Are you looking for games like the sims that are just as fun? This is a list of games I know you’ll absolutely LOVE if you play the sims 4.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Want to save this list? Click here to pin it!
The sims can get boring at times. It’s a sad reality that we all face from time to time.
But when that happens it’s always a good opportunity to explore some fun new games.
So, of course, you want to play something that is like the sims because you love the sims…yet different and new and exciting. I feel you.
Coming from my experience of being a sims lover and gamer the majority of my life, I’m giving you over 25 game recommendations that I’m almost certain you’ll enjoy if you like the sims.
My criteria for a game being put on this list was this:
- must be a simulation or life simulation game
- must be a PC game
- must be a game that I could spend HOURS playing (basically I forget about my life and all other responsibilties✌️)
That’s it! This means that you’ll find some unconventional and different game ideas than you what you’ve seen other lists of games like the sims. So my hope is that you find some new favorite games when reading this!
Oh, and if you’re also looking for fun ways to spice up your sims 4 gameplay because sims 4 got boring, here are a few posts of mine that will help you have more fun:
- 21+ Best Sims 4 Save Files to Add Variety to Your Game
- 75+ Sims 4 Challenges List (You’ll Never Be Bored Again)
- 27 Sims 4 Holiday Ideas To Fill Up Your Calendar (+ Sims 4 Holiday Mods)
- 100+ Sims 4 House Ideas to Inspire Your Next Build (Ultimate Sims 4 Build Ideas List)
- 29 Must-Have Mods for Sims 4 Every Simmer Should Know About
- 35 Essential Sims 4 CC Packs You Need in Your Game
Here are the best games to play that are like The Sims.
Best Games Like The Sims
Within this list of games that are like the sims, I’ve linked to where you can purchase each game. Some of which you can buy on Humble Bundle.
It’s an incredible gaming website where you can buy popular games and a portion of what you spend goes to a charity of your choosing!
When you buy the game, you’ll get a key to redeem on your regular gaming platforms like Steam, Origin, Ubisoft, etc. It’s totally legit and helps to support those in need!
You can shop Humble Bundle here and learn about their Humble Choice Subscription where you’ll receive 10 games a month for a super cheap monthly fee and discounts on almost all games (including Sims 4 packs!!)
1. Farmer’s Dynasty
Farmer’s Dynasty is a farming life simulation game where you’ll take care of all aspects of running a farm.
How this game is like The Sims:
- build relationships with people in an open world setting
- marry and have kids
- care for crops & animals then sell them
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you love The Sims 4 Cottage Living.
2. The Tenants
In The Tenants, you’ll buy real estate, become a landlord, manage your tenants, and complete apartment renovations.
How this game is like The Sims:
- design and decorate using a similar build/buy mode
- cartoon art style
- quirky characters
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like building and decorating in The Sims.
3. Hokko Life
Hokko Life is a life simulation game with an adorable art style where you build a new life in a tiny village. I like to think of this one as the computer version of Animal Crossing!
How this game is like The Sims:
- build relationships with villagers in an open world setting
- build collections of fish, bugs, etc.
- design, build, and decorate homes for villagers
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like both The Sims and Animal Crossing.
4. Project Highrise
This is one of my personal favorite games like the sims! I’ve put over 150 hours into it. I have so many good memories of playing this game over the past few years.
In Project Highrise, you are in charge of building up and managing a skyscraper. You’ll receive rent payments for putting stores, hotel rooms, offices, etc. into your tower.
The campaign mode is how I usually play, but there is a sandbox mode for people who like more freeform gameplay. I recommend getting some of the DLC if you can!
How this game is like The Sims:
- design your building
- mangepeoples needs & requests
- run businesses
- DLC expansions for more content
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like managing businesses in The Sims or the classic SimTower.
5. Spiritfarer
Spiritfarer is a cozy game full of incredible storytelling with insanely good reviews.
How this game is like The Sims:
- ability to farm, mine, fish, harvest, cook, weave, and craft
- create relationships with various characters throughout the game
- build and improve your ferry
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like the lore and storytelling of The Sims.
6. My Time at Portia
In this post-apocalyptic game, you’ll be fulfilling quests and restoring a workshop while creating relationships with the people around town.
