As we celebrate a milestone this week with the 25th anniversary of The Sims franchise, it’s time to reflect on the sheer number of games that fall under its iconic brand. I’m not just talking about the countless expansion packs or downloadable content that can boggle the mind; I’m referring to the standalone titles that have proudly carried The Sims name over the years.
If you thought there were only four main games, you’re in for a surprise. In honor of this anniversary, I’ve compiled a list of the 25 best Sims games, showcasing the rich and varied legacy over these past twenty-five years. I had to be selective and merge a few spin-offs and lesser-known remakes to keep this list manageable, so enjoy discovering—or rediscovering—these gems.
25. The Sims 2 Apartment Pets
Platform(s): Nintendo DS
Released: 2008
This charming little spin-off arrived as The Sims 2 was winding down. Designed as a standalone for the Nintendo DS, it combines ideas from some of TS2’s well-loved expansion packs. While maybe not a classic, its unique pet-themed minigames and heartwarming story lend it its own charm.
24. MySims Sky Heroes
Platform(s): Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
Released: 2010
The sixth and final game in the MySims series perhaps didn’t reach the heights fans hoped for, considering an anticipated sequel to the popular MySims Agents. It does stand out as the only Sims game where you can pilot a plane, while touching upon the dystopian vibes often lingering in The Sims’ universe.
23. The Sims Pet Stories
Platform(s): PC, Mac
Released: 2007
As the second installment in The Sims Stories series, this game aimed to cater to players with lower-spec computers. Its scripted storyline, where family drama leads to a generous house gift, might feel a bit patronizing but is charming nonetheless. Plus, who can resist a focus on pet customization?
22. The Sims 2 Pets
Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Portable, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS
Released: 2006-2007
Standing out as the lone expansion in the PC franchise to receive standalone treatment across consoles, The Sims 2 Pets drew from the popular influence of Nintendogs. While pets steal the show here, you might wonder how the game would fare if completely human-free—a curiosity satisfied by exploring SimAnimals from 2009.
21. The Sims Social
Platform(s): Facebook
Released: 2011 (closed 2013)
Unfortunately no longer playable, The Sims Social tried to ride the social gaming wave popularized by hits like Farmville. Though it missed the trend’s peak, it remains fondly remembered, not least for being the only Sims title to successfully feature a Lady Gaga collaboration.
20. MySims
Platform(s): Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC, Nintendo Switch
Released: 2007-2008, remastered 2024
Nintendo fans will recall EA’s MySims, a venture into competing with Animal Crossing. While familiar to some, its cuteness spurred five sequels ranging from racing to adventure titles, with the remastered MySims Cozy Bundle keeping its spirit alive today.
19. The Sims Online
Platform(s): PC
Released: 2002, closed 2008
The Sims Online borrowed elements from the original PC game to craft a social space reminiscent of Second Life. The ensuing chaos—a cocktail of brothels and trolling—became perfect for a niche audience before servers went dark. Fan recreations sustained its spirit until recently, teasing a possible future comeback.
18. The Urbz: Sims in the City (console)
Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Released: 2004
Taking the Sims from the suburbs to the city, The Urbz captured mid-2000s urban culture, predicting gig economy vibes while promising fast-track fame. Despite its mixed reception, the console’s version couldn’t compare to its handheld sibling but did spotlight a Black Eyed Peas cameo to remember.
17. The Sims Life Stories
Platform(s): Windows, Mac
Released: 2007
The inaugural entry for lower-end PCs, The Sims Life Stories relied on classic TS2 content, delivering wacky tales from scheming exes to supernatural dominos. Ideal for those who see The Sims as an endless soap opera generator.
16. The Sims Mobile
Platform(s): iOS, Android
Released: 2018
With final updates in 2024, The Sims Mobile remains beloved, continuously revisiting old seasons for Sim fans on-the-go. With an art style mirroring The Sims 4 and social features for sharing creations, it stands out with character-driven quests.
15. The Sims Castaway Stories
Platform(s): PC, Mac
Released: 2008
As the final tale in the Stories trilogy, this game diverges from survival focus to adaptation, exploring community integration more than survival. Inspired by blockbuster series like Lost, Castaway Stories uniquely slows down the capitalist grind prevalent in other entries.
