Simulator games have started to take over the Steam library and here at Boss Level Gamer, we’ve taken notice of the strangest gaming sims out there.
I am a huge fan of sim games, whether it be restaurant sims, farming sims, or anything in between. After covering some of the best farming simulators, I did a deep dive online and found a lot of really strange simulator games.
What are the qualifications to get a game on the “Strangest Simulators” list? Basically, any game that really makes me ask why, how, or who. Why does this need to exist? How did someone actually think to make this? Who the heck is playing this? I believe I asked these questions when Death Stranding —AKA the best walking simulator — came out, but you won’t find that game on this list.
Some other honorable mentions include Gaming Factory’s Pizza Simulator, Train Simulator Classic from Dovetail Games, and Car Detailing Simulator by Games Incubator.
Here are our top picks for the strangest simulator games:
Powerwash Simulator
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Square Enix
When I hear Square Enix, I think Final Fantasy or Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Little did I know, they have also taken on PowerWash Simulator.
My first instinct was absolutely “why,” but after some thought, I get it. Though this seems like a really strange simulator, who hasn’t sat back and watched power-washing videos on YouTube or TikTok? It’s completely zen, so why take hold of the hose yourself and get cleaning?
“Build up your business in Career Mode and complete a variety of dirty jobs across the dusty town of Muckingham. There’s no right or wrong; no time pressure or final score, just you and the tools you need to soak away your stress. Want a clean start? Chill out and replay your favorite jobs in Free Play.“
Apico
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Whitethorn Games
This one makes the strangest simulators list because it isn’t as simple as it seems. Diving into APICO I thought I was getting a relaxing, playful simulator, but in the end, I was tricked into bee biology lessons.
Saving the bees is both important and adorable in this sim from Whitethorn Games, but mastering cross-breeding plants and bees will keep you on your toes.
“APICO is a laid-back beekeeping sim game about breeding, collecting, & conserving bees! Leave your boring city job behind to return to your family home in Port APICO and get back to your beekeeping roots. Set in a series of lush environments, APICO uniquely combines resource gathering, biology, and beekeeping minigames, taking ideas from a mix of real-life and fantasy apiculture & floriculture. On your journey you’ll rediscover lost species, cross-breed new bees, and help repopulate the islands.”
Robot Vacuum Simulator X
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Sebastian Røed Mangseth
Here is a combination of why, how, and who. This strange sim only has a few reviews on Steam, but people seem to be digging it. “Sometimes, you just want to vacuum away all your insecurities and become a Roomba.”
I don’t know why someone thought we needed to simulate robot vacuums, but now I want one that is directly remote-controlled at home. Oh, and there is more than one version if robot vacuums for some reason top your list of must-play simulator games.
“From the legendary developers of the classic game Robot Vacuum Simulator 2013 comes the long awaited sequel. An exploration into the depths of robotic vacuum cleaning simulation, this game delves where no game has delved before. It is the most realistic robotic vacuum cleaning simulator ever.”
Farming Simulator 22
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia, macOS
Publisher: Giants Software
Farming Simulator is probably the most popular franchise on this list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a strange sim. Most farming simulators are cute and simple to master. This one has you mastering tractors complete with gears, and long drives to the store.
Long gone are the days of the simple point and click farming sim, which begs the question, why are we doing this to ourselves?
“Take on the role of a modern farmer! Agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry offer a huge variety of farming activities while you face the challenges of the four seasons, especially when winter sets in. Creatively build your own farm and extend your farming operations with production chains – forming an agricultural empire! Even run your farm together with friends and enjoy cross platform multiplayer together.”
Goat Simulator
Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Publisher: Coffee Stain Publishing
I think the name says it all, right? This one has you asking “what,” which is an immediate addition to the strangest simulators list. Even after playing it, I’m still not sure I can even answer the question. Get your goats run over, jump on trampolines and dive off cliffs as you frolic along as a very noisy goat.
Don’t forget about trying out the goat fighting rings either. Definitely a weird sim game.
“Gameplay-wise, Goat Simulator is all about causing as much destruction as you possibly can as a goat. It has been compared to an old-school skating game, except instead of being a skater, you’re a goat, and instead of doing tricks, you wreck stuff. Destroy things with style, such as doing a backflip while headbutting a bucket through a window, and you’ll earn even more points!”
Rock Simulator
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Vinoo
Originally, I thought Rock Simulator had to have more to it than meets the eye, especially with hundreds of reviews on Steam, “This game rocks.”
Really, it’s just the ultimate waiting game. Unlock new maps as you level up, like desert, space, and snow. Buy new rock skins like alien or steel, and watch the world go by.
“Level up to explore the great landscapes created by mother nature with zero responsibilities and nothing else but the wind blowing by your hard rocky surface. Listen to the relaxing sound nature has to offer in many different landscapes while earning enough stones to unlock your favorite rock skins! Start your adventure in the Plains while earning enough experience to unlock many more maps by doing what a rock does best…exist!”
