Simulation Games 101
So many types, where do you even start?
With such a wide variety of simulation games available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones you'll actually enjoy. Fortunately, that’s where the fun begins.
After exploring countless Steam pages and digging through the internet, I’ve put together what I believe is a comprehensive list of the major simulation sub-genres. Keep in mind that many games fall into multiple categories, so these labels aren’t meant to be strict definitions. Instead, think of this as a helpful starting point.
One of the most challenging parts of exploring sim games is that the lines between genres often blur. For instance, Stardew Valley could easily be considered a life sim, a farming and crafting sim, or even a dating sim depending on how you choose to play. Personally, I try to categorize games based on their core gameplay experience—what they primarily offer to the player.
Additionally, if you're browsing an online store, it helps to understand what a game’s tags actually mean. If you’re searching for a relaxing life sim but see tags like “Survival” or “Open World,” that might indicate a very different kind of gameplay than what you’re looking for. Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and disappointment.
The goal of this guide is to make things simple. Whether you're browsing a sale or building your wishlist, this breakdown should help you more easily identify the simulation games that suit your interests.
Life: Focuses on managing fictional characters through day-to-day activities, social systems, and personal development.
Examples: Sims 4, Inzoi, Second Life
Immersive: Systems-driven environments with multiple ways to solve a problem; commonly featuring stealth, exploration, and role-playing mechanics.
Examples: Shadows of Doubt, Thief Series, Bodycam,
Management: Centers around managing businesses, institutions, or complex systems with a focus on resource control and efficiency.
Examples: Two Point Hospital, Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect
Racing: Delivers a realistic auto racing experience, often with attention to driving physics and vehicle handling.
Examples: Assetto Corsa, Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo
Sports: Simulates either direct control of sports gameplay or the management of teams, seasons, and player development.
Examples: FIFA, Football Manager, Hockey Manager, NBA 2K Series
Survival & Open World: Combines exploration, crafting, and survival mechanics; usually requiring resource gathering, base building, and environmental awareness.
Examples: Minecraft, Green Hell, The Long Dark, Raft, Grounded, Don’t Starve
Farming & Crafting: Focuses on growing crops, raising animals, harvesting materials, and crafting tools or structures.
Examples: Stardew Valley, Coral Island, My Time at Portia, Fae Farm
Building & Construction: Involves designing, constructing, renovating, or decorating physical spaces and environments.
Examples: House Flipper, Planet Zoo, Timerborn
Business & Tycoon: Profit-focused gameplay centered around strategic expansion, economics, and resource allocation.
Examples: Zoo Tycoon, SimCity series, Anno 1800
Vehicle & Transportation: Emphasizes realistic control of vehicles for flying, driving, shipping, or hauling.
Examples: Microsoft Flight Simulator, American Truck Simulator, Snowrunner
Physics & Sandbox: Built on real-world mechanics with open-ended gameplay; often playful, experimental, or creative.
Examples: Universe Sandbox, Poly Bridge, Garry's Mod
Space & Sci-Fi: Involves space exploration, science fiction survival, or interstellar engineering.
Examples: Kerbal Space Program, Starfield, Oxygen Not Included
Dating: Centers on building relationships, romance options, and character socialization.
Examples: Monster Prom, Boyfriend Dungeon, Dream Daddy
Job & Task: Focuses on simulating the experience of performing real-world jobs or tasks.
Examples: Powerwash Simulator, Cooking Simulator, Thief Simulator, Fast Food Simulator