There shall be no argument if it is pointed out that “The Sims” is a fun game. Many of its avid gamers would agree. Indeed, “The Sims” is full of action, from the moment you create and dress up your Sim to giving them a promising career.
The latest game in the series, “The Sims 4,” has even added new twists to make the gameplay even more exciting. These include gender customization, terrain manipulation tools, a “wants and fears” goal system, the Infant life stage, the “Neighborhood Stories,” and so much more.
However, gamers will also agree that playing “The Sims 4” for several hours or consecutive days can be tedious. Things can get repetitive, such as sleeping and waking up daily (unless you’re a passionate fan of simulations, but who is?). So, in this list, you will learn the best alternatives for the world’s most popular life simulation game, beginning with “Second Life.”
‘Second Life’
“Second Life” is an online multimedia platform that lets players create an avatar for themselves – much like a Sim – then interact with other players and user-created content in a multi-user virtual world over the Internet. Sounds fun.
Developed and owned by Linden Lab, which is based in San Francisco, it once had around a million regular users in 2013. This game can be attributed to massively multiplayer online role-playing games or MMORPGs rather than a life simulation game at its fullest.
‘Stardew Valley’
Ah, “Stardew Valley.” While its graphics are no match for those of “The Sims 4” or any other “Sims” game, the backstory here is quite touching. Developed by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, “Stardew Valley” simulates farm life as you take on the role of a character who inherits the dilapidated farm of their grandfather, who just passed away. All is now in your hands as you preserve the legacy of your grandpapa and turn your farmland into something that attracts profits.
‘Spore’
Okay. You wouldn’t mind simulating the life of a microorganism, right? If you wouldn’t, then head over to play “Spore.” Designed by Will Wright, the same game designer behind “The Sims,” “SimCity ” and more, this is a life simulation real-time strategy god game that places action, real-time strategy, and RPGs in one box.
“Spore” lets you control a species’ development from its early phases as a microscopic organism through its development as a smart and social creature to interstellar exploration as a spacefaring culture. Yes, microorganisms who journey.
It is well-loved because of its use of open-ended gameplay and procedural generation. It was developed and published by Maxis and Electronic Arts, respectively.
‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’
Meanwhile, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” developed and published by Nintendo, is more of a social simulation game than a life simulation game. The fifth main entry in the “Animal Crossing” series, “New Horizons” will have you controlling a character who relocates to a deserted island after buying a getaway package from Tom Nook – the village store owner in the game – does the assigned tasks, and develops the island to your liking. You can collect and build items, customize the island, and develop it into a menagerie of anthropomorphic animals.
‘House Flipper’
If you are a professional in the real estate industry, you might want to consider brushing up on your skills by playing “House Flipper.” Here, you won’t deal with people but with houses.
A simulation game from Empyrean, Frozen District, and PlayWay, “House Flipper,” as the title suggests, involves fixing up spaces to create profits. You will be asked to paint, lay down tiles, install, and demolish properties. You may also fix and personalize your home, and buy houses to fix and sell. It is the perfect game to play if you get bored playing “The Sims 4,” but still want something proximate.
‘Virtual Families 2’
“Virtual Families 2” is for the family-oriented gamer. You can adopt little people and start a family. You can also make babies and have these kids inherit your house! Train your little adoptees and discipline them by praising or scolding them. These little people can send you messages, thank you, praise you for caring for them, and much more.
‘IMVU’
“IMVU” is like Facebook marrying “The Sims.” Reading that title innocently, you wouldn’t have any idea about what the game is all about. Well, “IMVU” is an online virtual world and a social networking site. Yes.
It was founded in 2004 and initially supported by various venture investors from Menlo Ventures – headquartered in Menlo Park, the home of Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to Best Buy Capital.
Members of “IMVU” use three-dimensional avatars to make friends with new people, chat with them, and create and play games. Its co-founder, Eric Ries, clarified that “IMVU” is neither an acronym nor an initialism. Intentionally, they thought of a meaningless name that “doesn’t stand for anything.” But, Ries noted that the “IM” in “IMVU” invokes instant messaging, something that they want this game to be associated with.
‘Avakin Life’
Be sure to include “Avakin Life” on your list of “The Sims 4” alternatives. Developed and published by Lockwood Publishing, this 3D life simulation computer and mobile video game allows you to create your virtual avatar, called “Avakin,” style it in the most fashionable outfits, buy and decorate your properties, and interact with other Avakins in communal spaces. Think of it as a toned-down “The Sims.”
Other impressive alternatives for “The Sims 4” are “BitLife,” “Minecraft,” “Planet Zoo,” “Cities: Skylines,” and “My Time at Portia.”
The experience with “The Sims 4” won’t always be ideal. It is not a game like “Grand Theft Auto,” so don’t expect a lot of adrenaline rush in this game. But each game has its own personality. Consider playing those alternatives discussed above if things in the game become a bit boring for you but you still want games related to “The Sims 4.”