Unpacking
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Publisher: Humble Games
Unpacking was just released in November 2021 and has already won multiple awards, like the BAFTA Games Award for Narrative and the BAFTA Games Award for EE Game of the Year.
Not only is it incredibly relaxing, but you grow up alongside the game, with each room you unpack.
Why is it one of the strangest simulators? Well, who wants to unpack? This game makes it a relaxing and charming experience, but I still won’t be happy about doing it in real life.
“Unpacking is a zen game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking. Over the course of eight house moves, you are given a chance to experience a sense of intimacy with a character you never see and a story you’re never told.”
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Android, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Publisher: Landfall
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator or TABS for short is something I see pop up on my YouTube feed regularly. Kids love to watch it, but it’s definitely a weird simulator game.
Explore different maps and send your wobblers to their death. Essentially, someone took poor physics and graphics and turned it into a crazy battle simulator hit!
“Be the leader of red and blue wobblers from ancient lands, spooky places and fantasy worlds. Watch them fight in simulations made with the wobbliest physics system ever created. When you grow tired of the 100+ wobblers at your disposal you can make new ones in the unit creator. You can also send your wobblers to fight your friends or strangers in online multiplayer.”
Viscera Cleanup Detail
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
Publisher: RuneStorm
What happens after a battle takes place? Who puts the city back together, cleans up the blood spatter, and disposes of the bodies? This all sounds like grunt work in the mob, but today, it’s Viscera Cleanup Detail!
Personally, I’d rather be the one making the mess instead of cleaning it up, but I guess we all need to start somewhere—and yes, there’s a local co-op!
“Unfortunately, the alien infestation and the heroic efforts of the courageous survivors have left rather a mess throughout the facility. As the janitor, it is your duty to get this place cleaned up. So grab your mop and roll up your sleeves, this is gonna be one messy job. Today, you’re on Viscera Cleanup Detail!”
Gas Station Simulator
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox one, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Movie Games S.A., HeartBeat Games
I’m pretty sure everyone hates having to go to the gas station. At least this version doesn’t come with the smell. Anyone that takes a less-than-pleasant real-life chore and turns it into a game deserves a spot on the strangest sim list.
This one even has DLC like the Car Wash and Can Touch This updates. Decorate, spray paint and fill up in Gas Station Simulator.
“Gas Station Simulator lets you single-handedly renovate, decorate and run a gas station in the middle of nowhere, America. Work hard and proudly watch your business bloom… Or slack off with a number of wacky minigames. Get rid of debris and broken furniture, fix up the walls, paint and decorate the place to your liking. Stock it and manage its daily business, dealing with all kinds of quirky customers…You are the boss!”
Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator
Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Strange Scaffold
If that title doesn’t tell you why this game is on the strangest simulator games list, I’m not sure what will. Though it does come with an interesting mature content description on Steam, “The information is in the title. There are slickened, detached meat products derived from alien and human bodies, and you sure do buy and sell them.”
Gain notoriety as a reputable organ harvester and meet the demand for fresh meat.
“Everyone has them, and everyone wants them. You are an Organ Trader, the funnel for fleshy meat parts into a strange, evolving, and desperate universe full of clients. Contend with the cutthroat organ market. Trade viscera with dubious figures. Keep vampire-leech organs from devouring the rest of the goods inside your cargo hold. Flood galaxies with meat. Make a profit.”
Mythbusters: The Game – Crazy Experiments Simulator
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Movie Games S.A., PlayWay S.A.
Reality TV meets gaming simulator, why not? This game is releasing on June 8, 2022, so you could be one of the first to check it out. It even has a free introduction game, MythBusters: The First Experiment.
Solve puzzles to unlock blueprints and build to your heart’s content. Scour the shop for the materials you need to test out some experiments.Live out the show you’ve been watching on Discovery for years. At least you can’t hurt yourself.
“MythBusters: The Game is an official video game adaptation of the legendary Discovery show. Become a Mythbuster yourself, both in front of and behind the camera! Utilize the full MythBusters Workshop, and explore other locations like the warehouse, MythBusters Hall, and the testing ground. There’s always a new myth to unlock, so level up to try the next experiment. Be careful and be prepared, because each experiment carries a huge risk. And remember: don’t try it at home!”
Ravenous Devils
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Bad Vices Games
This one is a real ode to Sweeny Todd. This time you’re a tailor instead of a barber, with an insatiable need to kill. And what do you do with the bodies when you’re done? Cook em’ up of course.
Even without Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, the game is a fun, strange simulator, leaving you feeding your prey to your customer. Sometimes sims can be dark too!
