Best Simulation Games for Players Who Love Strategy

The best simulation games aren’t just immersive — they require strategic decision-making. These 20 simulator games offer that, to varying degrees. Whether you want to defend the last outpost in a zombie apocalypse or manage a local zoo, we’ve got you covered. 

1. Not for Broadcast

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, VR

In this dark comedy full-motion video game, you’re a janitor-turned-broadcast editor working at the National Nightly News station. At first, you simply select commercials, censor curses and cut the cameras. When a new, radical political party wins the general election, your decisions in the editing booth suddenly affect the nation’s future. 

2. Crime Scene Cleaner

Available on: PC, Xbox, iOS, Android

You’re a crime scene cleaner for the mob. It’s a thankless job, but oddly satisfying. You clean up giant messes, avoid damaging things you shouldn’t and remove any incriminating evidence. You can upgrade your equipment if you manage your resources wisely — and slip a few valuables into your pockets. Be careful, though. You don’t want the big bad boss to catch on.

3. Farming Simulator 22

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iOS, Android

Farming Simulator is one of the best simulation games. Here, agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry are your new full-time jobs. Operate over 400 machines from real brands like John Deere across American and European environments. Grow your farm and manage your production chain as the seasons change. If you need help, invite some friends. 

4. Inzoi

Available on: PC

This early access life simulation game from Krafton is like a realistic version of the Sims — a remarkably popular game with over 10,000 players at any given time — with a karma system. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular simulator games. You must help your Zoi improve themselves and others or risk city-wide backlash. 

5. Travellers Rest

Available on: PC

Life’s never dull when you’re a tavern keeper. When you’re not creating recipes or serving adventurers, you must tend to your farm, expand your inn and craft new items. If you manage everything well, you might be able to take off a day or two to explore the nearby forests. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something useful to increase sales. 

6. House Flipper 2

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation

As a house flipper, you must pour your heart and soul — or at least your time and money — into buying, cleaning, fixing, renovating and decorating to secure a sale while maximizing your profits. You can build or renovate homes at fun locations like the beach or near the mountains. If the job gets to be too much, invite up to four friends. 

7. Job Simulator

Available on: PC, PlayStation, VR

In this world, robots have replaced humans. You train under them as an office worker, gas station worker or mechanic. This job simulator game is tongue-in-cheek, with many funny moments. You play through a randomly generated workload while you grind for raises and promotions. If you stream games on Twitch, you can move, scale and view your audience in-game.

8. Ultimate Fishing Simulator

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iOS, Android

This comprehensive fishing simulator lets you ice, fly, bottom, float and ground fish. Unlike in real life, success is all but guaranteed. However, you must be strategic if you want the biggest catch possible during the competitive tournaments. There is a 24-hour day-night cycle, dynamic weather and an extensive equipment selection. 

9. Contractville

Available on: PC

This contractor simulator lets you design, build and decorate buildings in an open world. You’re also in charge of maintaining and upgrading your office. You can drive a taxi or deliver cargo on the side if you need extra cash. You can play solo or with up to four friends. If no one you know shares your love of construction, you could always hire an NPC crew. 

10. Cooking Simulator

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch 

Choose ingredients, select recipes and prepare dishes in this commercial chef simulator. You can even maintain and customize the fully equipped, highly realistic kitchen you’re in charge of. Cook carefully and time everything right to unlock up to 80 recipes. The game is physics-based, so it’s more complicated than it looks. 

11. PowerWash Simulator

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch 

In this game, you build your power-washing business from the ground up. Even though it sounds boring, it’s one of the best simulation games because it’s so satisfying. Careful tool selection and strategic planning can help you tackle even the largest jobs in no time, whether cleaning up graffiti, mold or moss. You can go it alone or invite up to six friends. 

12. Thief Simulator 2

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation

You’re no amateur thief — you know to learn your target’s routine, clear the way ahead of time, steal the most valuable items and exit without being seen. Whether you’re disassembling cars for parts, robbing homes or taking on side contracts via the pay phone, you need to be strategic. Don’t let the homeowner catch you or you’ll end up in handcuffs. 

13. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check

Available on: PC

This zombie apocalypse simulator is one of the best early access simulation games. You command the last blockade, deciding whether survivors should be sent to the camp, quarantine or liquidation. As you expand your base and fend off hordes, remember to be thorough — some people are infected or carrying contraband. Your choices may have deadly consequences.

14. Schedule I

Available on: PC

Schedule I is a crime simulator game. In the city of Hyland Point, the manufacturing and distribution of Schedule I substances falls to you. If you do well, you can expand your operation, purchase new properties and hire employees. Note that gameplay involves melee and firearm combat. 

15. TCG Card Shop Simulator

Available on: PC

In TCG Card Shop Simulator, you have just opened a local game store. You can stock your shelves or open every booster pack you order. You can sell or collect the rare cards. Strategically track demand, order products, sell packs and host games to make enough money to expand your business. 

16. Two Point Campus

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch 

The Two Point series includes three top-down simulator games as of 2025. In this one, you build a university and hire staff to run the best academic institution in town. Plan course schedules and explore students’ personalities to keep everyone happy and productive. The better you do, the better they do — and the more stuff you unlock. 

17. Restaurant Owner: A Restaurant Simulator

Available on: PC

This early access game has you order ingredients, create a menu, schedule staff, take orders and serve guests to grow your local restaurant business. Like in real life, you must manage your capital and handle online orders to stay in business. What starts as a fast food chain can grow into a thriving restaurant empire. 

18. Planet Zoo

Available on: PC, PlayStation

Planet Zoo is among the best simulation games because it’s in-depth and fun. You can construct unique habitats. The piece-by-piece construction tool lets you make detailed spaces. Also, you research species and raise babies to help your animals thrive. The world responds to your decisions, so be strategic.

19. Arcade Paradise

Available on: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, VR, Switch 

At the start of Arcade Paradise, you run your dad’s laundromat by taking coins out of the machine, picking gum off surfaces and plunging the toilet when necessary. As you progress, you unlock arcade units, each with fully realized gameplay, stories, high scores and missions. There are 35 machines in total, meaning you can flip the family business with enough work. 

20. Star Trucker

Available on: PC, Xbox

Star Trucker is one of the best simulation games because of its unique and in-depth gameplay. You cruise the hyper highways, managing, customizing and maintaining your rig. There is a fully voiced CB radio, a spacewalk mechanic and contraband trading. Be careful, or you’ll run out of fuel on a long-haul job in the middle of the galactic map. 

Which of These Simulator Games Will You Play Next?

Whether you play on console, PC, VR or Switch, these are the best simulation games. If the descriptions don’t convince you, watch the YouTube videos to glimpse the gameplay. Whether you like top-down gameplay or first-person immersion, you have options.