How this game is like The Sims:
- build relationships with people in an open world setting
- care for crops & animals
- design your home and workshop
- level up skills
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like lore, completing collections, and/or legacy challenges.
7. My Time at Sandrock
And from the same creators of My Time at Portia, My Time at Sandrock is another post-apocalyptic life simulator. This time the game is set in a desert environment (and comes with improved graphics!)
Unfortunately, this game has not been released yet. I’ve been anxiously awaiting a release date for what feels like YEARS at this point.
From what I understand, the game is being developed in China and they’re having a difficult time getting a rating from the Chinese government which is required for release.
As soon as that has been completed, they should start to go into early access. YAY!
How this game is like The Sims:
- build relationships (including romance!) with people in an open world setting
- level up skills
- design your home and workshop
- care for crops
- backstories for everyone in the town
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like lore, Strangetown and/or completing collections in The Sims.
8. House Flipper
If it isn’t already obvious by the name, House Flipper is a game where you’ll be buying, repairing, and remodeling various homes.
There are quite a few DLC packs that go along with this game too (here’s my favorite!), so make sure you check those out as well!
How this game is like The Sims:
- simulation game
- fixer upper challenge anyone?
- decorate and design homes
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like building and decorating in The Sims.
9. No Time To Relax
No Time to Relax is a multiplayer life simulation game. You’ll compete against each other to win at the game of life!
How this game is like The Sims:
- your character can have activities and hobbies
- your character must work and go to school to get ahead
- save money to get new home decor
- random terrible things can happen
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you liked, or if you’re too young to remember, like the idea of The Sims Online.
10. Mineko’s Night Market (Upcoming Release)
Mineko’s Night Market is a simulation adventure game that focuses on celebrating Japanese culture.
You’ll go on quests and help to restore a struggling village.
How this game is like The Sims:
- build relationships with people in an open world setting
- craft items to sell
- lore and storytelling
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like The Sims 4 Snowy Escape and Stardew Valley.
11. Stardew Valley
If you’re a sims player and you haven’t heard of Stardew Valley, you may as well be living under a rock.😂
But to try and sum it up for those who haven’t, Stardew Valley is a seasonal life simulation game where you are able to farm, craft, and build relationships with people in your village.
It’s an ICONIC game at this point with rave reviews. I personally have 450 hours put into this game!
How this game is like The Sims:
- build relationships with people in an open world setting
- marry and have kids
- care for crops & animals then sell them
- craft things to sell
- seasons
- design your home & farm
- build up collections of items you find around the town
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you’re a living, breathing human. How could you not like this game???
12. Raft
Raft is an open-world survival game where you work to build a floating home.
How this game is like The Sims:
- crafting
- building
- explore area around you to find resources
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you liked The Sims 2 Castaway Stories or Sims 4 Island Living.
13. GameHouse Time Management Games
This is one of what I would consider an “unconventional pick” for this list because these aren’t exactly life simulation games, they’re time-management.
But each of the games has aspects that I think someone who plays the sims would enjoy.
I, myself, have played Gamehouse games since I was a very little girl, around the same time that I really got into The Sims. So, maybe you’ll like them too!
The Gamehouse time-management games are level-based games where you’ll play through an adorable story and then complete tasks whether that be running a restaurant, running a salon, or working in a hospital. It all depends on which one you’re playing!
How this game is like The Sims:
- story and time-progression
- running a business
- cute art style
Some of my favorite Gamehouse time management games are:
They’re also now available as mobile games!
You’ll probably enjoy these games if you like interesting stories, progression, and running businesses in The Sims.
14. Medieval Dynasty
Medieval Dynasty is a medieval life simulator game where you build up your community to survive the Middle Ages.
How this game is like The Sims:
- all four seasons with weather
- crafting
- build relationships with NPCs
- create a family and choose an heir
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like legacy challenges and historical, open-world games.
15. Travellers Rest
In Travellers Rest, you’ll play as an innkeeper working hard to upgrade and manage your inn.
How this game is like The Sims:
- build relationships with customers
- design your inn
- raise crops and craft new drinks
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like running a business and farming in The Sims.
16. Paralives (Upcoming Release)
If you’re a simmer who hasn’t heard about Paralives, where have you been??
Paralives is an upcoming life simulator that is VERY similar to The Sims. It’s an indie game that is still in development.