“Take control of Percival to manage the tailor shop, wait for the arrival of clients looking for new suits and dresses, kill them when the moment is right, and throw them down the trap door, leading to the kitchen. Not before stealing their outfits, however, their materials ready to be made into brand new clothes: waste not, want not!”
Cat Cafe Manager
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Freedom Games
I immediately knew this was a strange simulator when I reviewed Cat Cafe Manager this month. This game has actually managed to capture my heart and made its way into my regular rotation.
Restaurant simulator games are nothing new, but throw in cat adoption and a mysterious feline figure that you complete missions for, and that definitely pushes it into weird simulator game territory.
“The life of a Cat Cafe Manager awaits! Your grandmother left you a small cafe in the sleepy village of Caterwaul Way, and it’s up to you to fix the place up, impress the locals, and befriend the local cat population. Time to roll up your sleeves, break out the tools, and start hammering away. Your cat cafe can be the talk of the town with the right attitude, menu, and of course, the right cats.”
Drug Dealer Simulator
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Movie Games S.A.
Now we are using simulators to take on the lives of criminals in back alley drug deals. I’m on board. Explore less than ideal streets, wake and bake with your friends, and search stashes for “Marihuana” to become the best darn drug dealer you can be.
The same publisher, Movie Games S.A., also has Drug Dealer Manager available to wishlist on steam now, because we need more.
“Have you ever thought about expanding your own crime empire, without the legal and moral consequences? SIMULATE IT! Now you will finally be able to crawl into the dark alleys of the drug dealing business! Begin your story in a small dirty hideout and make your way up to controlling the territory…”
Instruments of Destruction
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Radiangames
Though a strange simulator, Instruments of Destruction makes total sense to me. Sometimes you just really need to break things. Build your own vehicles and smash every inch of the map any way you want.
This game takes things to the next level, using physics to help you rain destruction on everything in your path.
“Instruments of Destruction features an advanced physics-based destruction system. You can demolish every structure in the game piece by piece thanks to a fully interactive physics system, and every object in the world interacts with the destruction in some way. The game also features an advanced GPU-driven particle system and GPU-driven grass and surface rocks.”
Worldbox
Platform: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Macintosh operating systems
Publisher: Maxim Karpenko
How could I not put a self-proclaimed “God simulator” on the list of the strangest simulator games? WorldBox has thousands of very positive reviews on Steam. Use your godly powers for good or evil, starting wars or supplying land and food.
Destruction powers like lightning, acid rain, and nukes are heavily advertised in this weird sim, so I think chaos is encouraged.
“WorldBox is the ULTIMATE god simulator and sandbox game. Create your own world or destroy it using different powers. Watch civilizations grow, form kingdoms, colonize new lands and sail to far continents. Towns will rebel, empires will fall. It’s your choice to help or watch them fight.”
Airplane Mode
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems
Publisher: AMC Games
No…this isn’t Flight Simulator. This is Airplane Mode, where you experience all the perks and failures of air travel, realistically. The trip’s circumstances will change with each flight, from taxi to take-off to landing.
Take in the clouds from your window, listen to music, and enjoy your airplane meal…if you can. I’m left with one question though, why?
“This is a game where you play as a window seat passenger for the real-time duration of a long-haul commercial flight across the Atlantic. Airplane Mode’s gameplay explores the airline travel experience down to every last detail—from the design of your seat and the seatback in front of you, to the contents of your carry-on bag and smartphone hard drive, to the behaviors of cabin crew and other passengers.”
PC Building Simulator
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, SteamOS
Publisher: The Irregular Corporation
Well, if you’re going to dive into some of the strangest simulator games out there, you’re going to need a PC to do it on. Why not check out PC Building Simulator to get some practice in that won’t break the bank—GPUs aren’t cheap right now.
It seems people are taking tedious tasks and making them into surprisingly popular games, with over 43 thousand Steam reviews. Seems this strange simulator is doing pretty well for itself.
“Build your very own PC empire, from simple diagnosis and repairs to bespoke, boutique creations that would be the envy of any enthusiast. With an ever-expanding marketplace full of real-world components you can finally stop dreaming of that ultimate PC and get out there, build it and see how it benchmarks in 3DMark!”
Tabletop Simulator
Platform: macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Berserk Games
Why play tabletop games when you can just…simulate them? This is another simulator that brings plenty of questions to the table. Who is playing this? Believe it or not, a lot of people. In Tabletop Simulator you can create your own games or play one of the thousands of community mods.
The game even has VR support. Keeping tabletop games fresh makes for a great simulator, even if I think it’s a strange one.
“Create your own original games, import custom assets, automate games with scripting, set up complete RPG dungeons, manipulate the physics, create hinges & joints, and of course flip the table when you are losing the game. All with an easy-to-use system integrated with Steam Workshop. You can do anything you want in Tabletop Simulator. The possibilities are endless!”
That’s our list of the strangest simulator games you can play right now. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments section.
