What free simulators to play on PC: review of good games

In 2025, technologies are developing rapidly, offering more powerful components, but their prices are also on the rise. Many gamers dream of a top-notch PC capable of running the latest releases on ultra settings, but they are afraid it will cost them a fortune. Good news: it is entirely possible to build a powerful gaming computer that won’t break the bank and at the same time won’t compromise on graphics quality! In this article, we will explain how to approach the selection of components wisely and where you can save money to get maximum performance for reasonable prices.

What’s Better – Build a Gaming PC Yourself or Buy a Pre-built One?

In 2025, the gaming computer market offers a wide range of ready-made solutions, but a DIY approach ensures full customization to suit the user’s needs. Building a gaming computer yourself means accurately determining the necessary balance between performance and budget, avoiding overpaying for unnecessary features, and enabling future upgrades without limitations.

Pre-built systems often include irrational components, unnecessary service add-ons, and inefficient cooling. Building your own system allows you to minimize noise, optimize ventilation, and choose quality power supply suitable for the selected configuration.

List of Necessary Components for PC Assembly

To understand how to build a gaming computer, it is important to choose the right components that will be compatible with each other and ensure balanced operation of the entire system.

For this, you will need the following set of main components:

1. Central Processing Unit. In 2025, excellent performance for gaming and multitasking is provided by Intel Core 14th generation processors and AMD Ryzen 8000 series.
2. Graphics Card. For comfortable gaming with support for modern technologies, including ray tracing, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5000 and AMD Radeon RX 8000 graphics accelerators are suitable.
3. Motherboard. Models with Intel Z890 and AMD X870 chipsets provide convenient configuration of slots and connectors, allowing for future upgrades without issues.
4. Random Access Memory. Using standard DDR5 modules with a working frequency of 6000 MHz guarantees fast response and stable system operation.
5. Solid State Drive. A PCIe 5.0 SSD with a capacity of at least 1 TB significantly speeds up game and application launches.
6. Hard Disk Drive. For storing large amounts of data and game libraries, a 4 TB HDD with a rotation speed of 7200 rpm is ideal.
7. Power Supply Unit. An 850W device with an 80 Plus Gold certificate ensures reliable power delivery and stability when working with powerful components.
8. Cooling System. For effective heat dissipation and noise reduction, it is recommended to install quality air cooling or assemble a liquid cooling system.
9. Case. A compact Mid-Tower with thoughtful ventilation and cable management.

When choosing components, it is important to consider their compatibility and future upgrade possibilities. This build will allow you to enjoy modern games without limitations and easily adapt to future requirements.

How to Assemble a Gaming Computer Yourself: Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how to assemble a gaming computer will be aided by a systematic action plan. Assembly requires careful preparation and adherence to the correct order.

Preparing Tools

For proper assembly, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, an antistatic wrist strap, thermal paste, lint-free cloths, and a small organizer for fasteners. It is advisable to prepare a workspace in advance with quality lighting – this will speed up the process and help avoid mistakes.

Installing the Power Supply Unit

The assembly process starts with installing the power supply unit to conveniently route the cables. The unit is secured on the rear panel of the case, after which the cables are immediately routed to the areas where they will connect to the motherboard, processor, and graphics card.

Installing the Motherboard

After installing the power supply unit, proceed to mount the motherboard. The board is secured in the case using brass standoffs, which provide a safe distance from the metal surface. Before installing other components, connect the main power cables and front panel connectors.

Installing the Processor

Carefully install the processor into the motherboard socket, ensuring the correct orientation. After securing the protective lever on the processor cover, apply a thin and even layer of thermal paste. This step requires precision – any damage to the contact pins renders the processor unusable.

Mounting Cooling Elements

Cooling is attached to the processor strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Liquid cooling systems require installing the radiator in the top or front part of the case for optimal ventilation. Air coolers are selected based on the case height and RAM placement.

Installing Memory Modules

Install the RAM modules into the slots following the color scheme for dual-channel mode activation. Press the modules into the slots until they click into place. In 2025, modules with heat spreaders for efficient heat dissipation are preferred.

Installing the Graphics Card

The graphics card is mounted in the top PCIe 5.0 slot for maximum bandwidth. Secure the card in the case, connect the power, and check the seating tightness.

Connecting Storage Devices

The solid-state drive is installed in the M.2 slot after removing the heatsink cover. The hard disk drive is secured in the drive cage, connected with SATA and power cables. Placing the drives away from heat-generating areas ensures stable operation.

Connecting Cables

Connect the cables ensuring proper routing for optimal ventilation. Power, SATA, front panel connectors, and fans cables are routed around the case perimeter using ties. Organized cable management enhances aesthetics and facilitates maintenance.

Final Check

The final check includes verifying all connections, installation tightness, and connecting all fans. Before the first power-up, ensure there are no foreign objects inside the case.

How to Build a Gaming Computer Cost-Effectively

To build a gaming computer as cost-effectively as possible, it is important to plan purchases correctly and carefully analyze the market. This approach will help you assemble a quality system without unnecessary expenses:

1. Monitoring price aggregators allows tracking the lowest component prices.
2. Comparing offers from different stores and marketplaces helps find the best conditions.
3. Participating in seasonal sales and promotions reduces assembly costs by up to 20%.
4. Using components from the previous generation allows building a powerful computer at a more affordable price.
5. Purchasing components with minimal packaging (OEM) reduces the final cost.
6. Building without unnecessary lighting and designer embellishments allows focusing on performance without overpaying.
7. Checking compatibility on special online configurators eliminates errors and unnecessary expenses.

