The days when the video game market amounted to simple platformers like Mario are long gone – today, the gaming industry has grown into a giant worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
One of the main reasons for this huge financial success is that video games cover nearly every topic you can think of, so there’s something for everyone, no matter their preferences or interests.
Unfortunately, this great diversity can also be a problem – the sheer number of games and genres out there means many players end up feeling overwhelmed and stay within their niches, afraid to venture out into the unknown.
To help you expand your gaming horizons, below we’ll focus on one of the more unique genres, simulation games, and discuss some of the most exciting titles worthy of your attention.
Read on and see for yourself how exciting simulation games can be!
Simulations – Who Are They For?
Before we dive into the world of simulations and the best games you can play in the genre, let’s first discuss who exactly these games are for. As you might have guessed from their name, simulation games focus on trying to recreate things as realistically as possible, so players can get a taste of what something may be like without actually having to experience it.
Are you a fan of online sports games like Madden 23 and want to test yourself at various sports betting sites but first want to learn the basics? Sports simulators will give you a realistic feel of what it’s like to play the game! Do you want to become a farmer but don’t have the opportunity to live in the country? Farming simulators might be the perfect middle-ground for you.
Of course, while simulations try to recreate things realistically, they can also be used to explore things that would otherwise be impossible to experience. Visiting a different galaxy, building a giant company from scratch, or becoming a real-life superhero are all things you can do in simulations.
In other words, if you dare to dream, simulators are the perfect games for you!
Now that we know what simulations are for, let’s explore the most exciting games in the genre you can play in 2023!
Microsoft Flight Simulator Will Turn You Into a Pilot
Who hasn’t dreamed of flying high in the skies at some point? Piloting is the perfect profession for those who enjoy traveling to new places and don’t mind a little bit of physical exertion. Unfortunately, becoming a real pilot is not cheap or easy, as it requires expensive equipment, a lot of training, and the permission of relevant authorities.
That’s where Microsoft Flight Simulator comes in. The game will turn your computer screen into a cockpit, allowing you to fly around the world from the comfort of your home. Featuring beautiful graphics and hyperrealistic gameplay, the game offers players many different types of propeller and jet-driven aircraft in all shapes and sizes.
It’s entirely possible to hop into a small Cessna 172, fly circles around the local airport, and then switch to a giant 787 Dreamliner to enjoy hours-long intercontinental travel.
Word of advice – although the game can be played with a keyboard and mouse, we highly recommend you get a HOTAS to enjoy the realistic steering to its fullest.
Arma 3 Is the Best Way to Safely Try Out War
Although many games put you in the shoes of a soldier, the vast majority offer a highly distorted view of combat. Real-life war doesn’t consist of jumping around and shooting enemies that pop up in front of you – it’s about being patient, tactical, and ready for anything.
Arma 3 is one of the few games that try to recreate war realistically and does a pretty good job at it. The game puts players in the role of a soldier tasked with carrying out various missions, ranging from destroying enemy equipment to eliminating entire enemy garrisons.
At no point during the game will you feel like a superhero – you’ll need to be careful, use cover wisely, and remember that even a single bullet from hundreds of feet away can easily kill you. Spraying and praying won’t get you far in Arma 3, as weapons follow accurate ballistic and recoil models.
Arma 3 has two elements that distinguish it from many other competitors: a comprehensive editor and a huge modding community. You can use the editor for practically any scenario imaginable, from a simple assault course to an all-out war between rival factions.
The impressive mod support pushes the limits of the game even further, allowing you to go far beyond the original limitations of the game. Want to enjoy a four-way battle between WW2-era German soldiers, modern US forces, Xenomorphs, and Roman legions? Arma 3 has you covered!
Elite Dangerous Lets You Explore the Universe on a Budget
If you ever looked at the stars and dreamed of venturing into space, then Elite Dangerous is a game you should definitely try.
Elite Dangerous is an MMO game that has you playing the role of a space captain who can freely decide what to do with their time. You can choose to become a trader and haul goods between star systems, use your ship’s powerful weapons to destroy enemy vessels, or try your luck at bounty hunting. You may even amass a giant fortune and buy your own Fleet Carrier.
If you ever feel bored with the interactions and activities available in the human-inhabited space, you can simply outfit your ship for long-range travel and embark on a journey to explore the unknown. Elite Dangerous features an accurate recreation of our galaxy, including the locations of all known star systems and planets to enjoy, and with beautiful graphics, you’ll feel like you’re looking at real photographs of the universe.
To make it even better, the latest DLC, Odyssey, allows you to get out of your landed ship and walk around in first-person on alien planets!
Conclusion
These are some of the best simulation games you can play on your computer in 2023. Although the genre is still somewhat niche, it’s also one of the most fun and rewarding gaming experiences you can have, thanks to its great focus on realism and immersion.
Of course, the games above are just a drop in the bucket of what’s available out there. If you feel like exploring new things, we encourage you to try out other simulations, as well.
Whether it’s building a soviet city in Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic, delivering cargo in Euro Truck Simulator 2, or downing enemy fighters in DCS World, the simulator world is sure to have plenty of surprises in store for you!
Good luck, and remember – once you get hooked on simulators, there’s no turning back!
