Kicking butt in some interdimensional monster brawl is cool, but there’s something special about diving into a simulation game. You get to tackle real-world stuff like driving trains, building cities, or running a farm, and the satisfaction of figuring it all out through trial and error is hard to beat. These games let you live out jobs or lives you might never try in reality, all while running smoothly on your trusty low-end PC.
Here’s our list of the top 10 simulation games for low-end PCs in 2025. No fancy hardware needed—just a love for getting immersed in a new world.
Table of Contents
1. Minecraft
RAM: 4GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 4GB

Kicking things off is Minecraft, the blocky sandbox that’s still a juggernaut in 2025. With millions of players building, exploring, and surviving, this game lets you craft a world out of simple blocks representing all sorts of materials. Creative mode is where it’s at if you just want to build epic structures with unlimited resources, but survival mode throws in some challenges too.
What makes Minecraft perfect for low-end PCs is its basic graphics. It’ll run on just about anything, though you might hit some lag if your world gets massive or spawns too many mobs. Pro tip: clear out those extra critters to keep things smooth. You can even build mini-games within the game, making it endlessly replayable.
2. Papers, Please
RAM: 2GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 100MB
Papers, Please is a unique puzzle sim that puts you in the shoes of an immigration officer in the fictional dystopia of Arstotzka. Your job? Check documents, spot smugglers, spies, or worse, and decide who gets in or gets the boot. Mess up, and your family might go hungry—talk about pressure!
Don’t let the paperwork theme fool you; this game’s got twists and 20 different endings that’ll make you question your choices. It’s a critical darling, even landing on The Guardian’s list of top 50 games of the 21st century. Plus, it’s super lightweight, so your old laptop can handle it no problem.
3. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
RAM: 2GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 1GB

Looking for a game to play with friends? Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a blast (pun intended). It’s all about defusing a bomb, Hollywood-style, but with a twist: one player deals with the bomb while the others read a manual they can’t see. You’ve gotta talk clearly and listen carefully to solve the puzzles before the timer runs out.
It’s intense, fun, and perfect for group hangs, and it runs smoothly on low-end systems. If you’re into teamwork and high-stakes challenges, this one’s a must.
4. Microsoft Train Simulator
RAM: 2GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 7GB

Microsoft Train Simulator is an oldie from 2001 but still one of the best train sims out there in 2025. You’re the conductor, driving trains across Europe, Asia, and North America, managing stops, coupling wagons, and keeping passengers happy. It’s a chill way to relive childhood train fantasies.
Since it’s so old, it runs like a dream on any modern low-end PC. If you want a relaxing escape, this is your ticket.
5. Euro Truck Simulator 2
RAM: 4GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 12GB

Euro Truck Simulator 2, released in 2012, is still a top-tier driving sim in 2025. You’re a truck driver hauling cargo across Europe, taking in gorgeous cityscapes and countryside views. As you complete jobs, you can grow your business, buy new trucks, hire drivers, and customize your rig with lights, horns, and more.
The graphics are decent but don’t demand much, so 4GB of RAM is enough to keep things running smoothly. It’s a relaxing way to hit the open road without leaving your desk.
6. War Thunder
RAM: 4GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 22GB

War Thunder is a free-to-play multiplayer gem that’s all about military action. With over 1,900 vehicles—think planes, tanks, helicopters, and ships—it’s a three-in-one sim that’s perfect for war history buffs. The graphics look great but don’t need a beefy PC, just 4GB of RAM and an onboard GPU.
Whether you’re dogfighting in the skies or rolling out in a tank, this game delivers intense battles without taxing your system. It’s still a leader in flight sims for 2025.
7. Stardew Valley
RAM: 2GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 500MB

Stardew Valley is a farming sim that’s so much more than planting crops. You can build a whole life—get married, make friends, uncover the town’s stories, and even fight monsters in mines. It’s got a cozy, pixel-art style that runs great on low-end PCs and keeps you hooked for hours.
You’re not rushed here; it’s all about long-term goals and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re tending chickens or exploring, it’s a fan favorite for a reason.
8. SimCity 4
RAM: 2GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 1GB
SimCity 4 might be a classic from 2003, but it’s still a go-to city-building sim in 2025. You’re in charge of creating a city from the ground up, managing resources, planning infrastructure, and keeping your citizens happy. It’s got that perfect mix of strategy and creativity.
With its low system requirements, it runs smoothly on budget PCs, especially if you tweak the graphics settings. If you’ve ever wanted to play mayor, this one’s a solid pick.
9. Game Dev Tycoon
RAM: 2GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 500MB
Ever dreamed of running your own game studio? Game Dev Tycoon lets you start as a small developer in the 1980s, coding games in your garage. As you make hits, you can grow your company, hire staff, and tackle bigger projects. Your choices—like what features to focus on—shape how successful your games are.
Its simple graphics mean it runs great on low-end PCs, and the addictive gameplay will keep you up all night. Plus, it’s got a clever anti-piracy twist that’ll make you chuckle.
10. RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic
RAM: 2GB
Graphics: Onboard graphics card
Size: 500MB
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic brings the joy of building and managing your own amusement park to low-end PCs. Design wild roller coasters, set up food stalls, and keep your guests thrilled. The 2D graphics are light on system resources but still packed with charm.
It’s a timeless sim that’s perfect for anyone who loves planning and creativity. You’ll be tweaking ride prices and paths for hours, and it runs smoothly on even the most basic setups.
Got a favorite sim we didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments!
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