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  4. 10 Best Simulator Games UK 2022 | Top Picks Include: Surviving Mars, Football Manager and More
  • 10 Best Simulator Games UK 2022 | Top Picks Include: Surviving Mars, Football Manager and More 1
  • 10 Best Simulator Games UK 2022 | Top Picks Include: Surviving Mars, Football Manager and More 2
  • 10 Best Simulator Games UK 2022 | Top Picks Include: Surviving Mars, Football Manager and More 3
  • 10 Best Simulator Games UK 2022 | Top Picks Include: Surviving Mars, Football Manager and More 4
  • 10 Best Simulator Games UK 2022 | Top Picks Include: Surviving Mars, Football Manager and More 5

10 Best Simulator Games UK 2022 | Top Picks Include: Surviving Mars, Football Manager and More

Simulator games have had a popularity boom in recent years with everything from realistic lifestyle simulators to absurd and adventurous space age fantasies. This boom in the market is great for gamers who want to consume as much simulator content as possible, but it does mean you have to sift through masses of poor quality games in order to find a gem. But we're about to solve that problem for you!


In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 simulator games currently available in the UK. We have curated some helpful information about average playtime, age ratings and buying options. Plus, we have included games on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, SteamOS, and Mac, so no matter how you choose to play, you'll be sure to find a game to suit you.

Last updated 25/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Simulator Games in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Check the Game is Available on Your Console
  2. Ensure the Age Rating is Appropriate
  3. Consider Average Playtime and Additional Downloadable Content
  4. Check the Buying Format for Your Chosen Game 
1

Ensure Your Chosen Game is Available on Your Preferred Console

Ensure Your Chosen Game is Available on Your Preferred Console

The most important thing to remember when shopping for video games is that not all game developers make their games available on every platform. The most common gaming platforms at the moment are Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo and PC. Most simulator games have wide releases, which means they are quickly made available on all major platforms on or soon after their initial release. 


Not all games benefit from a wide release, though, so it’s important to check your chosen game is available on your chosen platform before making any purchases. This is easy enough if you are shopping for yourself, but is especially important to keep in mind if you’re buying a game as a gift

2

If You Are Planning on Playing With Children, Check the Age Rating to Ensure the Game’s Content is Appropriate

If You Are Planning on Playing With Children, Check the Age Rating to Ensure the Game’s Content is Appropriate

Simulator games don’t tend to contain any graphic or explicit content. In fact, most of the games in this ranking are suitable for children as young as 3! However, age ratings are still important to ensure younger players will be able to understand and participate in the game. 


More complicated games won’t be enjoyable for young children, but in this genre, they are unlikely to be inappropriate for younger children to watch while older kids play. The age rating is a minimum recommended player age, but that’s not to say you can’t still enjoy these games when you’re older. Simulation games can be engaging and relaxing, so many of the games labelled 3 and above are enjoyed by adults too


Let the little ones play along with our Best PC Games for Kids

3

Check the Average Playtime of the Games on the Market and Choose One to Suit Your Playing Frequency

Check the Average Playtime of the Games on the Market and Choose One to Suit Your Playing Frequency

There's nothing worse than getting into a game and then all of a sudden the content runs dry! With simulator games, luckily there are always more things you can do, but there are still main storylines and side quests that keep the gameplay interesting. If you're the type of gamer who needs this to stay engaged, check the average playtime to make sure it has enough content to keep you entertained. 


The averages in our buying guide are taken from polls in the gaming community from people who have already completed the game. This will give you a rough idea of how long the story and side quests will last. If you're an intensive gamer who's used to extra-long sessions, you might want to opt for a longer game, but if you're just planning on playing casually here and there, the playtime might not be as significant. 


There are also extensions and downloadable content (DLC) for many simulator games, meaning once you've completed the main story, you can download extra features to keep things interesting while you play. This is why the average playtimes in our ranking vary so much. The hours quoted are time spent playing the main story as well as any side quests and DLCs. 


Try something a little more daring with our Best Horror Games for PS4!

4

Go for Physical Copies to Keep Long Term, or Purchase Online When Space is Tight

Go for Physical Copies to Keep Long Term, or Purchase Online When Space is Tight

Whether you want to purchase your simulator game via online means or as a physical copy, both options have their pros and cons. 


  • Physical: Own a hardcopy that will last longer than online serves potentially, great for additional content included such as maps, guides, and collector's items.

