12 best life simulation games on PC if you like The Sims 4

For many of us, games are a way to escape reality. Thanks to them, we can take on the roles of different heroes and embark on dangerous adventures to save the world. On the other hand, some titles are concerned with the mundane, down-to-earth experience.

Life simulation games on PC belong to the latter category. They usually lack an outlined plot and provide relaxing gameplay instead of action-packed combat scenes. One of its most popular genre representatives is EA’s The Sims franchise, which has long enabled players to express themselves by creating stories of virtual people.

Best life sim games on PC

This list contains the best life sim games that will be right up the alley of those who love playing with life. Whether you want to become an omnipotent god or a YouTuber, you’re bound to find something for yourself. Without further ado, let’s begin our lineup of life simulation games like the Sims 4!

Stardew Valley (Included with PC Game Pass)

Without a doubt, Stardew Valley is popular among life sim games connoisseurs. It’s hardly surprising, though. This seemingly simple farming game provides hours of fun with its engaging gameplay loop. Besides, it’s pretty affordable and runs well even on budget laptops.

As for its features, it’ll naturally allow you to take care of your farm. However, cultivating the crops is only one of many possible options. Some of them include raising animals or making your winery. Moreover, you can engage in different side activities, such as mining or fishing. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy it.

If you’d like to try Stardew Valley but paying the full price is not an option, consider joining PC Game Pass. It’s a Microsoft subscription service that allows users to access an ever-growing library of games. Moreover, the first month costs only $1 for new members.

Still unconvinced? Look at a list of the top indie games on XGP to see how many excellent titles are included in the offer.

Disney Dreamlight Valley (Included with PC Game Pass)

Have you ever wondered what Disney’s answer to Animal Crossing would look like? Then, your wish has been granted. In Dreamlight Valley, you create your little paradise alongside iconic characters such as Mickey the Mouse, Goofy, and WALL•E. Besides decorating your home and neighborhood, you can fish, cook, garden, and more.

In addition, the game’s clock is synchronized with the real one, much like in Nintendo’s production. Hence, don’t be surprised to see heroes sleeping when you try to visit them at midnight. Overall, while it may not be for everyone, fans of life simulation games on PC will certainly enjoy it. 

Coral Island (Included with PC Game Pass)

If you wish you could try Animal Crossing, you should give Coral Island a go. Although it’s a very traditional farming game in many regards, the setting makes it unique. The game transports you to a picturesque town surrounded by coral reefs, which are endangered due to the recent oil spill. Fortunately, you can plunge into the water and help make the island a better place for townsfolk and wildlife.

Additionally, the visuals are impressive, particularly the hand-drawn portraits of the locals. The developers also ensured that the cast of characters was varied, so everyone could find someone relatable.

The Guild 3

To experience life as a European medieval burgher, you should try The Guild 3. Your main goal in the game is to create a family dynasty that will be as successful as it is long-lasting.

Generally, the gameplay focuses on developing your own business. However, you decide whether you’ll be an honest craftsman or bribe officials and act to the detriment of your competitors. During the play-through, you can join various guilds and associations, allowing you to develop your abilities. It is unquestionably a must-play for those looking to immerse themselves in one of the most authentic Middle Ages life sim games.

Hokko Life

Looking at Hokko Life, it’s apparent that it’s drawn inspiration from the latest Animal Crossing installment more than any other title on this list. They indeed have a lot in common, from anthropomorphic animal townsfolk to the crafting system. However, writing it off as a cheap clone would be unfair. The game undeniably has its advantages.

Some features are more developed than in Nintendo’s production; for example, the furniture design tool gives much more creative freedom. Moreover, players can roam more freely around the world and are not bound to real-time, so they can progress at their own pace.

Calico

Calico is a cozy game where players run their coffee shop filled with animals, including cats, dogs, and raccoons. Naturally, everything starts with character creation. Then, you’re ready to experience the cutest world in all its glory.

During the gameplay, you can befriend cuddly creatures, decorate the cafe, and prepare delicious pastries. One of the most noteworthy features is customization, as the game is brimming with collectible clothes, accessories, and furniture. All in all, its slow pace and low stakes make Calico an excellent title for winding down.

Potion Permit

In the Potion Permit, you’ll take on the role of a chemist who’s not just any specialist but the best in their trade. Moreover, an important task lies ahead of you, as you have to cure the mayor’s daughter. In the meantime, however, you need to treat the residents of Moonbury.

You have a lot on your plate, from diagnosing patients to finding ingredients for medicine. To make matters worse, the world is unsafe, with many monsters swarming in the forest. But if you succeed, you can brew remedies in your cauldron, saving yet another villager.

WorldBox: God Simulator

As you can probably guess, this game will let you become the almighty creator, exercising control over the entire world. It is entirely up to you whether you choose to be merciful and take care of people or bring plagues, chaos, and destruction upon them.

Firstly, you create your own land that, over time, will be populated by animals and intelligent beings, such as humans, elves, and orcs. The latter have distinguishing characteristics and architectural styles. Moreover, with progress, civilizations may engage in conflict, dissatisfied with their present position. The best part is that you can actively support one of the parties instead of passively watching.

Kynseed

At first glance, Kynseed might seem a bit similar to pixel art games like Animal Crossing, but it’s even more ambitious with its engaging hands-on mini-games and a world where everyone is progressively getting older. The premise is to grow your family’s legacy by focusing on one or more activities, including running a business, farming, and cooking.

You can also battle terrifying creatures if you’re feeling particularly daring. The combat combines real-time and turn-based systems, making fighting a very enjoyable experience. We must mention that some gameplay elements are yet to be implemented in the future. Nevertheless, it’s worth supporting the developers in creating one of the most complex and visually stunning life simulation games on PC.

The Sims 3 (Included with PC Game Pass)

Well, it would be a crime not to mention at least one installment of The Sims series on the list of the best life simulation games, and since neither the first nor second are currently available for sale, let’s focus on The Sims 3. This installment completely transformed the franchise by introducing an open world, story progression that made sure your neighbors lived their own lives, and a color wheel that allowed players to change objects like never before.

However, these revolutionary features hugely impacted the game’s performance. Even today, some high-end computers can’t run it perfectly. Nonetheless, we highly recommend trying it out for two reasons. Firstly, if you’re in search of games like the Sims 4, there is no better option. Secondly, its gameplay is more complex in some aspects than the latest entry.

Cozy Grove

Cozy Grove is certainly one of the most wholesome games on the market. Simply put, it’s an indie take on Animal Crossing that will be ideal for those who prefer to play for a short period each day rather than 8-hour sessions. New tasks come daily, encouraging you to check out your island regularly.

Furthermore, it’s synced to real-world time, allowing players to enjoy the changing seasons and special holidays. This adorable life sim game will undoubtedly satisfy your needs if you’re looking for some relaxation after a tiring day at work.

Youtubers Life and Youtubers Life 2

If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at being a YouTuber but never had the guts to do so, why not take the chance in the virtual world? In the Youtubers Life series, you’ll build your own channel from the ground up, starting by creating videos in your parents’ house.

As you progress, you begin to lead a more lavish lifestyle, attending exclusive parties and hanging out with the most significant content creators. The games offer various options regarding your character, house, and channel. As for the latter, you can choose between a few themes, including gaming, fashion, or music.

That concludes our lineup of the best life simulation games. Do you enjoy this kind of play? Have you tried any of our top picks? Tell us which one is your favorite in the comment section down below.