Celebrating a quarter of a century, The Sims franchise hits a remarkable milestone. It’s easy to lose track of just how many titles this iconic series has spawned over the years. Forget about the myriad of expansion packs and DLCs; today, we’re talking about the standalone games that proudly bear The Sims name.
If you thought there were only four, prepare to be amazed. In honor of The Sims’ 25th anniversary, I’ve curated a list of the 25 greatest Sims games, shedding light on a history filled with quirky variations, all while having to trim the list of some spin-offs and loose adaptations to keep it tidy.
25. The Sims 2 Apartment Pets
Platform: Nintendo DS
Release Year: 2008
This unique Nintendo DS spin-off arrived at the tail end of The Sims 2 era, blending aspects from some famed expansion packs. Though not a classic, it charms with its pet-themed minigames and an endearing story.
24. MySims Sky Heroes
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
Release Year: 2010
The sixth and final installment in the MySims saga might not have been its crowning jewel, yet it stood out for daring to address the hidden dystopian undercurrents of The Sims world, offering players a chance to fly planes.
23. The Sims Pet Stories
Platforms: PC, Mac
Release Year: 2007
Part of The Sims Stories trilogy, this game catered to players with basic PCs, offering a whimsically scripted narrative. It leaves you feeling slightly patronized but gleeful about diving into pet customization.
22. The Sims 2 Pets
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Portable, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS
Release Year: 2006-2007
Renowned for getting its own stand-alone versions on various platforms, The Sims 2 Pets mirrored the sensation of Nintendogs. While it focused heavily on pets, the absence of a distinct Xbox 360 port left some fans longing.
21. The Sims Social
Platform: Facebook
Release Year: 2011 (Shut Down: 2013)
Though defunct, The Sims Social was a bold attempt to tap into the social media gaming craze. Its brief lifespan didn’t stop it from being fondly remembered by players, especially with its Lady Gaga collaboration.
20. MySims
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC, Nintendo Switch
Release Year: 2007-2008 (Remastered in 2024)
Aiming to compete with Animal Crossing, MySims carved out its niche. Cute and entertaining enough to inspire five sequels, it was recently remastered, revived by the MySims Cozy Bundle.
19. The Sims Online
Platform: PC
Release Year: 2002 (Closed: 2008)
This game let players connect in a Sims-infused Second Life, remembered for its chaotic blend of social spaces. Today, fan recreations keep its spirit alive, even after official shutdowns.
18. The Urbz: Sims in the City (Console)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Release Year: 2004
Flipping the suburban narrative, The Urbz took life to the urban jungle. Though its console version didn’t receive rave reviews, it boasted an unforgettable cameo by The Black Eyed Peas.
17. The Sims Life Stories
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release Year: 2007
Without relying on gimmicks, Life Stories brought captivating tales using The Sims 2’s pared-back mechanics, creating drama that favours true Sims storytelling fans.
16. The Sims Mobile
Platforms: iOS, Android
Release Year: 2018
Last updated in 2024, The Sims Mobile remains a beloved choice for gamers on the go. With its character-driven quests and opportunities to explore other players’ creations, it offers a familiar yet fresh experience.
15. The Sims Castaway Stories
Platforms: PC, Mac
Release Year: 2008
This third entry in the Stories series invited gamers to design characters and embark on an island adventure themed after TV’s Lost, emphasizing community building over sheer survival.
14. The Sims 2 (Console)
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Release Year: 2005
Though overshadowed by its PC counterpart, the console version of The Sims 2 presented captivating relationship scandals, intriguing household combinations, and more, in a unique twist.
13. The Sims Freeplay
Platforms: iOS, Android
Release Year: 2011
Inspired by The Sims 3, this mobile counterpart continues to thrive, updating regularly even after many years. It blends SimCity elements, urging players to advance their town while exploring multiple households.
12. MySims Kingdom
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Year: 2008 (Remastered in 2024)
Among MySims sequels, Kingdom was a standout for transforming the experience into an RPG-esque adventure, proving magical home design’s undeniable charm.
11. The Sims 2 Castaway
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS
Release Year: 2007
Evoking vibes of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, this survival game tasked players with crafting necessities while unraveling an ancient civilization’s secrets after being shipwrecked.
10. The Sims: Console Edition
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Release Year: 2003
A standalone wonder distinct from its PC inspiration, this edition introduced enduring characters like Malcolm Landgraab. Despite its odd departure from its PC sibling, it remains a noteworthy iteration.
9. The Urbz: Sims in the City (Handheld)
Platforms: GameBoy Advance, Nintendo DS
Release Year: 2004
Filled with crime and intrigue, the handheld Urbz version fostered memories of vivid storytelling devoid of celebrity influences—an unforgettable handheld experience.
8. The Sims: Bustin’ Out
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, N-Gage
Release Year: 2003-2004
This sequel enriched the franchise by advancing gameplay beyond PC limitations, immersing Sims in outside-world escapades and capitalist showdowns against Malcolm Landgraab.
7. The Sims 2 (Handheld)
Platforms: PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance
Release Year: 2005
Each handheld The Sims 2 installment presented a wildly different experience, blending adventure with social elements. The intricate narratives surrounding Strangetown remain a highlight in Sims lore.
6. MySims Agents
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Release Year: 2009
Often overlooked, MySims Agents was an impeccable adventure, weaving intrigue into its narrative. Despite being a Nintendo exclusive, it promises delightful mystery for those willing to explore.
5. The Sims Medieval
Platforms: PC, Mac, iOS
Release Years: 2010-2011
Medieval enthusiasts found solace in this spin-off, enjoying RPG-like elements and historical storytelling. Although short-lived, the full package offers intriguing bargains for fans of medieval narratives.
4. The Sims 3
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, various others
Release Years: 2009-2014
Despite its loading time woes, The Sims 3’s ambition stood peerless. Its open world and customization remain unmatched today, setting a standard for future life sims.
3. The Sims 4
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Year: 2014-present
As the latest main entry, The Sims 4 boasts modernity and inclusivity, offering unparalleled quality-of-life features. Its longevity and evolving framework ensure that it’s ever expanding.
2. The Sims
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Release Years: 2000-2003
The original Sims set the stage with its innovative gameplay. Nostalgia aside, it challenged players with survival elements wrapped in unique millennium charm, making it a timeless classic filled with risky choices.
1. The Sims 2
Platforms: PC, Mac, Java
Release Years: 2004-2008
At the apex sits The Sims 2, a perfect mix of challenge, humor, and storytelling. It captured players’ imaginations with its compelling neighborhoods and rich lore, cementing its place as a quintessential life simulator.
With over two decades of imaginative gameplay under its belt, The Sims continues to evolve and enchant new generations, each game leaving an indelible mark on its expansive universe.
