The best simulator games in 2021

From Microsoft Flight Simulator to weird and wonderful indies

Counting down the satisfying time killers that give you insight into different worlds...

7. RISING STORM 2: VIETNAM

A hybrid between popular shooters like COD and the more hardcore mil-sims such as ARMA, Rising Storm incentivizes tactics over blind firepower. 

Available on: PC

6. NOT FOR BROADCAST

A sim that captures the fast-paced, high-stress challenges of TV production. The game's retro flavor and unusual live-action footage are a delight. 

Available on: PC

5. ARMA 3

A hugely comprehensive military sim that acts as an open-ended arena for ogranic, dynamic war stories that can be played out with friends and foes. 

Available on: PC

4. COOKING SIMULATOR

Dice, simmer, blend and season your way to culinary excellence in a quirky sim that offers far more depth than games like Cooking Mama. 

Available on: PC

3. PLANET COASTER

A park-building sim rife with nostalgic fun. Navigating Planet Coaster's highs and lows offers a fresh and often challenging simulator experience. 

Available on: PC, Xbox One, PS4

2. THE SIMS 4

Thanks to an avalanche of DLC released down the years, EA's life sim is bigger and better than ever. Be evil, be kind, be a weirdo; the game never judges you. 

Available on: PC, Xbox One, PS4

1. MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR

A visual marvel that captures the complexities of aviation in staggering style. Oh, and it also renders the entire planet while it's at it. No biggie. 

Available on: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One

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