14. The Sims 2 (console)
Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Released: 2005
The Sims 2 for consoles, lacking some main platform features like childbearing, prompted convoluted but engaging household dynamics. Its intersection of PC mechanics and fresh, juicy drama made it stand worthy of attention, despite being overshadowed by its PC counterpart.
13. The Sims Freeplay
Platform(s): iOS, Android
Released: 2011
Despite initial scepticism, The Sims Freeplay has been a staple mobile iteration for over a decade, influenced by The Sims 3 but venturing into city-building akin to SimCity. Its real-time play can be a drag, yet suits fans favoring idle gameplay.
12. MySims Kingdom
Platform(s): Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, PC
Released: 2008, remastered 2024
Taking a significant departure from its predecessor, MySims Kingdom drifts into RPG-lite territory. Diverse tasks to restore an archipelago make it a vibrant experience, blending fantasy elements with quirky charm across a fun narrative landscape.
11. The Sims 2 Castaway
Platform(s): Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS
Released: 2007
The precursor to titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. You craft a raft of Sims, adapt their past lives, and watch their skills unfold after being marooned on a deserted island. Unlike the straightforward PC counterpart, this version embraces hardcore survival mechanics.
10. The Sims: Console Edition
Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Released: 2003
Rather than mimic its stellar PC counterpart, this console edition created a distinct experience, birthing unforgettable characters and quirky narratives. Its quick sequel release might overshadow memories, but it undeniably left a playful mark.
9. The Urbz: Sims in the City (handheld)
Platform(s): GameBoy Advance, Nintendo DS
Released: 2004
The handheld Urbz spins a thrilling yarn absent in its console cousin, delving into curious criminal escapades sans famed cameos. Unexpectedly, fighting gangsters and uncovering secrets paint a whimsical urban setting amidst competing consoles.
8. The Sims: Bustin’ Out
Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, N-Gage
Released: 2003-2004
Hitting hard with its unique portrayal of entrepreneurial endeavors, Bustin’ Out paved the way for Sims expanding beyond the norm, whether toppling moguls or dodging business mishaps. Here, high ambitions run headlong into iconic Sims misadventures.
7. The Sims 2 (handheld)
Platform(s): PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance
Released: 2005
Renowned for its enigmatic Strangetown-focused mysteries, The Sims 2 handhelds remain cherished, especially the PSP’s revelations of aliens and Bella Goth dramas. Sim fans often cite this as a must-play with a passion bordering on reverent curiosity.
6. MySims Agents
Platform(s): Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Released: 2009
An underrated saga sets the stage as a surprisingly captivating sleuth adventure. Despite its playful exterior, MySims Agents introduces layers of intrigue and unexpected narrative depth comparable to famous mystery series.
5. The Sims Medieval
Platform(s): PC, Mac, iOS
Released: 2010-2011
The magic of a historical romp captured, this title thought it could have been a sensation. Its brief lifespan notwithstanding, fervent medieval enthusiasts marveled at its role-playing nuances and enjoyed the intimate scale and old-world charm it fostered.
4. The Sims 3
Platform(s): PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, N-Gage 2.0, iOS, Android
Released: 2009-2014
Loved for its ambition, The Sims 3’s open-world desires challenged tech limits back then, perhaps paving the future of life sims. Though launching the game took patience, its customizable landscapes remain a testament to bold experimentation.
3. The Sims 4
Platform(s): PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Released: 2014-present
Divisive or not, The Sims 4 stands as the era’s hallmark, innovating on social inclusivity and quality-of-life enhancements. As a testament to its enduring appeal, it continues to expand, proving the grass on TS4’s lawns isn’t quite greener, but still worth a frolic.
2. The Sims
Platform(s): PC, Mac, Linux
Released: 2000-2003
Timeless, gripping, and often ruthless, the original Sims game laid a foundation unparalleled in its brutal yet alluring simulation. The difficult lives of these virtual beings paradoxically sparked imagination—a phenomenon that can’t be matched again.
1. The Sims 2
Platform(s): PC, Mac, Java
Released: 2004-2008
The crown jewel of the series, The Sims 2, seamlessly melded humor and gameplay into a satisfying, ever-appealing experience. Whether orchestrating dramatic arcs or crafting gentle daily tales, it set the gold standard in life simulation—an unrivaled peak of virtual storytelling.
