Best simulation games

This category covers three famous types of simulation. City builders, such as SimCity, ask you to plan roads, homes, shops and factories, then balance budgets, traffic and pollution as the population grows. Life simulations, such as The Sims, let you create people, build their homes and guide their daily lives, careers and relationships. Gentle community games, such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, follow the real calendar, so the seasons, holidays and events in the game change with the days outside.

For each game we explain what you do from minute to minute, how the game rewards long-term play, and which platforms it appeared on when we are certain. We also note whether a game suits relaxed players, creative builders or people who enjoy numbers and planning. Ratings are our editorial opinion. We do not sell or host these commercial games; this guide only introduces them. Farming simulation fans should also look at Stardew Valley in our indie games section.