 57%, Immersive Sim 14%, Simulation 11.7%, Retro 9.5%, Singleplayer 2.9%
- #41 Grand Theft Auto III – The Definitive Edition
73% matchMixed66% of 7,536 reviews2023
Dev: Rockstar Games
Windows
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 28.3 hrs≥1hr: 75%
It all starts in Liberty City. With revolutionary freedom to go anywhere and jack anyone, Grand Theft Auto III puts the center of the criminal underworld at your fingertips, if you have enough guts to take it.
Why similar: Classic 81.5% ★, Singleplayer 18.5%
- #42 Sticky Business
70% matchVery Positive94% of 7,667 reviews2023
Dev: Spellgarden GamesPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 60%
Experience the joy of running your own cozy small business: Create stickers, pack orders and hear your customers’ stories. Time to build the cutest shop on the internet!
Why similar: Life Sim 39.9%, Sandbox 26.5%, Simulation 17.9%, Colorful 5.4%, Atmospheric 4.1%
- #43 Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator
71% matchVery Positive84% of 2,786 reviews2023
Dev: Cyanide StudioPub: Nacon
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 13.1 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Create and manage your dream restaurant! Menus, purchasing, décor, staff, equipment, customers… and don't forget the actual cooking! Experience the daily life of a restaurateur and earn your awards from the Michelin Guide.
Why similar: Life Sim 31.1%, Management 20.3%, Immersive Sim 15%, Simulation 10.7%, Character Customization 9.5%
- #44 SimCity™ 3000 Unlimited
71% matchVery Positive84% of 777 reviews2024
Dev: MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 31%
SimCity 3000 Unlimited brings you the classic strategy gaming of SimCity 3000 with all-new scenarios that open up a whole world of city planning and building possibilities! The thrills of the classic SimCity 3000 are here again!
Why similar: Simulation 58.8%, Classic 28.9% ★, Casual 7.1%, Singleplayer 5.1%
- #45 SPORE™
72% matchVery Positive93% of 72,544 reviews2008
Dev: Maxis™Pub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 19.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Be the architect of your own universe with Spore, an exciting single-player adventure. From Single Cell to Galactic God, evolve your creature in a universe of your own creations.
Why similar: Sandbox 56.1%, Simulation 21.1%, Cartoony 8.9%, Colorful 5.1%, Sci-fi 4.9%
- #46 Fields of Mistria
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 33,222 reviews2026
Dev: NPC Studio
Windows · Linux
Median: 10.3 hrsMean: 28.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming / life sim RPG!
Why similar: Life Sim 44.3%, Sandbox 21.8%, Building 18.4%, Simulation 12.2%, RPG 3.3%
- #47 Red Dead Redemption
68% matchVery Positive92% of 21,265 reviews2024
Dev: Rockstar Games
Windows
Median: 12.4 hrsMean: 27.0 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Experience the story of former outlaw John Marston as he tracks down the last remaining members of the notorious Van der Linde Gang in the PC debut of the critically acclaimed predecessor to Red Dead Redemption 2.
Why similar: Classic 40.2% ★, Story Rich 33%, Atmospheric 16.9%, Singleplayer 9.9%
- #48 Tony Hawk's™ Pro Skater™ 1 + 2
69% matchVery Positive91% of 4,644 reviews2023
Dev: Vicarious VisionsPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Play the fully-remastered Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ & Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 2 games in one epic collection, rebuilt from the ground up in incredible HD.
Why similar: Character Customization 89.2%, Singleplayer 10.8%
- #49 Bully: Scholarship Edition
71% matchVery Positive84% of 41,869 reviews2008
Dev: Rockstar New EnglandPub: Rockstar Games
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 14.1 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Bully tells the story of mischievous 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins as he goes through the hilarity and awkwardness of adolescence. Beat the jocks at dodge ball, play pranks on the preppies, save the nerds, kiss the girl and navigate the social hierarchy in the worst school around.
Why similar: Classic 37.9% ★, Sandbox 35.1%, Story Rich 8.2%, Simulation 7.1%, Atmospheric 6.4%
- #50 Hello Kitty Island Adventure
67% matchVery Positive94% of 12,338 reviews2025
Dev: Sunblink
Windows
Median: 9.3 hrsMean: 63.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Embark on a cozy, open-world adventure with Hello Kitty and Friends. Befriend beloved characters as you explore and restore a mysterious island, solve ancient puzzles, cook delicious dishes, customize yourself and your cabins, and so much more.
