Though its origins aren’t as well documented as other video game genres, the life simulation genre has been around since at least the early 1980s, with the Commodore 64 gameLittle Computer Peoplebeing one of the genre’s first truly popular examples. This little game paved the way for some ofthe best life simulation games, and though a good few came out over the next 15 years or so, it wasn’t untilThe Simswas released in 2000 that the genre hit the mainstream.
Letting players customize their character, create their very own house, and live out their wildest suburban fantasies,The Simsbecame an immediate smash-hit and revolutionized the life simulation genre. Withevery newThe Simsor expansion pack, new mechanics and features are added that enhance the experience, and while every fan has their own favorite entry, there’s no denying that each one is at the very top of the life sim genre. ButThe Simsisn’t the only life sim series, and there are a few franchises thatSimsfans just need to check out.
RELATED:The Sims Should Bring Back Its Fun Spin-Offs
The Best Homemaking Life Sim - Animal Crossing: New Horizons
A franchise that needs no introduction,Nintendo’sAnimal Crossingseriesis one of the most popular life sims out there, and for good reason. Since its debut in 2001,Animal Crossinghas transported players away to their own fantastical village, filled with colorful residents. EachAnimal Crossinggame has given fans something new, from the ability to upgrade shops to the ability to craft new items and furniture. For those who still haven’t triedAnimal Crossing, the most accessible game in the franchise is the most recent release,Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which sees players sculpt and grow their very own island village. While some fans prefer the 3DS’Animal Crossing: New Leaf,New Horizonsdoes still offer a complete, addictiveAnimal Crossingexperience, especially following all the free updates added over the last few years.
The Best Farming Life Sim - Stardew Valley
Another life sim that doesn’t really need explaining,Stardew Valleyis one of the best comfort gamesout there, and it is also widely considered to be the best farming sim around. With a bright and beautiful pixel art style,Stardew Valleyimmediately set itself apart from the crowd when it was released all the way back in 2016. Since then,Stardew Valleyhas become renowned for its wealth of content, and its addictive core gameplay loop that sees players tend to their farm and visit the local town. As all good life sims should,Stardew Valleygives players plenty of solo adventures and social interactions to enjoy, with tons of complex characters to meet around every corner.
The Best Dating Sim - Arcade Spirits
Set in an alternate timeline where the 1983 video game crash never happened,Arcade Spiritsmay not be the first dating sim fans think of, but it’s certainly one of the best. Aside from an incredibly unique setting,Arcade Spiritsalso boasts some of the best gameplay of any visual novel, with plenty of customization, and a great variety of different choices to make, each one affecting the game’s story significantly.Arcade Spiritsis fun, lighthearted, well-written, and theperfect dating sim for a casual playerlooking to try out something new.
The Best Supernatural Life Sim - Graveyard Keeper
Possibly the most complex game on this list,Graveyard Keeperis often viewed as a simpleStardew Valleyclone, but it’s so much more. InGraveyard Keeper, rather than tend a farm, players tend a gravesite and are tasked with growing their funeral business by any means necessary.Graveyard Keeperis a much darker game thanStardew Valley, with players being allowed to make some ethically questionable decisions, such as using human meat for the town’s food supply or polluting the water by throwing bodies in it. It may not be perfect, butGraveyard Keeperis definitely unique.
MORE:Diablo 2 is an Odd, But Perfect, Inspiration for Haunted Chocolatier
