Best Simulation Games of All Time — Ranked by Players

The best simulation games of all time, ranked by head-to-head community votes on Video Game Arena. Every position is determined by real player votes — not critics or sales figures.

Top 10 Simulation Games (Player-Voted)

  1. #1Animal Crossing: Wild World — Simulation · 2005 · Nintendo · 100% win rate (10 battles)
  2. #2Animal Crossing: New Leaf — Simulation · 2012 · Nintendo · 93% win rate (15 battles)
  3. #3Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Simulation · 2020 · Nintendo · 88% win rate (8 battles)
  4. #4Stardew Valley — Simulation · 2016 · ConcernedApe · 86% win rate (29 battles)
  5. #5TCG Card Shop Simulator — Simulation · 2024 · Mental Omega Interactive · 79% win rate (14 battles)
  6. #6Goat Simulator — Simulation · 2014 · Coffee Stain Studios · 75% win rate (4 battles)
  7. #7Dave the Diver — Simulation · 2023 · MINTROCKET · 71% win rate (28 battles)
  8. #8Shadows of Doubt — Simulation · 2023 · ColePowered Games · 71% win rate (31 battles)
  9. #9Diddy Kong Racing — Simulation · 1997 · Rare · 68% win rate (19 battles)
  10. #10The Simpsons: Hit & Run — Simulation · 2003 · Radical Entertainment · 67% win rate (3 battles)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are these rankings determined?

Every ranking on Video Game Arena is determined purely by head-to-head community votes. Two games appear side-by-side and players pick the one they'd rather play — no critic scores, no sales figures. The more votes a game wins, the higher it climbs.

Can I vote to change these rankings?

Yes! Every vote you cast at Video Game Arena directly updates the leaderboard. Head to the arena, pick your favorites in head-to-head matchups, and watch the rankings shift in real time.

How often do the rankings update?

Continuously. Every vote from every visitor recalculates the rankings immediately. The list you see now reflects all votes cast up to this moment.