The Sims franchise is celebrating its 25th anniversary, a remarkable achievement. But do you realize just how many standalone Sims games are out there? I’m not talking about the countless expansion packs or downloadable content—which, believe me, have accumulated significantly over the years—but actual full games under The Sims brand.
If you thought there were only four, then, my dear reader, we have quite the journey ahead of us! To mark this monumental occasion, I’ve compiled a list of the top 25 Sims games from over the past 25 years. Join me on this ride as we explore these gems, and know that I had to make some tough decisions, trimming a few spin-offs and combining some remakes to keep the list manageable.
25. The Sims 2 Apartment Pets
A Nintendo DS exclusive from 2008, this spin-off arrived at the tail end of The Sims 2 era. It roped in elements from some beloved expansion packs, featuring unique pet-focused minigames along with a touching storyline. While not a classic, it’s a charming enough diversion for animal lovers.
24. MySims Sky Heroes
Released in 2010, this title graced platforms like the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, among others. As the final entry in the MySims series, it took to the skies, quite literally, allowing you to fly planes. Despite veering away from its original sequel intentions, it provided a unique touch by acknowledging a subtly dystopian bent often felt in The Sims universe.
23. The Sims Pet Stories
Launched for PC and Mac in 2007, this game was part of The Sims Stories trilogy and catered to players with less powerful computers. It delivered an engaging narrative where familial generosity leads to unexpected inheritance, alongside playful pet customization options.
22. The Sims 2 Pets
Debuting between 2006 and 2007 across various platforms, this was the only expansion to receive a standalone version on most consoles. It was a clear nod to titles like Nintendogs, emphasizing pets so prominently that it could have been a standalone pet sim. For a different take, consider checking out SimAnimals and SimAnimals Africa.
21. The Sims Social
While you can no longer play this 2011 Facebook game, it left a unique mark as a social media-inspired experiment. Although short-lived, it garnered fond memories and boasted a notable collaboration with Lady Gaga.
20. MySims
Emerging between 2007 and 2008 on several platforms, MySims attempted to rival Animal Crossing with its charming yet formulaic allure. Spanning five sequels and recently remastered, it dabbled in everything from party games to light adventure titles.
19. The Sims Online
This 2002 social experiment offered a chaotic blend of interactions reminiscent of Second Life. Though its official servers closed in 2008, fan recreations keep its unique spirit alive.
18. The Urbz: Sims in the City (console)
Released in 2004 for several major consoles, The Urbz embraced urban living way ahead of its time, cleverly weaving aspirations of celebrity status with gig economy foresight.
17. The Sims Life Stories
This 2007 offering was part of the Sims Stories series for less powerful computers, providing a pared-back Sims 2 gameplay with compelling narratives that drew players into its dramatic plots.
16. The Sims Mobile
Since its 2018 launch, this mobile game has enjoyed considerable popularity. With its story-focused quests and social interactions, it remains a favorite for on-the-go Sims fans.
15. The Sims Castaway Stories
Released in 2008, this final piece in the Sims Stories trilogy offers an adventurous, open-ended tale set on a bustling island, inviting players to carve out their own niche in a new community.
14. The Sims 2 (console)
Appearing on home consoles in 2005, this version faced criticism compared to its PC counterpart but deserved praise for its creative households and relationship narratives.
13. The Sims Freeplay
Since 2011, this mobile simulation has thrived, inspired by The Sims 3. It encourages multi-household management with a SimCity-like twist and has maintained a steady stream of updates over the years.
12. MySims Kingdom
Appearing in 2008, this MySims sequel took players into a lightly RPG-themed narrative, inviting them to rejuvenate a whimsical kingdom through creative home design.
11. The Sims 2 Castaway
The 2007 console version of Castaway embraced survival themes as players build and thrive on a deserted island, mimicking some elements that would later appear in games like Animal Crossing.
10. The Sims: Console Edition
This 2003 release took a unique approach for the console, diverging from the PC version but laying the groundwork for many beloved lore characters we’ve come to know.
9. The Urbz: Sims in the City (handheld)
The handheld version of Urbz, released in 2004, brought a quirky storyline filled with unexpected twists, including brushes with vampires and organized crime.
8. The Sims: Bustin’ Out
This 2003-2004 offering built upon its console predecessor with a more open-world approach, tasking players with saving the town from a greedy tycoon named Malcolm Landgraab.
7. The Sims 2 (handheld)
Arriving in 2005, these handheld editions transformed the traditional Sims game into a Strangetown-themed adventure, intriguing players with deep lore and engaging storylines.
6. MySims Agents
Released in 2009, this adventure filled with mystery blended humor and intrigue. Despite being overlooked, its charm and quirky narrative deserve recognition.
5. The Sims Medieval
Launching between 2010 and 2011, this spin-off offered a medieval twist with RPG elements, distinctly carving its niche in the Sims universe. Though short-lived, its charm endures.
4. The Sims 3
Spanning from 2009 to 2014, this ambitious title added a highly customizable open world but struggled under its own weight. Nevertheless, it set a precedent for future life simulations.
3. The Sims 4
Released in 2014 and still evolving, The Sims 4 has faced its share of criticism but remains the most modern entry, embracing diverse character creation and quality-of-life improvements.
2. The Sims
From 2000 to 2003, the original Sims enchanted players with its unique management gameplay, laying the foundation for the unforgettable franchise it would become.
1. The Sims 2
The 2004 to 2008 era marked a perfect blend of gameplay humor and depth. With iconic neighborhoods and thoughtful aging mechanics, The Sims 2 stands tall as the pinnacle of the series.
Through these 25 years, The Sims franchise has offered endless creativity and storytelling potential. From spin-offs to console versions and bold new concepts, each title has contributed uniquely to this ever-growing universe.
