You’ve probably seen many popular games that involve more immersive gameplay for you to escape everyday life. Social simulation games are a subgenre of RPGs that allow you to create relationships with characters within the game and build a community! him him

If you’re into types of games like this but need more ideas on which ones to start playing, you’ve come to the right place! Here are 15 popular social simulation games that are fun to play:

15. Roblox (PC, Xbox One, iOS, Android)

Roblox | Official Trailer (2020)

Roblox is a popular online gaming platform that allows you to play games with others and create games of your own! It’s a fun way to connect with thousands of gamers around the world, create a community, and involve yourself in social interaction! It’s free and available for anyone to use on a PC, Xbox One, or mobile device!

Playing with friends and getting involved in a growing community has never been more fun with this popular gaming site!

14. Story Of Seasons: Pioneers Of Olive Town (Nintendo Switch)

STORY OF SEASONS: Pioneers of Olive Town - Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Story Of Seasons: Pioneers Of Olive Town is an indie game that involves the main protagonist following their dreams to move from city life to a cozy town setting. This game is part of the Harvest Moon series!

Pioneers of Olive Town involves activities such as farming land, decorating, customizing your character, and interacting with your fellow neighbors! This game is perfect for relaxing and following a calming plotline. It’s currently available only for Nintendo Switch users. 

13. Miitopia (Nintendo Switch)

Miitopia - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Miitopia is a single or multiplayer adventure game recently made available to Nintendo Switch users in May 2021. This game allows you to create your own Mii character and play with friends as you explore the world of Miitopia.

If you love fighting against evil, discovering new lands, and finding treasure, this game is perfect to play with friends or just by yourself!

12. My Time At Portia (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PS4)

My Time At Portia - PC Launch Trailer (Steam & Epic Games Store)

My Time At Portia is a popular indie farming game that takes place in the post-apocalyptic town of Portia. You’ll be able to explore Portia, discover lost relics, and find new people throughout. You’ll craft items, complete quests given by Portia’s citizens, and find ways to improve the town!

This game is super fun to play when you need to escape to a new world of adventure! 

11. Adopt Me! Roblox (PC, Xbox One, iOS, Android)

HALLOWEEN UPDATE!  JESSE HERE?!  Adopt Me! on Roblox

Adopt Me! Roblox is a type of server game on Roblox that allows you to adopt cute pets in a magical world and play with friends! Frequent updates are running through the server, so you are guaranteed a unique experience often!

If you need a carefree, adorable experience, then I would definitely recommend this game!

10. The Sims 3 (PC, PS3, Android)

The Sims 3 Official Trailer

The Sims 3 is a life simulation game where you can create your sims in Create-A-Sim! From there, you’ll be able to change your sims’ ages, facial structure, body build, and even personality! You can also build homes for them or move them into pre-existing ones! You can also assign them careers and help them earn money!

Experience more from The Sims 3 by adding expansion packs or other special packs to the game! This game is great if you want to experience endless skills, careers, family relationships, etc! 

9. Fallout Shelter (PC, Xbox One, PS4, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch)

Fallout Shelter - Announcement Trailer

Fallout Shelter is a social simulation game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world caused by an atomic bomb explosion. Your task is to provide the remaining survivors with refuge in a secured vault and help create a community again. You’ll need to keep the vault dwellers happy, provide food for them, etc.

If you like post-apocalyptic games and helping build civilizations up again, then this game would be perfect for you! 

8. The Sims Freeplay (iOS, Android)

The Sims FreePlay Trailer

The Sims Freeplay is a free mobile game that allows you to create and care for your sims right from your mobile device! You can build relationships with other sims within the game and grow a family! You can bring your design skills to the game by decorating your sim’s home interior!

This game is perfect for on-the-go entertainment and if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to the popular Sims games!

7. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (iOS, Android)

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Official Trailer

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a mobile game that brings you to a land of new opportunities! You can customize your character and explore your new campsite to share with your other cute villagers! You can harvest fruit, collect fish and bugs, decorate your campsite, earn bells, and create a community!

The camping life in this adorable game is worth experiencing! It is free and perfect for on-the-go gaming!

6. Cozy Grove (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PS4, iOS)

Cozy Grove - Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Cozy Grove is an indie, social simulation game that lets you meet new characters and explore the haunted, ever-changing lands of an island called Cozy Grove! Here you will find new hidden treasures, craft items, and gain relationships. 

Bring life back into the island and help discover all of its mysteries! You won’t want to miss out on this adorable adventure! 

5. Animal Crossing: New Leaf (Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo 3DS - Animal Crossing: New Leaf Trailer

Animal Crossing: New Leaf is the second newest installment of the popular social simulation game. This game adds newer, more realistic features compared to previous versions, which creates more immersive gameplay for you! New Leaf gives you more control as it allows you to choose which layout you’d like for your town, and also introduces a more diverse selection of villagers!

Although it’s only available on Nintendo 3DS, if you enjoy Animal Crossing, then New Leaf is a great game choice for you! 

4. Spiritfarer (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PS4)

Spiritfarer - Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Spiritfarer is an indie social simulation game that follows a young girl named Stella. She is given the task of recruiting new spirits to come aboard her ship and help them heal from their past experiences so that they’re able to move on to the Afterlife. You’ll maintain different relationships and learn more about each spirit you encounter, making it a very emotional gameplay experience.

Spiritfarer is one of my personal favorites as you create deep, emotional bonds with your fellow spirit friends. If you need a good cry or just a cozy atmosphere, Spiritfarer is the perfect game for that.

3. The Sims 4 (PC, Xbox One, PS4)

The Sims 4: Official Launch Trailer

The Sims 4 is a life simulation game and it’s the newest installment of Sims games. This game offers a more realistic gameplay experience as it has better animations than previous versions. It offers tons of new Create-A-Sim traits for you so you can create more complex personalities for your sims! They’ve also added numerous building elements for you to enjoy!

With The Sims 4’s many expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs, you’ll want to play this game nonstop! 

2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)

Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch Trailer - Nintendo E3 2019 

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the latest installment of the ever-growing popular game! This game starts with your character earning a one-way ticket to your new island! You can choose your island layout and randomly be assigned a national fruit for your island! You’ll meet new villagers along the way and can convince your favorites to move to your growing island community!

The New Horizons game just recently updated to brand new cool features for your island. Get the game to try them all out! 

1. Stardew Valley (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PS4, iOS, Android)

Stardew Valley - Trailer (Nintendo Switch)

Stardew Valley is a popular indie social simulation game that follows your character as they go from living the boring office life, to inheriting their grandpa’s farm after he passes away. They move to the new farm, (that you have the ability to name) and meet all the citizens that inhabit the town! 

You’re able to do fun activities such as harvesting crops and wood, raising livestock, mine in the caves, and even discovering mysterious magic that occupies the deep woods! If you love games like this, then give it a try and discover the world of Stardew Valley!