The Sims is one of the legendary game franchises and one of the most game series ever. Surprisingly, there are very few games like it – although, in the next couple of years, the competition will increase, based on recently announced titles.
Still, there are some great alternatives and/or games to try if you like playing The Sims 4 or other titles in the franchise. Check them out below in the table (but make sure to read all the descriptions!)
NOTE: I have hand-picked these titles and have not used automated pairing or systems. These are all recommendations that I am 100% sure fans of The Sims will love.
Note: We get commissions for some of the purchases made through links in this article.
Tiny Life
Tiny Life is a 2D pixel-graphics life-sim where you take control of a group of people living under the same roof. Schedule their daily tasks, upgrade their skills, and make them socialize in any way that you want.
This is, in other words, very much like The Sims – and probably one of the only games currently available to play that captures the essence of the original. Must play if you have nothing against the pixelated graphics (I love these!)
Available on: Steam
Also read: Black Friday Sales and Deals for The Sims 4.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Disney Dreamlight Valley is a hybrid between a life-sim and an adventure game rich with quests, exploration, and engaging activities featuring well known characters from Disney and Pixar.
Customizable characters, farming, home building and customizations… you will find plenty of similarities with The Sims, without DDV being a rip-off – far from it, actually. A truly enjoyable game!
Available on: Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Avakin Life
This is a virtual world simulation game that mirrors The Sims’ franchise focus on social interaction, customization, and lifestyle management.
Here, players create and personalize their avatars, build homes, develop relationships, and explore the virtual world, but at a more casual pace. A big bonus comes from the fact that Avakin Life has been around for quite some time and is still going strong (with constant updates).
Available on: PC (via its official website), Android, iOS.
Hokko Life
A life and farming sim, Hokko Life also resembles Animal Crossing, recommended below. It does has elements that make it a good alternative to The Sims, but also takes a slightly different approach in terms of gameplay and the overall scope of the game.
But it’s relaxing and cute – and that’s all that matters to me. Hop off the train and into your new life in the village of Hokko! Take over the old workshop and get creative; use crafted materials and design everything in town!
Available on: Steam, PS4, Xbox One, Switch.
Virtual Families 2
This is an older game, but one worth trying. You take over the life of a character, help them build a family, a strong career, have children, then rinse and repeat. A really cute game you can play at your own pace.
Help your little person get through the challenges of life and shape their personalities with all sorts of upgrades, from boarding school to career counseling and many more! Includes house renovations, random events and overall nice visuals.
Available on: Steam, Android, iOS.
Also read: Virtual Villagers Games in Order.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing is a game that stands out with its casual approach to gaming, focusing on management and decoration.
So if you enjoy building your house and family in The Sims, you’ll surely appreciate this game too. It’s relaxed, cozy, and colorful. A really nice alternative – but only available on one platform, which might be a con.
Available on: Nintendo Switch.
My Time at Sandrock
My Time at Sandrock is a building, sandbox, adventure life, and farming sim with a surprisingly large amount of content.
You create a character, level up skills, upgrade your house and production machines, complete quests, unlock mounts, explore dungeons, and more!
This is a follow-up to My Time at Portia, but you don’t need to play the previous game to enjoy this one. However, you can play the original as an added bonus to this list.
Available on: Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Coral Island
Another farming/life sim mix that brings all sorts of elements from The Sims and the RPG genre. Cute and relaxing, and a perfect alternative if you’re looking for something new.
Be who you want and experience enchanting island living at your own pace – live off the land, nurture animals, build relationships with a diverse cast of townsfolk, and make the world around you a better place.
Available on: Steam, Playstation, Xbox.
Also read: Best Mobile Games Like Whiteout Survival.
Bitlife: Life Simulator
OK, I have to admit that this mobile game is a bit of a stretch and, being mainly a text-based game, it might seem no fun at all. But trust me, it is very fun and addictive – and extremely complex too, with TONS of things to do, unlock and discover.
It’s a life sim that lets you control the life of a random character with random stats and make the best of it. Sometimes, your char will be the most beautiful person in the world, sometimes they will be dumb as a rock… you just have to make the most out of it and build the perfect life.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is the most popular farming/life sim game and is a must-try if you haven’t played it yet.
The main difference with The Sims series is that Stardew Valley includes pixel graphics and is a single/multiplayer game instead of being a life-sim-focused game.
Available on: Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android, iOS.
Yes Your Grace
While this game has little in common with The Sims when you first look at it, I still believe that fans of the franchise will enjoy playing it due to the life sim elements, with multiple choices and fun gameplay.
Yes Your Grace is an adventure kingdom management game that stands out due to its great story and character profiles.
Overall, similar to the Sims, it allows you to imagine and play out your life as any person you want, based on your choices. However, it lacks the character customization and most of the other features… but I still believe that you should give it a try.
Available on: Steam, Android, iOS.
Related reading: 30 Super Cozy Games to Play Today.
Life By You
Life By You is an upcoming life-sim game that will be released on June 4, 2024.
It features improved graphics and various gameplay twists compared to the Sims, with the main difference being that Life By You focuses on and prioritizes realism. Although, to me, it looks a bit dated visually – but hopefully it will be good. We’ll find out soon enough!
Keep an eye out for the game on Steam.
Paralives
Paralives is another upcoming game, with a release date set for 2025. I have to admit that I am really excited about this one, which I consider the REAL Sims alternative.
It’s a life sim RPG where your goal is to build your dream house, create your characters, and optimize their lives fully to your liking. It comes with a different visual style and has enough new elements to make everybody very excited about its release.
Keep an eye out for the game on Steam.
Vivaland
Finally, a third upcoming game (expected to launch in 2024) that promises to take on The Sims and offer a viable alternative. This one also goes heavier on realism, but also with co-op play with up to 8 friends.
Sounds really interesting – being able to live in a “city” (or at least area) populated with characters controlled by your friends.
Keep an eye out for this game on Steam.
These are my recommended games like The Sims 4. The final three are definitely the ones to be most excited about, as they seem to fully focus on battling EA’s game for the #1 spot as a life sim – but you also have plenty of other options.
Do you know another game that would be a good fit for this list? Let me and the readers know by commenting below.