The Sims game series has long captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. The idea of building a virtual life, developing characters, creating homes, managing careers, and personal relationships turned out to be so appealing that over the years of the franchise’s existence, many analogs and alternatives have appeared. Below is a review of games similar to Sims that can offer an engaging life simulation experience with various mechanics and features. These projects will appeal not only to fans of the series but also to those seeking new experiences in the life simulation genre.
1. Life is Strange — virtual life with elements of drama
Life is Strange is an adventure quest with elements of life simulation. Although this game focuses more on interactive storytelling and decision-making, it combines elements similar to Sims: relationships with characters, development of storylines, and the user’s choices influencing the fate of the characters.
Similarity:
Relationships: maintaining relationships with surrounding characters is important in the game, reminiscent of social interactions in Sims.
Life choices: every decision affects the course of events, similar to how choices in Sims can impact a character’s career and personal life.
Character management: the user controls the main character, her career, education, and personal interactions.
Life is Strange introduces elements of drama and magic to the genre, where decisions are not always obvious, but they have a significant impact on the game’s development, making it a unique alternative.
2. Stardew Valley — farming simulator with social life elements
Stardew Valley is a perfect example of a game similar to Sims but with a focus on farming and agriculture. Here, users can engage in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, improving farm buildings, and interacting with neighbors.
Why Stardew Valley is a worthy alternative:
Construction and decoration: like in Sims, you create and enhance space, in this case — the farm.
Relationships: the game has a system of interaction with local residents, with the possibility of developing romantic relationships, adding a social life element.
Management: you manage not only the farm but also your resources, time, and relationships with neighbors.
A simplified yet deep life simulator, it allows you to experience a unique blend of creativity and strategy.
3. The Sims Mobile — mobile version with the ability to recreate real life
The Sims Mobile offers a compact yet full version of the game for mobile devices. Although it is an analog, it retains all the key elements: character creation, career management, relationships, and home.
Similarity parameters:
Character creation: you create unique characters with different characteristics and appearances.
Development: characters can build their careers, establish relationships, and engage in household chores.
Construction: home decoration and design remain at the core of the gameplay.
Although the mobile version has fewer customization options, it remains an excellent way to enjoy life simulation in a more compact form.
4. Cities: Skylines — city management with life planning elements
Cities: Skylines is a city planning simulator that allows you to build and manage an entire metropolis. While the game does not focus on the personal lives of characters, it beautifully illustrates similar management elements present in Sims — construction, infrastructure development, and resource ownership.
Characteristics:
Construction: you can design and build urban areas, reminiscent of creating homes in Sims.
Management: like in Sims, it is important to allocate resources wisely, monitor the economy, and the city’s quality of life.
Atmosphere: the project allows you to create unique cities, giving the user complete freedom in decision-making.
This is an excellent alternative for those who want to create and manage not just a home but an entire city.
5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons — virtual life on an island
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulator where players arrange their island, build homes, develop relationships with animal neighbors, and participate in various activities. Similar to Sims, the focus is on everyday tasks and creating a cozy world.
Similar elements:
Construction and decoration: an important part of the process involves creating and decorating space.
Social interactions: you can build friendly relationships with other island residents and develop them, resembling NPC relationships in Sims.
Time and resource management: a dynamic time system where you need to plan your actions correctly and manage resources.
Players who enjoy building and decorating in a virtual setting will find Animal Crossing: New Horizons an interesting choice.
6. My Time at Portia — construction simulator with survival elements
My Time at Portia transports players to a post-apocalyptic world where construction and world restoration take center stage. Unlike Sims, this similar game includes survival and adventure exploration elements, but common features such as construction, management, and character development are present.
Similarity:
Construction: players restore their workshop and the city, creating various items and structures.
Characters: interacting with other city residents is similar to relationships in Sims.
Resources and management: you need to manage resources, maintain the workshop, and develop the character.
My Time at Portia is suitable for those who want to combine life simulation elements with survival and adventure.
7. Planet Coaster — amusement park management
Planet Coaster allows you to build and manage amusement parks. Although the concept is not considered a classic life simulator, it includes elements of a game similar to Sims: construction, management, and attention to detail.
Characteristics:
Construction: creating and personalizing attractions and leisure areas.
Management: taking care of park guests, monitoring their mood, and managing financial flows.
Design: attention to external appearance and details is important, similar to Sims.
The game is aimed at those who love to build and manage but want to immerse themselves in a unique world of entertainment.
Games Similar to Sims: Alternatives in the World of Life Simulators
Games similar to Sims offer players various life simulation options, from farms and cities to islands and amusement parks. These projects equally emphasize elements of construction, resource management, character development, and creating unique worlds. Each of the featured games allows players to immerse themselves in virtual life, but with different approaches and focuses.
Those who want to experience all the visual features of the project will need more powerful components. The recommended settings include an Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor. The ideal configuration for RAM is 32 GB of DDR5, which will ensure the best smoothness and speed of the modulator.
Despite the high system requirements for PCs, inZOI can already be considered one of the most anticipated new releases of 2025 in the life simulation genre. The graphics, gameplay, and realism of the characters are expected to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning players. It is important to prepare for the release of the project in advance, taking into account the minimum and recommended system requirements stated by the developers of inZOI.
The choice of the project depends on the user’s preferences and the goals they pursue. If you want to feel the spirit of racing, you should pay attention to racing simulators with high speed and dynamics. For those interested in cargo transportation, games like Euro Truck Simulator 2 or American Truck Simulator are suitable.
Driving simulators on PC are not only entertainment, but also a useful tool. They help develop reaction, planning skills and attentiveness, and also allow you to relax while traveling on virtual roads.