Best Simulator Games for PC

Simulator games are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in experiences you might not otherwise have access to — from piloting aircraft to running a farm. They offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for realism or just a fun, stress-free way to pass the time.

But not all simulator games are created equal. While some provide realistic graphics, in-depth mechanics, and hours of entertainment, others fall short with frustrating controls or lackluster design. 

In this list, I’ve tried out a wide range of simulator games for PC, looking for the best of the bunch. These are the ones that make you feel like you’re truly living in another world, whether you’re crafting, exploring, or managing a complex system. So, if you’re ready for some virtual adventures, let’s dive into the best simulator games for PC!

Euro Truck Simulator 

I’ve spent a lot of hours in Euro Truck Simulator 2, and honestly, I didn’t expect to get so hooked. The driving mechanics are surprisingly satisfying — managing your speed, fuel, and even your driver’s fatigue really adds to the realism. The vast European map is impressive, and the scenery changes as you travel from country to country, making each journey feel fresh. The weather effects, like rain and snow, add extra layers of challenge, forcing you to adjust your driving style.

As you progress, you can upgrade your truck, hire drivers, and grow your own freight company, which gives the game a rewarding sense of accomplishment. I loved customizing my rig and watching my business grow. Plus, the modding community is huge, so there’s always something new to try.

That said, it’s not a game for everyone. If you’re not into slow, methodical gameplay, the long hauls might get repetitive. The cities, while detailed, can sometimes feel a bit flat compared to the scenic countryside. But if you enjoy simulation games, this one’s a gem.

Farming Simulator

I recently played Farming Simulator, and while it may seem like a simple farming game, there’s more to it than meets the eye. The sheer depth of tasks—from planting and harvesting to tending to animals and managing production chains—kept me hooked. It’s not just about farming; it’s about managing your land and business in a realistic, immersive world. 

The addition of seasonal changes and forestry brings a lot of variety to the gameplay, especially when you dive into animal husbandry or take on new crops like olives and grapes.

That said, it’s not all perfect. The game can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers, as it doesn’t do a great job of guiding you through the mechanics. The tutorial might be lacking, which makes the learning curve steeper. 

Plus, the controls and physics can be a little finicky at times, especially when handling large equipment. But if you’re patient and enjoy slower, more methodical gameplay, it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s a game you can truly lose yourself in if you’re looking for a relaxing yet challenging experience!

Goat Simulator 3

Goat Simulator 3 is absolutely chaotic in the best possible way. If you’ve ever wanted to wreak havoc as a goat, this game delivers, but with a ton more absurdity and fun. The open world is huge, and while there’s no real “goal,” the game’s freedom lets you just mess around. 

You can headbutt anything, stick your tongue to weird objects, and even fly using some of the wild outfits you unlock. The humor is spot-on, with tons of Easter eggs, gags, and references that will have you chuckling throughout.

The game’s co-op mode is a highlight, where you and up to three friends can team up for maximum goat mayhem. You can also dive into mini-games or explore the map at your own pace. 

It’s easy to pick up and play but can get repetitive after a while—especially once you’ve unlocked most of the map and toys. While the glitches and ragdoll physics are part of the charm, they can occasionally get annoying. Still, if you’re in the mood for goofy fun, Goat Simulator 3 delivers the goods.

Car Mechanic Simulator

If you enjoy tinkering under the hood and want to experience the satisfaction of fixing cars, Car Mechanic Simulator is a great fit for you. Right off the bat, the game offers a slow start where you’ll be replacing basic parts like brake pads and air filters. 

While this can feel repetitive at first, the more you play, the more freedom and variety you unlock. As your garage expands, you can dive into more complex repairs, and even find rusted cars in barns that you can restore to their former glory.

One of the highlights is the realism of the car parts and the tools at your disposal. Each repair feels rewarding, and you can customize cars to your heart’s content. However, the game does have its quirks. 

The camera can be a bit restrictive when working on parts, and some actions, like removing tires, don’t always match up with the animations. The early gameplay might also seem grindy, but once you get the hang of it, Car Mechanic Simulator offers a great deal of satisfaction for anyone willing to stick with it.

Storage Hustle

I’ve been diving into Storage Hustle recently, and I have to say, it’s a unique take on the simulation genre. You get to buy abandoned storage units at auctions, rummage through all the random items, and flip them for profit—kind of like a digital version of Storage Wars. 

The thrill of discovering rare items and haggling with buyers at garage sales is definitely fun, but the game is still in Early Access, so it has its quirks. 

On the plus side, the gameplay loop is solid. The skills you unlock are useful, and there’s a decent variety of items to find. I found myself getting addicted to auctioning and trying to haggle my way to the best deals. 

However, some mechanics could use tweaking. For instance, the moving van feels a bit underwhelming compared to the truck, and the auto-sale feature can feel OP, making it easy to make money without much effort. Plus, some players have pointed out that the haggling system and the garage sales could use improvements. 

Derail Valley

Derail Valley offers a fresh approach to train simulation, especially if you’re into VR. The game puts you in the driver’s seat, and you’re in control of the train’s operation — from managing the controls to making sure you don’t derail. 

The physics are top-notch, capturing the momentum and weight of the locomotives perfectly, making every journey feel real. The in-cab details are immersive, with interactive maps, radios, and even the papers on your desk reacting to the train’s movements. It really draws you into its world, and there’s a lot to love about its dedication to realism.

