When gamers think of simulation games, it’s fair to say that PC is the central platform of choice for most. However, there are tons of fantastic simulation games for mobile that you can play in 2024 too, offering you a similar experience on the go. Check out our list to see the five you need to try!
5. Real Flight Simulator
Credit: RORTOS
Type: Flight Simulator
Real Flight Simulator is one of the only flight simulator games on mobile, but it does a fantastic job of capturing the depth and detail you might expect from a full PC release. It doesn’t skimp on the simulation elements, with detailed checklists for takeoff and landing, detailed weather customization, and over 50 airplane models to choose from. Will it teach you to fly an actual plane? Probably not, but this is still one of the best simulation games for mobile, full stop.
4. My Time at Portia
Credit: Pathea Games
Type: Farming and Life Simulator
My Time at Portia allows you to expand your farm and town, building up your workshop through in-depth progression systems. Not only is it a great farming simulator, but with over 50 NPCs to meet and develop relationships with, My Time at Portia also has some extremely strong life simulation elements. It was a great game on consoles and PC, and it’s among the best simulator games for mobile, too.
3. The Sims Mobile
Credit: EA
Type: Life Simulator
The Sims Mobile. It’s The Sims, but smaller. You already know what to expect here – best-in-class life simulation gameplay, solid building mechanics, and extensive customization. The Sims Mobile does a fantastic job of retaining the DNA of the mainline games in the series, and it never feels as though you’re getting the watered-down version of the real thing. The fact it’s free-to-play just sweetens the deal even further, especially if you haven’t got the time to play the PC version of The Sims 4.
2. Fallout Shelter
Credit: Bethesda
Type: Construction and Management Simulator
When Fallout Shelter was first released in 2015, few could have imagined it would still be active almost a decade later. Thanks to frequent updates, this construction and management simulator, in which you create your own Fallout vault, continues to thrive. The game has mastered the addictive gameplay loop, keeping players coming back through in-depth resource management mechanics, while also embracing the wacky and zany characters that you can meet throughout the rest of the Fallout games.
1. Stardew Valley
Credit: ConcernedApe
Type: Life Simulator
Overall, Stardew Valley is probably one of the best simulation games ever made. It makes the jump to mobile platforms remarkably well, with its farming/life simulator gameplay not losing depth on smaller devices. Its pixel art style helps with this massively, as it looks just as good on Android and iPhone as on PC. Stardew Valley is a game you can get lost in if you allow yourself to. Build up your plot of land, develop relationships with others, and create a beautiful life for yourself in this classic title.