For the past 25 years, any list of games like The Sims has been mostly wishful thinking. There hasn't been anything truly like The Sims series—until [[link]] now. In 2025 we're finally getting some true Sims competition that mimics the full suite of character creation, Build Mode, and Live Mode simulation that the series has dominated for decades.
There are now two games like The Sims in early access that you can play right now with at least one more scheduled to launch in 2025. I'll lay out which games you can expect to play and when and a few bonus options for games that aren't exactly like The Sims but do capture at least part of that experience while we wait for more to launch.
Games like The Sims
Inzoi
Release date: 2025 (early access) | Developer: Inzoi Studio |
The first genuine competition to The Sims series has finally launched and Krafton's life sim is just as pretty as I expected. The character creator is gorgeous and the build mode, after I got used to it, is incredibly pretty too. Inzoi came out the gate with some features that have long been pain points for Sim fans: decent wedding ceremonies, pregnancy gameplay, and an open world with drivable cars.
At the beginning of early access, Inzoi did , in my opinion. It's clearly a good foundation on which Inzoi Studio has a lot of plans to build, according to the . My biggest concern for Inzoi right now is that it may continue prioritizing development of its various AI tools instead of creating custom swatches and patterns for us to play with.
Tiny Life
Release date: 2023 (Early access) | Developer: Ellpeck Games | Tiny Life is still in early access with a small development team but it already meets so many parts of the quintessential Sims experience. You can build homes and community lots, create families with silly traits and goals, and manage their unpredictable life journeys in an open world with multiple neighborhoods.
The pixelated art style won't be to everyone's taste but I already had a surprisingly good time . It makes keeping an eye on traits and relationships pretty easy so I always felt like I was able to appreciate its funny moments of simulated weirdness. The open world is also great, bringing a bit of old Sims 3 nostalgia for those that miss it.
The Sims 3
Release date: 2009 | Developer: Maxis | Since there are still very few true options for games like The Sims to play I am going ahead and recommending The Sims 3. I've been returning to it myself in the past year and honestly having a blast. Visually, The Sims 3 may have aged like milk—though I do have a soft spot for the crunchy old homes if not the characters—but the way it forces you to play is still great.
Unlike , which always asks for permission before sending your Live Mode story spiralling in a new direction, The Sims 3 very deliberately throws speedbumps at you. I really enjoy being forced to react to burglars, unlikely romantic attraction, and other chaos. It's a matter of taste definitely, but if you're someone constantly feeling bored of The Sims 4 and not sure what you want to do in game next, The Sims 3 is my answer.
Since re-releases of The Sims and The Sims 2, there are now even more classic Sims games you can try as alternatives to The Sims 4. I think The Sims 3 is still my personal recommendation, but The Sims 2 is a very close second.
Games kind of like The Sims
While we wait for more Sims-like to launch, I'll also recommend some games that capture the same vibe as just part of The Sims experience. And I promise not to pretend that Stardew Valley is like The Sims just because it's a life sim—it isn't.
Upcoming games like The Sims
Paralives
Release date: 2025 (early access) | Developer: Alex Massé & Paralives Studio | Paralives has been in the works [[link]] for a long time from a small team and finally plans to reach early access in 2025. It leans even harder into stylized visuals than The Sims 4 does, with characters that almost look painted. The big appeal of Paralives for me is its very adaptable build system that lets you do things like resize windows (imagine that), turn objects like tables and lamps into different size variants easily, and grid-free wall construction. On the simulation side Paralives looks like it's definitely going to lean into developing a character over time by growing skills, changing jobs, and more.
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