10 Best Simulation Games on PlayStation 5 (2026)

Real life can be tough, but simulation games make it a whole lot more fun. Whether you’ve always wanted to run a farm, build a city, or manage a bustling restaurant, these games let you dive in without any real-world consequences. The best ones reward your curiosity, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and keep you coming back for just one more hour. Stardew Valley is a perfect example: a deceptively deep farming sim that turns patience into one of gaming’s greatest pleasures. 

But also Planet Coaster 2, which puts your creativity to building theme parks, and Gran Turismo 7 is the best racing simulation for testing if you have what it takes to take the podium. No matter your interest, the best simulation games on PlayStation 5 cover all the bases for real-world mimicry.

What is a Simulation Game?

A simulation game mimics real-life activities and careers. They simulate what it’s like to play the role of business managers, farmers, chefs, and professional racers, giving you a taste of the day-to-day tasks and skills required to thrive in their respective fields.

Best Simulation Games on PlayStation 5

Ready to expand your skillsets? Check out the extensive list of the best simulation games on PlayStation 5 below.

10. Cooking Simulator

Cooking might be the one thing I abhor about adulting. Just the whole process of grocery shopping before the actual cooking and the dishes after. But in Cooking Simulator, I actually enjoy cooking far more than I’d thought possible.

When all it takes is a few clicks to stock your pantry, and you have a pristine countertop to prep. I love how everything is quick and easy, and you can fully focus on your creativity in the kitchen. When you mix spices and herbs and accidentally come up with a new flavor. That’s where the game gets you, feeling like a way better chef genius, like who even is Gordon Ramsay?

9. PowerWash Simulator

Same thing with washing my car, which I actually love to do, but before I can get into that headspace, it takes everything I have. But just imagine how your car shines after that final polish, when the paint and rims sparkle after endless scrubbing.

That’s the joy of PowerWash Simulator, for us OCD guys who love it clean. The satisfaction you feel when you transform a muddy truck into something that could have come straight from the auto shop. Plus, the game progresses to cleaning parks, buildings, and more.

8. House Flipper 2

There are some houses I’ve seen while idly browsing real estate listings, and I’ve thought to myself what levels of creativity I could apply to transform them into something special. Those worn-down buildings that you wouldn’t wish your worst enemy to live in, and yet you see something others don’t a potential for greatness.

Let’s say House Flipper 2 is the low-cost alternative to flex your creative real estate muscles. Its freedom will astound you, where you can break it all down to build it back up again. And with all of the tools and interior decor you could ever need.

7. Planet Coaster 2

At times, the best simulation games on PlayStation 5 take me on a rollercoaster ride. Except, I’d have to build it first before putting my life on the line. As with most sequels, Planet Coaster 2 dials the challenge up a notch, hitting new heights of creativity and management.

Coaster parks have so many moving parts that you’ll be in charge of building and making sure it all runs smoothly. And you get to make it all yours, customizing with breathtaking themes and details that leave your guests in awe.

6. Train Sim World 4

At this point in my life, I know I’m never driving a train. Do you even drive or steer it? Anyways, Train Sim World 4 has given me a taste of that world. And I must say, I feel pretty challenged after the level of accuracy and precision it takes to bring a Union Pacific FEF-3 train to a fluid, accident-free stop.

5. SteamWorld Build

A world running on steam isn’t how I imagined spending my last days, but here we are. SteamWorld Build is a survival game about mining for survival. It has some dungeon-crawling and resource management, covering all the bases for an engaging city-building game.

4. Arcade Paradise

No one is waiting in line to get their shot at the arcade. So, it’s funny that running an arcade is the solution Ashley arrives at to save her family’s laundromat. But hey, I love a good challenge, and Arcade Paradise certainly pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s always a grind to make more money, but you’re also bringing back joy into the hearts of the sleepy town of Grindstone.

3. Stardew Valley

Farming has never been an interest of mine. Yet, with an open mind, I went into Stardew Valley, leaving with my perspective of a rural lifestyle changed. It turns out, a rural life may be what I needed to de-stress. 

Where things might move slowly, but the people are warm and charming. Where I might even court one of them and build a family. And maybe sneak out and quench my thirst for adventure by going down to the dungeon-crawling caves where the monsters with big loot are.

2. Two Point Campus

It always amazed me how things ran so smoothly on campus when there were so many people who knew every day where they were supposed to be and what they were supposed to do. I often wondered what the person in charge of it all must experience on a day-to-day basis, and Two Point Campus comes pretty close to painting an accurate picture of it.

1. Gran Turismo 7

You could find so many other best simulation games on PlayStation 5 focusing on racing, but do try out Gran Turismo 7. The number of cars I found here will never run out, no matter how many races you win. And with over 70 tracks, I always found fresh ways to keep the races exciting.