Best Simulator Games to Play Right Now

Simulation games allow us to step into roles we might not experience in real life. Whether you’re flying a plane, managing a bustling restaurant, or driving a truck across Europe, the beauty of these games lies in their ability to make the ordinary feel extraordinary. They challenge us to think strategically, manage resources, and often reward us with a satisfying sense of achievement. In this article, we’ll explore eight of the best simulator games you can play right now, spanning across various genres and platforms, each with unique mechanics that will keep you engaged for hours.

1. Burger Bounty

Burger Bounty is a fast-paced restaurant simulation game where you take on the role of a burger joint owner. Starting as a one-person show, you must serve customers, expand your restaurant, and hire staff to help with the growing demands. The game’s unique mechanic of using a hoverboard to deliver food adds an exciting twist, making the gameplay both fun and challenging. As you manage your restaurant, keeping up with customer expectations becomes critical—especially when VIPs show up who demand top-tier service.

Key Features

1. Manage a fast-paced burger restaurant.
2. Use a hoverboard to serve customers quickly.
3. Upgrade your restaurant and character to boost efficiency.
4. Unlock new foods, stations, and staff members.
5. Handle demanding star customers for extra rewards.

• Developer: OnRush Studio
• Platform: Mobile and Desktop Browser

2. Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a breathtaking flight simulation game that allows you to explore the world from the cockpit of a plane. Whether you’re flying over famous landmarks or simply taking in the sights of your hometown, this game offers an incredibly realistic flying experience. The graphics are stunning, with a photorealistic Earth rendered in 4K, making every flight a visual treat. With adjustable assists, even beginners can soar through the skies without worrying about the technicalities of flying.

Key Features

1. Fly over a 4K photorealistic version of Earth.
2. Experience real-time weather and dynamic skies.
3. Choose between a relaxing flight or full control over technical aspects.
4. Visit famous landmarks or explore hidden corners of the world.
5. Advanced flight assists for beginners and detailed flight controls for experts.

• Developer: Developed by Asobo Studio.
• Platform: Available on PC and Xbox Series X.

3. The Sims 4

The Sims 4 continues to be the ultimate life simulation game, allowing players to create and control their Sims’ lives, build dream homes, and live out all kinds of unique scenarios. From managing relationships to raising families or even exploring supernatural worlds, the possibilities are endless. With years of updates, expansions, and new features, The Sims 4 provides an immersive and ever-evolving experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Key Features

1. Build and design homes with limitless customization options.
2. Control every aspect of your Sims’ lives, from relationships to careers.
3. Explore a wide range of expansion packs that add depth to the gameplay.
4. Play as supernatural beings like vampires, werewolves, and mermaids.
5. Live out fantasies with diverse scenarios, including famous Sims and family legacies.

• Developer: Developed by Maxis.
• Platform: Available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5.

4. Monkey Mart

Monkey Mart is a lighthearted, idle management game where players take control of a monkey running a supermarket. You’ll grow and harvest crops, stock shelves with various products, and manage your store’s daily operations. As your market expands, you can unlock new aisles, hire assistants to help you, and even produce more complex products like chocolate bars and ice cream. The game’s charming visuals and idle mechanics make it a relaxing yet rewarding experience. you can play this game on Little Games.

Key Features

1. Grow and harvest produce to stock your supermarket.
2. Unlock new aisles and hire assistants for smooth operations.
3. Produce advanced items like chocolate bars and ice cream.
4. Customize your market with hats and stylish accessories.
5. Upgrade your character’s managing skills to increase efficiency.

• Developer: TinyDobbins
• Platform: Mobile and Desktop Browser

5. Train Sim World

For train enthusiasts, Train Sim World is the definitive train simulator. The game allows you to operate various trains and experience the world of railway management. With highly detailed trains, realistic routes, and first-person driving mechanics, it feels like you’re truly in control. From setting up the train for departure to handling complex routes, the game delivers an authentic train-driving experience. Regular updates ensure the game stays fresh, with new trains, routes, and features added consistently.

Key Features

1. Operate trains with realistic first-person controls.
2. Manage complex routes with various train types.
3. Experience dynamic weather systems affecting gameplay.
4. Access a range of downloadable content for additional trains and routes.
5. Enjoy consistent updates with new features and improvements.

• Developer: Developed by Dovetail Games.
• Platform: Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

6. Cities: Skylines

Cities: Skylines is a must-play for anyone who loves city-building simulations. As the mayor of a growing metropolis, you’re responsible for everything from traffic management to public services and infrastructure. The game’s dynamic day-and-night cycle adds a layer of realism, and the extensive modding community ensures that there’s always something new to explore. Whether you’re focused on building the perfect transportation system or designing the skyline of your dreams, Cities: Skylines delivers an engaging and creative experience.

Key Features

1. Build and manage your dream city, complete with services and infrastructure.
2. Customize traffic flow and public transportation systems.
3. Enjoy a dynamic day-and-night system that affects city life.
4. Explore user-generated mods and content for endless variety.
5. Maintain citizen happiness through balanced city planning.

• Developer: Developed by Colossal Order.
• Platform: Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

7. Thief Simulator

Thief Simulator lets players experience the thrill of breaking into homes, avoiding security systems, and stealing valuable loot—all without real-life consequences. The game combines stealth mechanics with a sandbox environment, allowing players to plan and execute their heists however they choose. As you progress, you’ll be able to upgrade your tools and skills, making you an even more efficient thief. The unique gameplay mechanics and immersive environment make Thief Simulator a standout in the stealth genre.

Key Features

1. Plan and execute robberies in a sandbox environment.
2. Avoid security systems and outsmart guards to complete heists.
3. Upgrade your thief tools and skills for more complex jobs.
4. Use stealth tactics to blend in with your surroundings.
5. Sell stolen goods and use the profits to upgrade your gear.

• Developer: Noble Muffins, Console Labs
• Platform:  PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, Xbox One, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems

8. Euro Truck Simulator 2

In Euro Truck Simulator 2, players take on the role of a truck driver, delivering cargo across Europe’s roads and highways. The game offers a calming and immersive experience, with highly detailed maps that include famous landmarks and cities. Whether you’re navigating snowy mountains or crossing bustling urban landscapes, the game’s attention to detail is remarkable. With regular updates and downloadable content (DLC), Euro Truck Simulator 2 remains a favorite among sim fans.

Key Features

1. Drive across detailed European roads and cities.
2. Deliver cargo with realistic truck physics and mechanics.
3. Explore real-world landmarks and diverse terrains.
4. Enjoy regular updates and DLC for new routes and challenges.
5. Customize your trucks with various upgrades and accessories.

• Developer: Developed by SCS Software.
• Platform: Available on PC and Mac.

Bottom Line

Simulation games are all about stepping into new roles and mastering different tasks, whether that’s running a restaurant, flying a plane, or driving a truck across Europe. These eight games showcase the wide range of experiences available in the simulation genre, each offering unique gameplay, immersive environments, and satisfying challenges. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted idle game or a hyper-realistic simulator, there’s something on this list for every kind of gamer. So, which one will you play first?