  • Download: Easy installation and uninstallation, everything is saved online meaning you can play anywhere (depending on your console/PC choice), and perfect for saving space in your home. 


Grab the latest masterpiece with a female protagonist!

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10 Best Simulator Games in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

EA

The Sims 4

EA The Sims 4 1

£28.91

High Mid

An Iconic Lifestyle Simulator With Plenty of Downloadable Content

2

Sickhead Games

Stardew Valley

Sickhead Games Stardew Valley  1

£11.99

Low

Live Off the Land in This Homely Farmtown With Retro 8-Bit Art Style

3

Paradox Interactive

Surviving Mars

Paradox Interactive Surviving Mars  1

£15.88

Low Mid

Try Your Hand at Adventure With a Simulator That's Out of This World

4

Sega

Football Manager 2022

Sega Football Manager 2022 1

£34.95

High Mid

Lead Your Favourite Club to the Top of the Tables and Bring Your Own Unique Tactics to the Beautiful Game

5

Microsoft

Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator 1

£34.99

High Mid

Jet off Across the World From the Comfort of Your Own Home

6

GIANTS Software

Farming Simulator 22

GIANTS Software Farming Simulator 22  1

£29.95

High Mid

Enjoy the Total Freedom of Farm Life With This Extensive Bestseller

7

Sega

Two Point Hospital

Sega Two Point Hospital 1

£21.24

Mid

Make Use of Those Healing Hands With This Hospital Building Simulator

8

PlayWay and Red Dot Games

Car Mechanic Simulator

PlayWay and Red Dot Games Car Mechanic Simulator 1

£17.99

Low Mid

Unlock Your Inner Motorhead and Stay Entertained With an Infinate Number of Missions

9

Kalypso Media

Railway Empire - Complete Collection

 Kalypso Media Railway Empire - Complete Collection 1

£19.99

Mid

Travel in Style With the Classic Steam Locomotives of the Industrial Revolution

10

Frontier Developments plc

Planet Coaster

 Frontier Developments plc Planet Coaster 1

£16.95

Low Mid

Bring Your Theme Park Dreams to Life With This Creative Game That’s Perfect for Thrill-Seekers

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

EAThe Sims 4

The Sims 4 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
The Sims 4 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
The Sims 4 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
The Sims 4 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£28.91
High Mid
Reference price
£28.91
High Mid

An Iconic Lifestyle Simulator With Plenty of Downloadable Content

The Sims is one of the most iconic games on the market. With the first game coming out in 2000, EA has been developing high-quality lifestyle simulators for over 20 years. The Sims 4, though, is widely believed to be one of their best.


You can fully customize your characters' appearances, personalities, homes, and livelihoods. Plus, with various expansion packs and DLCs, the content feels never-ending! Whether you want to create happy families or destroy the entire town in scandal and cheat, every player's simulation goals have potential in The Sims. 

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No.2

Sickhead GamesStardew Valley

Reference price
£11.99
Low

Live Off the Land in This Homely Farmtown With Retro 8-Bit Art Style

Although it was released in 2016, Stardew Valley utilizes the 8-bit art style of the 1980s to create a nostalgia-filled farm simulator with fully customizable characters and home decoration. 


When you're not tending your crops and animals, you can explore the game's vast map with monsters and treasures afoot. Plus, for those less adventurous days, your local community is full of residents to befriend, date and start a family with! 

No.3

Paradox InteractiveSurviving Mars

Surviving Mars  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Surviving Mars  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Surviving Mars  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.88
Low Mid
Reference price
£15.88
Low Mid

Try Your Hand at Adventure With a Simulator That's Out of This World

If you're the adventurous type and home comforts have become a bit of a drag, what better way to escape the monotony of everyday life than by jetting off to Mars? This game will have you build a colony on the surface of Mars full of interesting characters and unique stories. 


When science fiction had its boom in the 1950s and 60s, humanity turned its eyes to space and imagined a sleek and shining future among the stars. This game takes inspiration from the art of 1960s sci-fi and lets you completely modify your characters' stories and living quarters. One small step for you, one giant leap for mankind!

No.4

SegaFootball Manager 2022

Football Manager 2022 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Football Manager 2022 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£34.95
High Mid
Reference price
£34.95
High Mid

Lead Your Favourite Club to the Top of the Tables and Bring Your Own Unique Tactics to the Beautiful Game

Ever caught yourself shouting at the TV when they sent the subs on too early or been completely dumbfounded that they signed that terrible player to your favourite club? Football Manager lets you take the game into your own hands and lead your team to victory. 


