7 Unique Simulation Games You Should Try Right Now

Some of the best simulation games make players forget about everything and just immerse themselves in the game world. They allow gamers to plunge into an alternative life of their fantasies - from their dream career to controlling an entire spaceship.

The simulation genre is one of the most diverse in the gaming industry, and it is very difficult to fit them all into one box. From the ever-popular flight simulators and easy-to-learn farming and cooking games to goat and cat simulators, the genre offers endless possibilities.

Here’s a quick look at some unique simulation games that are easy to play and worth revisiting.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects only the views of the author.

7 unusual simulation games that are captivating and addictive

1. Railway Empire (2018)

Developer : Gaming Minds Studio
Available on : Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux

Railway Empire allows users to build a complex network of railway lines, purchase over 40 different types of railway models and become the master of a vast railway network.

The game takes players back to the industrial era of the United States, when the economy flourished and new lands were settled. This is a game that allows you to use the economic opportunities of the New World to build extensive and profitable railway networks.

The New World featured in Railway Empire is detailed to perfection and is a spectacle in itself. Overall, this is a very fun and exciting game about managing, expanding and overseeing an entire railway network, in which players can easily lose track of time.

2. Thief Simulator (2018)

Developer : Noble Muffins
Available on : Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

A simulation game that allows users to become thieves, Thief Simulator is an extremely fun simulation game based on stealth technology and dedicated to completing heist missions. It takes players into the world of rich people, expensive cars and rare valuables.

In the game, you can scout out an area or an individual house and spy on the residents before completing robbery missions. This is not a simple thief simulation game as players must prepare a set of tools to unlock any tight security system and disable potential alarms to become the worst guy on the block.

3. Tropico 6 (2019)

Developer : Limbic Entertainment
Available on : Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, SteamOS, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, Xbox One.

The Tropico games are a variety of fun and highly addictive construction and management simulations in which players take on the role of the president of the island nation of Tropico.

Tropico 6 is considered by many to be the best of all the Tropico games. Unlike previous versions, where the island nation of Tropico only had one island to develop, Tropico 6 offers an entire archipelago of islands where players can build the nation of their dreams.

4. Farming Simulator 19 (2018)

Developer : GIANTS Software
Available on : Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PS4 and Google Stadia

Farming Simulator 19 is the best embodiment of the popular franchise. The game offers gorgeous photorealistic settings in a tranquil environment, making it a great escape. In addition, all the core gameplay elements of the Farming Simulator series are retained.

This is a game about enjoying everyday farming activities, taking care of crops, buying new fields, upgrading equipment and becoming the best farmer in town. Farming Simulator 19’s sound and ambience provide the perfect therapeutic break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

5. Euro Truck Simulator 2 (2012)

Developer : SCS Software
Available on : Microsoft Windows, Linux and macOS.

This is perhaps the most popular simulation game presented here. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a super addictive truck simulator that also has business management elements. Since its release, the game has become extremely popular and has inspired several other truck simulators that have appeared recently.

Euro Truck Simulator 2, a smaller version of satellite imagery of Europe, features countries such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, northeastern France, Germany, northern Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, western Poland, Bratislava in Slovakia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

To begin, players must select a starting location. The goal of the game is quite simple - to deliver cargo from one point to another, and as the player increases his driving experience, new regions and tasks open up. Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers players 12 different official truck brands.

Driving through the beautifully crafted European landscape in Euro Truck Simulator 2 is an enjoyable but challenging journey. Players will have to determine the shortest and easiest trade route and consider factors such as fuel, finances and truck repairs as they travel across the European landscape.

6. Not for Broadcast (2022)

Developer : NotGames
Available on : Microsoft Windows

Not for Broadcast is one of the most unique indie simulation games ever made. This is a propaganda simulation game that takes players into the fast-paced, intense life of a media company. In the game, players find themselves in the role of employees of the largest news program on television, National Nightly News.

The player’s responsibilities include selecting news feeds, censoring harmful images, and blocking obscene language before broadcasting news live. There are constant elements in the gameplay where players will have to make quick decisions behind the scenes as news headlines will be broadcast live one after another.

7. Cooking simulator (2020)

Developer : Big Cheese Studio
Available on : Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android and PlayStation 4

While there are hundreds of cooking simulation games out there, Big Cheese Studio’s Cooking Simulator is a true masterpiece. In it, users control a large kitchen that has all the ingredients and everything needed to prepare the most luxurious and gourmet dishes in the world.

This cooking simulation game involves precise measuring of every ingredient as players try to satisfy all the hungry diners. It also has some interesting elements where they can intentionally cook a bad dish, overheat the microwave, or simply break a few dishes. Overall, this is a fun and challenging simulation game.