However, there are some quirks. While the scenery is decent, it lacks storytelling, and the environment could use more life and variety. Some VR users report that operating the steam locomotives can be a hassle, with awkward controls and positioning. 

There’s also no NPC competitors or dynamic events to make the world feel alive, which some hope will be added in future updates. All in all, if you’re into realistic train simulations and VR, Derail Valley is a solid choice, but it’s still evolving.

Sailwind

Sailwind is one of those games where the calm and isolation of sailing across the ocean is both its charm and challenge. After spending a few hours on it, I really appreciated the slow-paced survival elements—you’re not just sailing, you’re managing hunger, thirst, and sleep as you navigate between islands. The game gives you a sense of freedom as you take on cargo missions, fish, and explore, but it also throws in realistic obstacles like weather changes and the need for supplies. 

The sailing mechanics are pretty immersive, but you’ll need to pay attention to things like wind direction, boat handling, and cargo stability, which can be surprisingly tricky. The survival aspect can feel a bit grindy at times, especially if you’re running low on food or water, but it does build an interesting tension. 

However, the game is still in early access, so expect some rough edges—things like unfinished visuals and occasional bugs that might detract from the experience. Overall, it’s perfect for those who enjoy laid-back simulations with a touch of challenge!

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is hands-down one of the most immersive flight experiences I’ve ever had, even if it’s not perfect. First, let’s talk about the visuals: the game does an incredible job recreating the Earth in stunning detail, with landmarks and landscapes looking realistic enough to make you want to just explore. 

However, this level of fidelity can sometimes backfire. Missing textures, bizarre glitches with water and landmasses, and long load times can really break the immersion, and when they happen, it’s hard to overlook.

The gameplay itself is as complex or casual as you want it to be. Whether you’re taking on a full pre-flight checklist or just enjoying the scenery with minimal controls, the game accommodates all types of players. The planes are incredibly detailed, and the tactile experience of piloting each one is addictive. But here’s the catch: if you’re using a basic controller, expect some serious frustrations with controls that demand precision.

Customizability and Mods

Many simulator titles have robust modding communities that provide everything from visual upgrades to entirely new gameplay mechanics.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is perhaps the best example of a game that benefits from mods. Thanks to its stunning realism and open-world nature, it has attracted a massive modding community that creates everything from new airports to entire weather systems. Players can download custom aircraft, tweak the game’s physics, or even add real-world landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty. Mods can also improve graphical performance, fixing textures or enhancing details in ways the base game might not have the resources to manage.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 also shines when it comes to modding, offering an extensive collection of user-created content, from trucks and trailers to new map expansions. These mods can completely transform the game, offering new routes or even adding cities and regions that weren’t included in the base game. The ability to adjust the game’s trucks or add new customizations means that Euro Truck Simulator 2 can feel fresh long after you’ve exhausted the core content.

Another game that excels in this area is Farming Simulator. It has a dedicated community that constantly produces new vehicles, tools, and farming maps. Whether you want to upgrade your equipment with more modern machinery or challenge yourself with a new farming landscape, the possibilities are endless. The modding scene for Farming Simulator adds an entirely new dimension to the game, with mods offering everything from more realistic crops to community-designed farmhouses.

What are the most relaxing simulator games? 

When you’re in the mood to unwind, there are plenty of simulator games that offer a relaxing experience without the pressures of time-sensitive challenges. Sailwind is a standout choice for those who want to embrace the soothing rhythm of sailing, with its peaceful exploration and survival elements.

Another great option is Farming Simulator, which invites players to immerse themselves in the calming routine of running a farm. Planting crops, tending to animals, and managing resources can feel incredibly therapeutic, and the game’s slow pace allows for a meditative experience. If you prefer a more whimsical and lighthearted option, Goat Simulator is a fun, stress-free game where chaos and silliness replace complex mechanics. 

What are the best simulator games for VR?

If you’re looking to dive into simulator games with a fully immersive VR experience, there are a few standouts that take full advantage of virtual reality’s capabilities. Microsoft Flight Simulator is a top pick for anyone wanting a realistic flying experience in VR. 

Another great VR simulator is Derail Valley, a train simulator that lets you experience the complex and detailed process of operating trains. In VR, you get a true sense of scale and the weight of the locomotives, making it feel like you’re really in charge of the tracks. For a more casual experience, Euro Truck Simulator 2 also offers a great VR mode, allowing you to experience the sensation of driving a massive truck across expansive landscapes, with all the detailed controls of the rig at your fingertips..

Simulator Games Good for Beginners

For those new to the world of simulator games, starting with something easy to pick up and enjoy is key. Goat Simulator is a great entry point for beginners. It’s chaotic, fun, and incredibly simple to learn. You don’t have to worry about complex mechanics or objectives; instead, you can just have fun exploring and causing mayhem in a whimsical sandbox environment.

Another excellent beginner-friendly title is Farming Simulator. While the game does have depth, its slow-paced, methodical gameplay is perfect for players who want to ease into simulation games. You can take your time managing crops, animals, and equipment, with no strict time limits or pressure. The tutorials and manageable progression make it accessible even for those unfamiliar with simulator games.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is also a solid choice for newcomers. It offers a relaxing driving experience without complicated controls, and the game does a good job of easing players in with simple objectives. As you progress, you can dive into more complex tasks, but it’s not overwhelming at the start.