From what I understand, the developers are working to improve upon The Sims franchise and hoping to give players features that they have wanted from EA for a long time.
I’m not even going to attempt to create a list of ways Paralives is like The Sims because it’s essentially the same game, but with added features and a different art style.
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like The Sims.
You can’t preorder the game yet; however, since this is a game made by a completely independent team, you can support their Patreon for a few bucks a month!
17. Little Lives
Little Lives is a simplistic life simulation game. You’ll start your life living in a hotel and balance your time to climb the ladder to luxury.
I like to think of this game as a more casual and basic version of The Sims.
How this game is like The Sims:
- take care of your character’s needs like eating and sleeping
- decorate your apartment
- get a job
- make friends
- work your way to the top
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like the Rags to Riches challenge.
18. Snowtopia: Ski Resort Tycoon
In this game, you’ll plan, build, and improve a ski resort.
How this game is like The Sims:
- building
- adorable art style
- keep people happy
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like The Sims 4 Snowy Escape.
19. The Game of Life 2
You’ve probably played The Game of Life board game as a kid, but now you can play it on your computer.
In The Game of Life 2, you compete against other players to live the best life possible whether that means hoarding money, finding happiness through hobbies, or marrying and having lots of kids. It’s all up to you…and a little luck!
How this game is like The Sims:
- choose a life path
- marry and have kids
- get a job
- make and save money
This game is also available as a mobile game now in the app store!
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like playing legacy challenges!
20. Youtubers Life OMG! Edition
In Youtubers Life, you attempt to become a super successful Youtuber by creating videos and gaining subscribers.
You have the option to choose which type of Youtube channel you want to create and each comes with its own challenges.
How this game is like The Sims:
- customize your character
- build up a social media following
- climb the ladder of a career
- manage time and money
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like watching people play The Sims on Youtube.
21. Growing Up
Growing up is a life sim game where you’ll play your entire life from being a toddler to adulthood. Every single playthrough will have you facing different challenges and meeting new characters!
How this game is like The Sims:
- skill system
- make friends
- go to school and work
- endless stories to create
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like playing Sims 3 Generations and following a sim throughout their entire life.
22. No Place Like Home
No Place Like Home is a post-apocalyptic farm building game.
How this game is like The Sims:
- recycling and crafting
- building your farm
- grow crops and make food
- decorate your home
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like Sims 4 Cottage Living and Sims 4 Eco Lifestyle.
23. The Good Life
In The Good Life, you’re playing journalist Naomi Hayward who has accepted a job to uncover the mystery of a small English town, in hopes that she’ll be able to repay her massive debts once she completes the task.
How this game is like The Sims:
- take care of your character
- talk to locals
- explore the town
- take photos to post on social media
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like The Sims 4 Cottage Living.
{RELATED POST: The Cutest Sims 4 Cottagecore CC (Perfect for Cottage Living Gameplay)}
24. Watch Dogs 2
Here we have another one of my unconventional picks, but it might end up being a game that you’ll play for hours on end.
Watch Dogs 2 is an open-world game set in San Fransisco where you’ll play as Marcus, a hacker who is attempting to hack into and take down an invasive program affecting citizens.
How this game is like The Sims:
- develop and level up skills
- gorgeous graphics
- explore the world around you
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like the Engineering or Tech Guru careers in The Sims 4.
25. Sun Haven
Sun Haven, in my opinion, is the medieval and magical version of Stardew Valley. Your goal is to make an old town thrive again.
How this game is like The Sims:
- farming, fishing, cooking, & crafting
- adorable art style
- become romantic with a townsperson and get married
- decorate your home
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like Stardew Valley and supernatural/occult gameplay in The Sims.
26. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
My last, and likely most unconventional pick, for this list of games like the sims.
In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you’ll play as a Viking building up a settlement during England’s dark ages.
How this game is like The Sims:
- create & grow your settlement
- explore an open world
- level up your skills
You’ll probably enjoy this game if you like STUNNING graphics and incredible storytelling.
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best games like the sims! I know a few of them might have seemed random, and much different than what you’ve seen on other lists like this, but I know you’ll have a BLAST if you give them a chance.
Don’t forget to check out Humble Bundle and let me know in the comments which of these games you ended up playing!
This post was all about the Best Games like The Sims.
Other Posts You May Like: