Best Offline Mobile Simulation Games, Ranked

Simulation games have been around for almost as long as gaming. Ever since the days of dial-up Internet, simulation games have provided players with tons of fun and entertaining experiences, regardless of the topic they cover. Some are extremely accurate, whereas others sacrifice some accuracy to make gameplay more fun.

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Platforms like Steam have great free simulation titles in their library. However, a lot of them require an active Internet connection, which can be inconvenient for players who want to have a good time while they’re on the road. Here are some of the best offline mobile simulation games out there.

5

SimCity BuildIt

A Decently Fun City-Building Title

Welcome, Mayor! Be the hero of your very own city as you design and create a beautiful, bustling metropolis. Every decision is yours as your city gets larger and more intricate. Make smart choices to keep your citizens happy and your skyline growing. Then trade, chat, compete, and join clubs with fellow Mayors. Build your way to extraordinary!

BRING YOUR CITY TO LIFE
Build skyscrapers, parks, bridges, and much more! Place buildings strategically to keep the taxes flowing and your city growing. Solve real-life challenges like traffic and pollution. Provide services like power plants and police departments. Keep traffic moving with grand avenues and streetcars.

PUT YOUR IMAGINATION ON THE MAP
Build Tokyo-, London- or Paris-style neighborhoods, and unlock exclusive landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty. Discover new technologies with the Future Cities while getting athletic with sports stadiums. Decorate your city with rivers, lakes and forests, and expand along the beach or on the mountain slopes. Unlock new geographic regions such as the Sunny Isles or Frosty Fjords, each with a unique architectural style. There’s always something new and different to make your city unique.

Systems

Released

October 22, 2014

ESRB

e

• The game features residential areas, as well as commercial and industrial buildings
• Players must solve some of the most common real-life issues of a large city

With so many simulation games out there, the possibilities for different topics are almost endless. Some great titles in this genre are not part of a franchise. However, this is not the case for SimCity BuildIt, which is part of the SimCity catalog. Throughout the game, players will have to solve real-life situations including traffic, pollution and sewage, as well as other public issues that typically affect large cities.

The game’s main concept is for it to be a freemium. However, it does have some annoying pop-up ads and in-game purchases, which is how the developers make money. SimCity BuildIt features commercial and industrial buildings which produce items, as well as residential zones which require constant upgrades. All in all, while the game has received mixed reviews, it certainly provides decent fun for what it offers. It should be noted that, while SimCity BuildIt can be played offline, players will be asked to connect to the Internet after a certain period.

4

Depotism 3K

When AI Takes Over, The Fun Begins

• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Linux, Xbox One, Mac operating systems, Android, iOS
• Released: November 08, 2018
• Developer(s): Konfa Games, Gameplay First LLC
• Genre(s): Strategy Video Game, Simulation Game, Indie Game
• Players take on the role of AI overlords
• Preventing exhaustion and hunger in humans is key

Anyone concerned about the possibility of AI enslaving humanity in the near future should probably skip this title, as it could be a little triggering for them. On a more serious note, though, Depotism 3k presents players with a scenario where they can be the AI overlord and exploit humans to generate power and build an empire.

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This title involves a ton of resource management as players will have to make sure that their human workers do not succumb to hunger or fatigue, which is sometimes easier said than done. This title is not only packed with simulation mechanics but also includes a few rogue-lite elements that complement it greatly. It’s honestly surprising that Depotism 3k isn’t more popular, as it could be argued that it is one of the best mobile simulation games out there.

3

WorldBox – God Simulator

A Game That Puts Control Of The World In Players’ Hands

• Platform(s): Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
• Released: September 24, 2012
• Developer(s): Maxim Karpenko
• Genre(s): Simulation Video Game, Sandbox
• Players have godlike powers and can choose to intervene in the events of their world
• Four different races that fight for power and conquest

God simulators are extremely popular, and with good reason, as they typically feature fun game mechanics that put control and power in players’ hands. In WorldBox – God Simulator, players will have the chance to use many powers in their toolbox as they look after the creatures in their world, which include innocent animals in search of food, and greedy kings pushing to expand their territory.

This title also features four different civilized races, including orcs, elves, dwarves, and humans. Each one will try to expand their kingdom through colonization as players create more continents. Players will also have the choice to either intervene in the comings and goings of the creatures in their land or just sit back and watch what happens. All in all, WorldBox – God Simulator is definitely one of the best 2D simulation games out there.

2

Mega Mall Story

Managing, Expanding, And Maintaining Massive Malls Has Never Been More Fun

• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, Xbox One, Android, iOS
• Released: August 09, 2011
• Developer(s): Kairosoft
• Genre(s): Simulation Video Game, Casual Game, Strategy Video Game, Indie Game
• Players can invest in developments around their mall to attract more customers
• Customers can become a store’s regular if they like its quality

While some simulation games are exclusive to PC, this is not the case for Mega Mall Story, which is available throughout various platforms, so many players can enjoy it. Managing a huge mall and ensuring that customers keep coming through the doors isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who want the challenge and are looking for a distraction for a long trip, this title is ideal.

2:52

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Mega Mall Story features very interesting game mechanics, such as customers becoming regulars of a specific store when they’re satisfied with its quality. As players go up in rank, so will their mall, and the more stars they get (up to 5), the more employees and advertising methods they’ll gain access to. It’s also possible to make investments to attract apartment complexes, office buildings and other developments that can bring in more people.

1

Stardew Valley

The Ultimate Farm Simulation Experience

You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!

Released

February 26, 2016

ESRB

E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)

• Cooking, foraging and fishing are key game mechanics
• Players must manage their resources wisely

Lastly, there’s Stardew Valley, a title that has garnered a huge fan base since it was first released, and with good reason, as it offers tons of possibilities for players to explore. The story begins when players inherit their grandfather’s farm plot in the quiet, yet friendly populace of Stardew Valley.

Throughout the game, players will have to collect various resources, including tools, hats, weapons, bait, and more. Fishing, foraging and cooking are key mechanics of this title and must be done often to progress. Stardew Valley is, without a doubt, one of the most comforting farming simulation games out there, and also one of the most complete and complex. Players looking for a gaming experience that will both allow them to sit back and relax as their farm plot grows, while also being tasked with gathering and managing resources, will certainly love this title and everything around it.

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