Search through the inventory of players to make transfers and build the team of your dreams. It won't just be your judgement that counts, though, as you'll need to impress the fans too!

No.5

MicrosoftFlight Simulator

Flight Simulator 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Flight Simulator 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Flight Simulator 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Flight Simulator 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Flight Simulator 5
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£34.99
High Mid
Reference price
£34.99
High Mid

Jet off Across the World From the Comfort of Your Own Home

This Flight Simulator from Microsoft allows you to learn the ropes of piloting with its highly advanced depictions of real flight controls. Because of the level of detail, this has quickly become the most popular flight simulator on the market. 


You can try your hand at anything from single-engine small planes to widebody jets, as you soar over awe-inspiring landscapes that look just like their real-life counterparts. Whoever said that jetsetters and couch surfers were mutually exclusive? 

No.6

GIANTS SoftwareFarming Simulator 22

Farming Simulator 22  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Farming Simulator 22  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Farming Simulator 22  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Farming Simulator 22  4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£29.95
High Mid
Reference price
£29.95
High Mid

Enjoy the Total Freedom of Farm Life With This Extensive Bestseller

There have been many iterations of this game but Farm Simulator 22 is the biggest yet. With 400 machines and tools and brand new US and EU inspired maps, you really can get the best out of farm life. 


Some might find that this game doesn't offer much excitement, with most of the tasks taking on the same rhythm and the art style being quite standard. However, if you're looking for something relaxing to settle into, this could be the one!

No.7

SegaTwo Point Hospital

Reference price
£21.24
Mid

Make Use of Those Healing Hands With This Hospital Building Simulator

With this game, you can build the ideal hospital from the ground up, modifying the building and employing the perfect staff. There are a whole host of entertaining characters and amusing illnesses that you'll be tasked to cure. 


This game is reminiscent of the Theme Hospital game of 1997, so it will provide a nostalgia kick for many 90s babies. Unfortunately, though, some of those players have complained that the new art style leaves something to be desired, and they don't quite enjoy this game as much as its 90s counterpart. 

No.8

PlayWay and Red Dot GamesCar Mechanic Simulator

Car Mechanic Simulator 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Car Mechanic Simulator 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Car Mechanic Simulator 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£17.99
Low Mid

Unlock Your Inner Motorhead and Stay Entertained With an Infinate Number of Missions

This is the perfect game for any car-lover, with exciting auctions, a variety of cars and over 1000 different parts! You'll learn the ropes of fixing cars and the randomly generated missions will keep you entertained forever.


It's the ideal game if you're big on cars or to buy as a gift for someone who is, but it's quite a niche option and won't be entertaining for anyone who isn't car mad. Even so, with the right buyers, this game has been flying off the shelves. 

No.9

Kalypso MediaRailway Empire - Complete Collection

Railway Empire - Complete Collection 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Railway Empire - Complete Collection 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Railway Empire - Complete Collection 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Railway Empire - Complete Collection 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£19.99
Mid

Travel in Style With the Classic Steam Locomotives of the Industrial Revolution

This game compiles beautiful landscapes of cities all across the globe with the exciting developments of the Industrial Revolution. Build railways and experience the tracks first-hand from the driver's cabin


Although train enthusiasts tend to get heavily engrossed in their passion, this game might not appeal to all gamers so it's best avoided if you're buying a gift or if you're not too keen on trains and travel. 

No.10

Frontier Developments plcPlanet Coaster

Planet Coaster 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Planet Coaster 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Planet Coaster 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.95
Low Mid
Reference price
£16.95
Low Mid

Bring Your Theme Park Dreams to Life With This Creative Game That’s Perfect for Thrill-Seekers

This sandbox building game lets you construct without limits, so you can create the perfect theme park full of thrilling rides and excited patrons. If that sounds like too much of a challenge, though, you can always ease yourself in with hundreds of building blueprints. 


There's plenty of downloadable content available to enhance your gaming experience. However, it is one of the shortest games on our list, so won't last long if you're a frequent player. 

Written and researched by Alicia Byrne

Top 5 Simulator Games

No. 1: EAThe Sims 4

No. 2: Sickhead GamesStardew Valley

No. 3: Paradox InteractiveSurviving Mars

No. 4: SegaFootball Manager 2022

No. 5: MicrosoftFlight Simulator

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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