By following these recommendations, you will be able to build a powerful and reliable gaming computer at the most cost-effective price. This approach will allow you to efficiently allocate your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Proper Upgrade: How to Build a Gaming Computer with Upgradeability

In 2025, building with future upgrades in mind becomes the standard. The approach of how to build a gaming computer involves incorporating power and compatibility reserves:

1. Choosing a motherboard supporting multiple generations of processors.
2. Selecting a power supply unit with additional power overhead to ensure stable operation during future graphics card upgrades.
3. Acquiring a case with extra space for long graphics cards and additional fans installation.
4. Using a modular power supply unit for flexible cable routing when replacing components.
5. Installing an SSD in a free M.2 slot, leaving the second slot for future expansion.

This approach facilitates upgrades without the need for complete disassembly and minimizes costs for modernization.

Conclusion

Realizing how to build a gaming computer in 2025 requires in-depth analysis, smart component selection, and strict adherence to a step-by-step plan. Attention to detail, proper ventilation, and effective cooling create a powerful, stable, and quiet gaming system.

The genre of life simulators represents a unique gaming format in which the player gets the opportunity to control a character, shape the environment, and interact with a dynamic virtual world.

A collection of life simulators is not just a list of entertainment products on PC, but a chance to escape from everyday life into an imaginary world where you can build a house, grow crops, survive in the forest, or develop your own colony. The presented projects vary in themes and gameplay mechanics, but are united by the common goal of creating an alternative reality.

The Sims 4 — the foundation of the genre and endless life management

When it comes to iconic games in the life simulator genre, The Sims takes the lead. Players are given full control over the character, their home, career, relationships, even their destiny.

Hundreds of items, building variety, and a developed interaction system make the game endlessly replayable. Developer updates regularly expand the content: from city locations to thematic expansions. A collection of life simulators on PC is unlikely to be complete without The Sims — a project where the depth of mechanics combines with a light atmosphere and high-quality animation.

Stardew Valley — farming, socializing, and heartfelt story

The project by Eric Barone became a phenomenon thanks to the meticulous gameplay approach and well-crafted world. Starting with an abandoned farm, the player gradually restores the land, develops relationships with local residents, and explores caves for resources.

Crafting, storytelling, and RPG elements organically come together in the game. With pixel graphics and a warm visual style, the game evokes a sense of coziness.

My Time at Portia — building and exploration

A classic example of how open-world games can combine survival, quest elements, and everyday routine. The player becomes a master in the town of Portia, fulfills orders, gathers resources, expands the workshop, and participates in city life.

Colorful graphics, rich locations, and a development system make My Time at Portia an important part of the genre.

Medieval Dynasty — realism, craftsmanship, and lineage development

At the intersection of historical reconstruction and survival simulation lies Medieval Dynasty. Here, the player builds a settlement, manages daily life, hunts, builds a home, gets married, and continues the family line.

The project is unique in combining building, crafting, RPG elements, and economic management in one cycle.

House Flipper — renovation and design simulator

The project offers an unusual take on life simulators. Players buy abandoned houses, renovate them, choose finishes, interiors, and sell them for profit.

Tasks like cleaning floors, painting walls, and room remodeling are detailed. Within the collection of life simulators, House Flipper demonstrates how everyday tasks can be turned into an interesting game mechanic.

Pod — survival, farming, and science fiction

The game offers an original view on farming games, combining agricultural mechanics with survival in a post-apocalyptic biodome.

The collection of life simulators on PC is enriched by projects like Pod, exemplifying a symbiosis of open-world, science, and ecology.

Lake — a leisurely mail carrier story

Lake is a project set in a small American town in the 1980s. Players take on the role of a heroine named Meredith who delivers mail, interacts with residents, and makes decisions influencing the story.

The absence of combat, meditative gameplay, and cozy atmosphere make the game suitable for inclusion in the top life simulators, especially among fans of narrative projects.

Spiritfarer — death as a reason for life

In Spiritfarer, players act as soul guides, caring for spiritual entities on a ship, fulfilling their requests, and helping them prepare for their final journey.

The project combines crafting, building, household tasks, and touching farewell stories.

Collection of life simulators on PC with active communities: top 5

For some players, an important aspect is the presence of an active community, mods, joint discussions, and user-generated content.

• RimWorld;
• The Sims 4;
• Dwarf Fortress;
• Eco;
• Animal Shelter Simulator.

Interaction with other players, developers, and content makes the gameplay lively and constantly evolving.

Collection of life simulators on PC with different themes

Most simulators offer a wide range of themes: from rural life to interplanetary colonization.

Each of the presented games creates its own pace, story, and unique form of engagement — from crafting and planning to exploring character emotions.

Conclusion

Each collection of life simulators for PC reflects a multitude of gaming styles, tastes, and moods.

Thanks to the huge variety of mechanics, themes, and visual solutions, games have become a way to escape from everyday life, create a virtual world, and live an alternative path in the digital space.