Video games come in diverse categories, strategy games, open-world games, role-playing games, shooter games, and each offering something different. However, there’s one category that offers what no other video game category does, Simulation games. While many of you already know what Simulation games are, let’s get straight to the list of best Simulation games to play in 2022.
Best Simulation Games [2022]
| S. No. | Best Simulation Games | Platforms |
| 1 | Microsoft Flight Simulator | Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| 2 | ARMA 3 | PC and macOS |
| 3 | The Sims 4 | Mac, PC, Xbox One, PS4 |
| 4 | Dirt Rally | PC, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, PS4 |
| 5 | Not for Broadcast | PC |
| 6 | Farming Simulator | PC, macOS, Google Stadia, Xbox One, PS4 |
| 7 | Football Manager 2022 | PC, macOS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One |
| 8 | Euro Truck Simulator 2 | PC, macOS, Linux |
| 9 | PC Building Simulator | PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch |
| 10 | Thief Simulator | macOS, PC, Android, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch |
1. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of those games that makes you fall in love with it. The game is designed beautifully and features life-like landscapes and visuals of the real world. Wish to fly over the pacific without actually getting into a plane? Play Flight Simulator. The experience this game offers is unreal.
For anyone wondering about the recipe to make the best simulation game? Microsoft Flight Simulator is the answer. However, no good thing is ever complete; the only drawback with this game is its platforms; Flight Simulator only runs on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Download: Microsoft Flight Simulator
2. ARMA 3
ARMA 3 is an open-world military tactical shooter game with a primary focus on realism. Although not entirely a simulation game, ARMA 3 has aspects of open-world shooters. ARMA 3 takes place in the mid-2030s. The game has a photorealistic environment, much so that it was used “mistakenly” as actual war footage.
In addition, the depth of realism in ARMA 3 is baffling, with certain missions of the game in an open-world setting. The combat, the detailed environment, the simulation of a life-like war environment make ARMA 3 one of the best simulation games to play in 2022.
Download: ARMA 3
3. The Sims 4
The hugely popular and one of the best simulation games, Sims 4, is the fourth title in the series. While not greatly received by the fans, Sims 4 brought slightly improved character creation and building tools to the franchise. On the flip side, the game saw heavy criticism for its missing features compared to the previous titles upon its release.
The Sims 4 is a great game, all in all, allowing players to create sims or take over already created NPCs and build up their personality; any way they want. Furthermore, The Sims 4, as with the previous titles in the series, allows players to simulate a number of activities, making this title one of the best simulation games to play.
Download: The Sims 4
4. Dirt Rally
Dirt Rally is one of the best racing simulation games on the market. As the name suggests, the game is built focusing on rallies. Interestingly, Dirt Rally also simulates different weather conditions. This racing simulating game featured three locations from the real world – Powys(Wales), Argolis(Greece), and Monte Carlo.
With “very positive” reviews on Steam, the game is a must-play in the simulation games category and if you’re into racing games.
Download: Dirt Rally
5. Not For Broadcast
Probably the funniest simulation game on this list, Not for Broadcast is a one-of-a-kind simulation game. Not for Broadcast first came out with early access in 2020 and is a dark-comedy game that lets players choose what to broadcast.
The plot of Not for Broadcast involves narrative-driven propaganda featuring the 1980s election night broadcast. Choose what news to show and edit, even choose the adverts in this satirical take on election commentary. Not for Broadcast is available on PC only.
Download: Not for Broadcast
6. Farming Simulator 19
The name does tell it all about this simulation game; Farming Simulator lets players simulate farm life. Farming Simulator 19 is often described as a farming puzzle game among the most downloaded simulation games.
The game lets players grow different crops, breed livestock, and sell them to profit. Moreover, the game features different environments too. Grow crops, breed livestock, sell them to make a profit, upgrade your equipment, all while exploring the map. Interestingly, the game is available for multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, PC, and consoles.
Download: Farming Simulator
7. Football Manager 2022
For sports fans, Football Manager is a great Simulation game. Published by Sega, the game FM22 is available on platforms like macOS, PC, Xbox, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. Moreover, throughout its release and now, the game has received a positive response from players and is one of the best Simulation games you can play.
Football Manager lets players manage and analyze the football teams in a real-world simulation. In addition, players also scout and recruit football players and build teams according to their preferences.
Download: Football Manager 2022
8. Euro Truck Simulator 2
This heavily addictive driving Simulation game Euro Truck Simulator 2, is the second in the series. Published by SCS Software, the game is developed for macOS, Linux, and PC. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is an open world Simulation game that keeps players coming for more. The game is not a complex one; rather, it has a simple concept, pick up cargo from various locations in Europe and deliver it.
In addition, players can buy other vehicles in the game; if players don’t have enough in-game money, they can even take loans. Euro Truck Simulator 2 lets players roam free across the map and hire NPCs to complete the delivery tasks. Euro Truck’s features make it one of the best Simulation games to play in 2022, irrespective of its being a pretty old game.
Download: Euro Truck Simulator 2
9. PC Building Simulator
Now for those who wish to build their dream PCs but can’t, be it the soaring prices of graphics cards or any other reason. As the name clears, a PC building simulator lets you build PCs on platforms like Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, PS; now that’s a sentence I never thought I would write!
This indie game focuses on delivering a near real-world experience of building a PC. PC building simulators could also be helpful for those who wish to see their build in the virtual world. Moreover, the simulation game lets players upgrade and even repair PCs; this is surely one of the best simulation games.
Download: PC Building Simulator
10. Thief Simulator
Lastly, we have Theif Simulator for the Kleptomaniac weirdos; this simulation game could be therapeutic. Or if you’re just a normal person looking to experience how it feels to be in a thief’s shoes, Thief Simulator is the game for you.
The game allows players to scout for houses to score and spy on the NPCs to note their daily routines; when the house is empty, pick locks, go in, and quench your thieving thirst. One of the best simulation games, Thief Simulator, is available on multiple platforms including, Android, macOS, PS, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Download: Thief Simulator
Cocnlusion
Well, that’s it for this list of the best Simulation games to play in 2022. While there are other good simulation games in the market, too, we decided to keep the number in the list till 10. In case you have any suggestions or feel we left out any other good Simulation game, make sure to let us know in the comments.