Why similar: Life Sim 53%, Simulation 16.7%, Immersive Sim 15.2%, Story Rich 6.7%, Colorful 5.4%
- #51 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
68% matchMostly Positive75% of 69,968 reviews2025
Dev: Bethesda Game StudiosPub: Bethesda Softworks
Windows
Median: 17.0 hrsMean: 34.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Explore Cyrodiil like never before with stunning new visuals and refined gameplay in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered.
Why similar: Character Customization 63.7%, Story Rich 11.8%, RPG 11.2%, Atmospheric 7.4%, Singleplayer 5.9%
- #52 Rewind 99
68% matchMostly Positive77% of 474 reviews2026
Dev: Gunmetal Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
You're the last remaining video rental store. From humble VHS clerk to rental racketeer - run your video store and explore Reshoot Springs, building an underground empire. Expand with upgrades, side hustles, store membership, and more. Whatever it takes to survive - solo or in up to 4-player co-op.
Why similar: Life Sim 22.9%, Character Customization 16.3%, Sandbox 14.3%, Management 12.6%, Simulation 11.4%
- #53 RollerCoaster Tycoon World™
75% matchMostly Negative25% of 5,891 reviews2016
Dev: Nvizzio CreationsPub: Atari
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
RollerCoaster Tycoon World™ is the newest installment in the legendary RCT franchise. This next-generation theme park simulation and building game includes fan-favorite features along with incredible new advancements!
Why similar: Building 31.3%, Sandbox 26.5%, Management 23.7%, Simulation 17%, Singleplayer 1.6%
- #54 Game Dev Tycoon
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 45,066 reviews2013
Dev: Greenheart Games 💚
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans.
Why similar: Management 53.2%, Simulation 24.1%, Addictive 9.7% ★, Sandbox 9.1%, Casual 2.1%
- #55 Parkitect
69% matchVery Positive94% of 8,129 reviews2018
Dev: Texel Raptor
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Parkitect is a business simulation game that charges you with the construction and management of theme parks! Bringing back the best of classic theme park games with many new features and content on top. Now supports online co-op with up to 8 players!
Why similar: Building 30.7%, Management 24.7%, Sandbox 23.4%, Simulation 12.1%, Retro 5.2%
- #56 Youtubers Life
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 15,450 reviews2017
Dev: UPLAY Online
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.6 hrsMean: 20.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Become the most successful youtuber on the planet! Create videos, get subscribers, attend events, interact with your fans… and grow your channel. Live a youtuber’s life!
Why similar: Life Sim 35%, Character Customization 23.3%, Management 22.9%, Simulation 10.6%, Sandbox 4.1%
- #57 STORY OF SEASONS: Friends of Mineral Town
69% matchVery Positive93% of 5,738 reviews2020
Dev: Marvelous Inc.Pub: XSEED Games
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 22.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Experience the joys of life on the farm in this reimagining of a timeless STORY OF SEASONS classic!
Why similar: Life Sim 47.5%, Simulation 36.7%, RPG 6.5%, Casual 6.2%, Singleplayer 3.1%
- #58 Little Sim World
67% matchMostly Positive80% of 729 reviews2026
Dev: .GRAVITY
Windows · Mac
Welcome to Little London! Little Sim World is a cosy 2D life sim set in the heart of a little city full of charm, dreams, and surprises. Design your perfect home, meet quirky locals, build your routine, and live life at your own pace. A gentle world, a fresh start, and a story only you can write!
Why similar: Life Sim 44.2%, Character Customization 26.7%, Simulation 11.9%, Immersive Sim 8.3%, Colorful 3.1%
- #59 Cat Cafe Manager
67% matchVery Positive88% of 3,203 reviews2022
Dev: Roost GamesPub: indie.io
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 15.9 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Travel to the sleepy village of Caterwaul Way and rebuild your grandmother's cat cafe. Renovate your restaurant, befriend the local cats and townsfolk, forge lasting friendships, unravel catty mysteries, and build a home for dozens of unique felines!
Why similar: Life Sim 32.4%, Building 24.9%, Management 22.5%, Simulation 11.1%, Cartoony 4.8%
- #60 Unpacking
66% matchVery Positive93% of 40,663 reviews2021
Dev: Witch BeamPub: Balor Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.
Why similar: Life Sim 50.8%, Simulation 17.8%, Story Rich 10.6%, Atmospheric 8.4%, Casual 4.6%
