The Sims franchise is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week, and that’s quite a feat. Yet, many might not be fully aware of just how vast the collection of Sims games truly is. I’m not just talking about the countless expansion packs and DLC (which admittedly do add up impressively) — I mean the standalone Sims games that have been released over the years.
If you guessed "four," oh, dear friend, you have much to discover. In honor of The Sims’ milestone, I’ve compiled a list of the 25 best Sims games spanning the brand’s vibrant 25-year history. Dive in, enjoy, and keep in mind that I had to exclude a few spin-offs and combine some remakes to keep this compilation manageable.
25. The Sims 2 Apartment Pets
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Released: 2008
This quirky title emerged during the twilight of The Sims 2 era. It delivered a standalone experience on the Nintendo DS, blending ideas from popular TS2 expansions. While not a universal favorite, it’s remembered for its distinct pet-themed mini-games and a charming storyline.
24. MySims Sky Heroes
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
Released: 2010
The sixth and unfortunately last in the MySims series, this game didn’t quite hit the heights of its predecessors. Originally intended as a sequel to MySims Agents, it stood out for allowing players to fly planes. It also touched on a dystopian narrative theme barely lurking beneath The Sims world.
23. The Sims Pet Stories
Platforms: PC, Mac
Released: 2007
Positioned as the middle child of The Sims Stories trilogy, it was designed for those with less powerful PCs. The game features amusing storylines, such as one involving a generous aunt and a prolonged stay on a honeymoon cruise. It offers pet customization without the usual chaos.
22. The Sims 2 Pets
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Portable, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS
Released: 2006-2007
An expansion pack that morphed into a standalone title on most consoles, it somewhat chased the success of Nintendogs. The focus was on fulfilling the whims of furry companions, almost to the exclusion of human Sims.
21. The Sims Social
Platform: Facebook
Released: 2011 (Closed in 2013)
The only game here that’s impossible to play anymore. It debuted during the social media gaming boom but closed after missing the trend’s peak. Yet, it’s remembered for a unique collaboration with Lady Gaga and remains a fond memory for its players.
20. MySims
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC, Nintendo Switch
Released: 2007-2008 (Remastered in 2024)
EA’s MySims was their response to Animal Crossing, delivering a cute and engaging experience that led to five sequels. It even dabbled in genres as diverse as party games and adventure.
19. The Sims Online
Platform: PC
Released: 2002 (Closed 2008)
Utilizing assets from the original Sims, this online social platform became infamous for its wild reputation. Though gone, fan recreations kept its spirit alive until recently.
18. The Urbz: Sims in the City (console)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Released: 2004
Unlike its more middle-class predecessors, The Urbz was urban-centric and indulgently early-2000s in style. With an extravagant celebrity cameo from The Black Eyed Peas, it leaned into the charismatic city vibe.
17. The Sims Life Stories
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Released: 2007
As the pioneering title in the Sims Stories series, it didn’t rely on gimmicks, delivering engaging tales from start to dramatic finish with richly realized storylines and engaging twists.
16. The Sims Mobile
Platforms: iOS, Android
Released: 2018
Often hailed for deeply integrating elements from The Sims 4, The Sims Mobile appeals for its blend of story-focused quests and community-driven engagement via social features.
15. The Sims Castaway Stories
Platforms: PC, Mac
Released: 2008
This final installment of the Sims Stories trilogy was inspired by the TV hit Lost, offering a twist on the survival genre that was more about forging community connections.
14. The Sims 2 (console)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Released: 2005
Though not celebrated like its PC counterpart, the console version intrigued with its focus on relationship dynamics over family growth, presenting unique household stories.
13. The Sims Freeplay
Platforms: iOS, Android
Released: 2011
Long live The Sims Freeplay which remains ever-updating. More akin to SimCity, it encourages players to balance multiple households and develop a thriving town.
12. MySims Kingdom
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, PC
Released: 2008 (Remastered in 2024)
A notable detour from MySims, this RPG-lite experience features whimsical missions across an imaginative kingdom needing your inventive home design skills.
11. The Sims 2 Castaway
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS
Released: 2007
Acting almost as a prelude to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, this survival title demanded resourcefulness in crafting and exploration on a mysterious island.
10. The Sims: Console Edition
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Released: 2003
A curious divergence from its PC origins, this console-exclusive version established iconic Sims characters while forging new gameplay paths.
9. The Urbz: Sims in the City (handheld)
Platforms: GameBoy Advance, Nintendo DS
Released: 2004
This narrative-heavy adventure deviated substantially from its console colleague, relying on a gripping crime story rather than flashy celebrity appearances.
8. The Sims: Bustin’ Out
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, N-Gage
Released: 2003-2004
Capitalizing on console capabilities, this title emphasized exploration and had players striving against the corporate machinations of Malcolm Landgraab.
7. The Sims 2 (handheld)
Platforms: PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance
Released: 2005
These differently flavored versions focused on a single neighborhood from TS2, unraveling long-held storylines and mysteries for dedicated fans.
6. MySims Agents
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Released: 2009
Overlooked but outstanding, MySims Agents was a hidden gem, marrying adventure storytelling with whimsical charm—a true treasure for inquisitive players.
5. The Sims Medieval
Platforms: PC, Mac, iOS
Released: 2010-2011
Though short-lived, this medieval adventure spun off into a niche hit, with players enjoying a rich, thematic exploration far from traditional Sims gameplay.
4. The Sims 3
Platforms: PC, Mac, multiple consoles, mobile
Released: 2009-2014
Ambitious to a fault, The Sims 3 showcased an open world full of potential, setting the bar for what future life sims might achieve once technology catches up.
3. The Sims 4
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Released: 2014-present
Despite its divisive reputation, The Sims 4 is praised for its inclusive features and modern refinements, making it essential for present-day Simmers.
2. The Sims
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Released: 2000-2003
Nostalgia aside, the original Sims game remains an extraordinary creation—its management mechanics and evocative storytelling set the blueprint for a genre.
1. The Sims 2
Platforms: PC, Mac, Java
Released: 2004-2008
For many, The Sims 2 is the pinnacle of life simulators, balancing challenge, storytelling depth, and humor, it encapsulated the era’s talent for immersive gameplay in a uniquely enchanting way.
Whether you’re reminiscing or discovering for the first time, The Sims series surely holds a special place in any gamer’s heart, weaving stories that transcend the digital confines.
