5 Best Life Simulation Games on Xbox Series X & PlayStation 5

It's no secret that people often fantasize about what it would have been like to take a different path in life. Simulation games are a way to play through different types of lifestyles from the comfort of your couch. These games often let you take on unique roles such as tending to a graveyard of living off of fishing. By providing you will unique looks into different parts of life, you can feel out your dream lifestyle. Even if you want to live as a fantasy creature like a vampire, the games below have you covered.

5. The Sims 4

The Sims 4 is a huge game where you can choose to live your life and have the family you've always wanted. The franchise lets you literally play with life. You also have the ability to challenge yourself and build a stable life. The base game itself contains a ton of different content, but EA is constantly putting out DLC that lets you expand upon the world and bring in even more content.

If you wish, you can buy DLC that lets you become a vampire, a werewolf, or even live out your cottagecore dream. Thanks to all the different lifestyle packs, you can even mix and match. If you want to have a college vampire love story, then simply use the corresponding DLC. If you get bored of playing normally, then you can indulge in challenges. These are often player made and involve reaching certain goals. One of the most popular player challenges is having 100 babies.

4. Moonglow Bay

Moonglow Bay is an indie voxel simulation game that takes you in an interesting direction. Instead of being a spry young farmer, you're an old fisher. You lost your partner several years ago, and want to find the truth about their fate. The town around you also needs to be revitalized. To do so, you need to hop on your fishing boat, and begin making money. The fishing mechanics in the game are extremely satisfying. There is a large list of catches and several areas to explore.

The main story of the game will take center stage. In order to unlock new areas, you will need to complete quests. This will lead you to fight bosses by using your fishing tools and uncover the truth of the myths around town. There are also several side quests you can partake in and an aquarium to fill. The game is free for Game Pass users, so it's easy to jump into for many Xbox players.

3. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is an expansive farming simulation that moves you to Pelican Town. Here you are able to start a life as a farmer and potentially find the love of your life. Outside of farming, you can mine, fish, and engage in combat, giving you a plethora of different ways to spend your time. One of the best ways to play the game is by creating a balance. You will want to farm, get to know the town and make your way through the mines. If you want to get married as well, you will also want to get to know all of the marriage candidates.

If you don't want to go at it alone, then you can play co-op. Co-op mode doesn't restrict gameplay at all, and players can be in different parts of the map. There are several different starting maps to choose from and tons of ways to decorate your house. Stardew Valley has long been looked at as the pinnacle of farming sims. The game's lore and characters are gripping, as is its addictive gameplay. Best of all, the game's creator still wants to keep updating it with new content.

2. Graveyard Keeper

Graveyard Keeper is a comical simulation title with plenty of dark humor. In the game, you play as a man who's been transported back in time. You are given control of the local graveyard and church, where you will make your living. Your job is to build yourself up by making money and collecting supplies. While doing this, you need to progress the game's main quest to make the way back to the love of your life. To do this you will need to handle corpses, sell questionable meat, and learn alchemy.

The game has tons of recipes and an impressive skill tree. Along with its fun systems, there is a lot of lore and additional DLC content. For example, Breaking Dead lets you use zombie automation. If you want to run a tavern, then you can purchase Stranger Sins. While this game doesn't offer co-op or customization, it is an enthralling sim. Most games shy away from darker topics, which makes Graveyard Keeper a pretty unique experience.

1. My Time at Portia

My Time at Portia is a game where you move to a town called Portia. There you become a builder and start to learn about the folks that live over in town. There is a main story that takes center stage. The more you progress in the story, the more you can build and the more money you can make. New areas will also unlock as you expand the story, and there is more of an emphasis on combat. You will need to go into dungeons to find building materials or mine away your day.

If you want to take a break from the main story, then you can get married or go on dates. There are tons of dateable NPCs for you to get to know, some that even have unique events. Gust, for example, will actually propose to you. His sister, Ginger, has a story that goes on for several years. You also have the ability to decorate your house and layout your workspace just how you want it. My Time at Portia steps away from the farming genre but keeps many simulation elements that fans love most in these types of games.