Farming simulators have become a kind of outlet for those who seek peace and quiet in the world of video games. They allow you to relax, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of rural life, where every day is filled with caring for the land, growing crops and caring for animals. Farm simulators give you the opportunity to escape from the bustle of the city and feel like the owner of your own virtual farm. These games are suitable for both experienced gamers and beginners, thanks to their accessibility and meditative gameplay.
From classic games to open-world projects, everyone will find something to their liking. Below is an overview of the ten most exciting projects worth trying on PC.
Farming Simulator 22 – a realistic flagship among farm simulators
Farming Simulator 22 is a benchmark product that sets standards for the genre. Developers from Giants Software released the game in 2021, and it instantly gained popularity due to its realism and variety of possibilities.
Users have at their disposal a huge arsenal of agricultural equipment from real manufacturers such as John Deere, Case IH, and New Holland. Seasonal changes introduced into the plot add dynamism: winter snowfalls, autumn leaves, and spring rains affect the gameplay. Farm management requires strategic thinking, because each cycle of planting and harvesting must be carefully planned.
Particular attention is paid to livestock: breeding cows, sheep, chickens, and horses requires regular care and thoughtful use of resources. The possibility of cooperative play allows you to manage the farm together with friends, which makes the process even more exciting. These are the features that make Farming Simulator 22 one of the best farm simulators for PC.
Stardew Valley – a pixel paradise for farmers and explorers
Stardew Valley, created by ConcernedApe, was released in 2016 and has not lost its popularity since then. This indie simulator has won the hearts of millions of players thanks to a combination of simple but addictive gameplay and charming pixel art style.
At the beginning, the hero inherits an old farm from his grandfather and moves to the town of Pelican Town. Players are engaged in planting and harvesting crops, breeding animals, fishing and crafting. A special feature of the game is the ability to establish relationships with city residents, which adds an element of social simulation. You can get married, have children and even participate in city holidays.
Ranch Simulator – open world and realistic approach
Ranch Simulator from the Toxic Dog studio offers an interesting take on the farm simulator genre. The main task is to restore the old family ranch using modern tools and equipment.
The gameplay includes the construction and repair of buildings, animal breeding and hunting. The open world provides freedom of action: you can explore the surroundings, collect resources and even hunt game. Realistic graphics and physics add atmosphere and immersion to the process.
Ranch Simulator’s special feature is its co-op mode, which allows you to team up with other users to manage a ranch. This makes the project one of the best options for those looking for open-world farm simulators.
My Time at Portia — farming and crafting in a post-apocalyptic world
My Time at Portia, developed by Pathea Games, was released in 2019 and immediately attracted attention due to its unique combination of farming, construction, and adventure. The action takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where the hero restores his father’s workshop and helps the city prosper.
The gameplay includes growing plants, caring for animals, extracting resources, and crafting items. My Time at Portia places a lot of emphasis on social interactions: making friends with city residents opens up new quests and opportunities.
The crafting and construction elements make the game dynamic and varied. That is why it is among the top farm simulators for those who like to combine farming with adventure and exploration.
The Sims 4: Cottage Living — Farm Life in the Sims World
The Sims 4: Cottage Living, released in 2021 by Maxis, adds farming elements to the popular life simulator. The expansion allows players to move to the village, raise animals, grow crops and enjoy a measured rural life.
The game offers the opportunity to care for cows, chickens and llamas, as well as participate in village fairs. Farm life in Cottage Living is filled with funny moments and everyday chores.
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town — a reboot of the farming classic
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town, released in 2020 and developed by Marvelous, is a remake of the famous Harvest Moon for Game Boy Advance. The project attracts with its simple but exciting mechanics, cozy atmosphere and the ability to slowly develop your farm.
The characters in the game have bright personalities, and social interactions play an important role in advancing the plot. It is the attention to detail and high-quality remake that make Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town one of the best farm simulators on PC.
Slime Rancher — an unusual farm simulator with cute slimes
Slime Rancher, developed by Monomi Park and released in 2017, offers a unique take on farming. Instead of traditionally growing plants and animals, players breed funny and colorful slimes on a distant planet.
The gameplay involves collecting different types of slimes, feeding them, and creating combinations to obtain rare materials. Farming simulators are rarely so creative: in Slime Rancher, the world is full of bright colors, unusual creatures, and unexpected surprises.
Farm Together is the perfect farming simulator for co-op play
Created by Milkstone Studios and released in 2018, Farm Together is a relaxing project that is ideal for playing with friends. There is no violence here, and the emphasis is on joint construction and management.
Participants can grow crops, breed animals, build buildings, and decorate their farm. A unique feature is the real-time system: even when players are not in the game, their farm continues to develop.
Flexibility in customization, a variety of decorative elements, and a convenient co-op mode make Farm Together one of the most popular farming simulators for those looking for a calm and relaxed gameplay.
Pure Farming 2018 — a technological approach to farming
Developed by Ice Flames, Pure Farming 2018 offers fans a global approach to farming. Unlike other games, here you can develop farms in different countries using unique crops and technologies. Pure Farming 2018 attracts with its graphics, a variety of mechanics and the opportunity to try yourself in the role of an international farmer.
Garden Paws — a farm simulator with adventure elements
Garden Paws, released in 2019 by Bitten Toast Games, invites players to become owners of an estate in a world inhabited by charming animals. The gameplay includes growing crops, constructing buildings, completing quests and exploring the island.
A special feature of Garden Paws is the ability to customize the character and farm. Players can choose the appearance of their hero, build and decorate buildings to their taste. Social interactions and completing tasks for the islanders add depth to the game.
Conclusion
Farming simulators on PC offer a surprising variety of mechanics and features for players of all levels. From realistic projects like Farming Simulator 22 to unusual and creative games like Slime Rancher, there is something for everyone. Projects allow you to not only relax and enjoy the measured life on a virtual farm, but also develop strategic thinking, creativity and social skills.
Deus Ex provides an opportunity to explore the world through the prism of cybernetic technologies and a non-linear plot. The main character, endowed with cybernetic implants, can improve his abilities, which directly affects the style of passage. This opens up many ways to complete missions: hacking electronic systems, stealthily moving through ventilation shafts or using a powerful arsenal of weapons.
An immersive simulator is something that gives a unique experience to the player. It allows you to feel like a part of another world, make decisions, and experiment with approaches. Such projects continue to inspire gamers to new discoveries, remaining relevant years later.
City Skylines is an opportunity not only to build, but also to solve the problems of a modern metropolis, and also to learn to balance between income and expenses. Here you can realize your dream of a city without traffic jams and environmental disasters.
Free simulators on PC are a long-awaited opportunity to try out a new experience and find something to your liking without spending a ruble. You can create, manage, explore and enjoy a wide variety of areas of life and professions. The virtual world awaits – and it is best to start with free versions, which provide maximum opportunities and pleasure without spending money.