Every Farming Simulator Game, Ranked

With over ten different Farming Simulator games, it’s pretty tough to figure out the best. But we’ve taken the time to do so. Most will think the Farming Simulator games are the same, but that couldn’t be more wrong. Each thrives in its own way and each is a favorite among certain fans. This is why it’s so tough to find the best game in the franchise, especially since it’s so opinion-based.

Nevertheless, based on critics’ and fans’ reviews, a few games really stood out as being both fan favorites and undeniably well-polished games. Whereas others fell a little flat.

Updated on January 7, 2025 by Tom Hopkins: The Farming Simulator series is going from strength to strength with the latest games proving to be even more popular than their predecessors. Reception from both critics and players is always a little mixed, but the games have been more consistent in recent years.

16

Farming Simulator 14

Available on Android, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Windows 10 Mobile, PlayStation Vita, and the Nintendo 3DS, Farming Simulator 14 was one of the first Farming Simulator games to come out on mobile. While it was a good game for those who didn’t have a PC or console, it just didn’t take off as well as people wanted it to.

It’s pretty much a direct copy of Farming Simulator 13 and didn’t provide anything new that was worth having. It was a good game and brought many new players in, but it’s often forgotten about.

15

Farming Simulator 2009

With a fair amount of support from new players, Farming Simulator 2009 brought with it a relative amount of success and a huge amount of detail. It was the second to be brought out and allowed players to explore new crops, machinery, and the beloved mods.

Farming Simulator 2009 seemed to push the attention to detail and did impress many players and critics. It didn’t break records but was a good addition to the franchise that helped make the games into what they are now.

14

Farming Simulator 23

Farming Simulator 23 is another low-rated Nintendo Switch and mobile port of the series. However, it isn’t as poorly received as other ports have been.

Once again, it is essentially the previous year’s game with some features removed and others simplified. If you’re able to play the full experience on PC, that’s still the best option, but you can load up 23 on handheld devices if that’s your only way to play.

13

Farming Simulator 2012

Despite getting a fairly decent score of 59 on Metacritic, a lot of critics found this game to be incompatible with the DS and mobile. The controls felt clunky and rather frustrating to use which made a lot of people put the game down and never pick it up.

It feels like Farming Simulator 2012 was a game out of its time. It got better for mobile and the likes but with limited graphics and clunky controls, it just didn’t hit the mark.

12

Farming Simulator 16

Compared to many of the newer Farming Simulator games, this one sort of fell flat. It was a popular portable version that still brought enjoyable gameplay but many fans highlighted its compatibility. After all, time is an important aspect of this game, and many portable consoles weren’t made for super long battery life.

Ultimately, Farming Simulator 16 was a wonderful game that made the franchise more accessible and is loved among many fans. It may not be the favorite but it’s ideal if you want to play it on the go.

11

Farming Simulator 2008

As the first Farming Simulator game to come out, it didn’t really have another game to be compared to. However, while many saw this game as a labor of love, it really aimed itself at a limited audience with its content.

Due to the many newer games that quickly became fan favorites, the original has become a little forgotten about, even with nostalgic players. It was an enjoyable game in its time but that’s pretty much it, there are better versions out there now.

10

Farming Simulator 20

After the success of Farming Simulator 17 when it was ported over to the Switch and other portable consoles, many expected Farming Simulator 20 to perform just as well. They were bitterly disappointed, which is why it only got a user review rating of 2.2 on Metacritic.

It felt like a downgrade of other games yet cost a considerable amount more than you would think a mobile game would cost, so many fans were a little annoyed from the outset. Nevertheless, it looks good and plays well, it just isn’t anything special and doesn’t bring anything new to the franchise.

9

Farming Simulator 2011

With some pretty impressive reviews from fans, Farming Simulator is one of those games that everyone loves, apart from the critics. It’s the first game in the franchise to introduce multiplayer, a mode that so many fans fell in love with. With these new modes came new maps, machinery, and everyone’s favorite, cows.

While not groundbreaking, Farming Simulator 2011 changed the face of the franchise and made it enjoyable and accessible.

8

Farming Simulator 2013

Farming Simulator 2013 is surprisingly popular considering its age. However, with all the new fantastic mods and additions, this game’s a fan favorite that can be played by so many people.

Due to the addition of new US content in the form of a map called “Westbridge Hills”, many felt it was becoming more inclusive and accepting of the new mods that took over this game, it had one of the biggest modding communities in the franchise.

7

Farming Simulator 15

A fan of Farming Simulator 15 will fight to the grave to tell you this game is the best in the franchise, and with a score of 64 on Metacritic, they’re not entirely wrong.

It’s the more user-friendly game that’s equally pleasing to the eye and incredibly fun to play. It introduced the ability to essentially become a lumberjack which can keep you occupied while you wait for your crops to grow. This game is undeniably one of the best in the franchise.

6

Farming Simulator 18

As a mobile game, many people were a little hesitant about this release. After all, most of the other mobile Farming Simulator games felt a little shabby compared to the console and PC versions.

That being said, Farming Simulator 18 was a hit among fans and critics alike, and rightly so! It’s ideal for those who want a smaller and simplified version of the same game while still getting all the content from the PC and Console versions. It’s ideal for a younger audience or a good game to play on the go.

5

Farming Simulator Nintendo Switch Edition

Interestingly, Farming Simulator Nintendo Switch Edition is one of the highest-rated games in its franchise! But with easy-to-understand controls and great graphics, there really isn’t much to fault.

Ultimately, this game is the best one to pick if you want to play Farming Simulator on the go. It really holds up when put against other consoles and PC, allowing it to gain one of the top spots when dictating how good the game really is.

4

Farming Simulator 17

While not rated as highly by critics, Farming Simulator could not be more loved by fans. It feels much more polished than its predecessors and allows for some dynamic lighting and better graphics, making it immersive and transformative.

Overall, Farming Simulator 17 is just as relaxing and entertaining as the other Farming Simulator games, but the graphics, attention to detail, and the multitude of things to do sets this game above the rest.

3

Farming Simulator 22

With a 76 average score from critic on Metacritc, Farming Simulator 22 is one of the best reviewed games in the series to date, and the players agree with that consensus.

The new gameplay features may be overwhelming for newcomers, but they make the loop of planting and harvesting far less repetitive that it has been in previous games.

2

Farming Simulator 25

The latest game in the series maintain the modern quality of the series. The focus here was on the technical side of the game, making it prettier than any other game in the series.

While critics love it, some players have criticised it for a lack of new content. However, for a series that gets near annual releases, it’s a high quality farming sim.

1

Farming Simulator 19

While this may be the highest-rated game in the franchise, it’s the fan love this one gets that sets it as the best Farming Simulator game in the franchise.

It’s worth noting you’ll need a good setup for this game as many have found problems with the demanding graphics. However, if you have the right kit for it you’ll be blown away by the graphics, new content, and the overwhelming amount of mods available. The developers clearly worked hard with this one and improved vehicle handling and stabilization. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty close.