Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Sims 3 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with The Sims 3 on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The games like The Sims 3 on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
24 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Multi-platform
- Nintendo
- PC
- PlayStation
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
The short version
- Closest match: RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum, which both open world, strategy and relaxing.
- The Sims 3 is tagged Life Sim, Simulation, Character Customization, Building, Sandbox, Singleplayer, Casual, Funny by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 3 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 3 are from the same studio: The Sims 4, Spore, SimCity 4.
Why players value The Sims 3
The five things Steam players tag The Sims 3 with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.
- Life Sim
- Simulation
- Character Customization
- Building
- Sandbox
| Reception | on Steam (86% of 34,337) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | players report will not launch or install, crashes and freezes |
| Price | $19.99 |
Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Building; released around the same time (2008).
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 Platinum combines the excitement of rollercoasters with the fun of a great strategy simulation. RCT3 Platinum combines the roller coaster theme park fun of the Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 with included expansion packs Soaked! and Wild! Now enjoy more options than ever.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum at a glance Released 2008 Studio Frontier Player sentiment 92% positive of 5,244 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (92% of 5,244)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Simulation, Management, Sandbox, Building, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationSandboxBuildingStrategyFamily FriendlyFunnyModdableGreat Soundtrack
- 2
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Strategy; published by the same company; released around the same time (2009).
Take Your Creature From Zero To Galactic HeroGet out of your starship and turn your Spore creatures into legendary Space Captains. For the first time, beam down with your allies to take on action-packed, planetside adventures. Complete quests, collect rewards, and even create your own missions.
SPORE Galactic Adventures at a glance Released 2009 Studio EA - Maxis Player sentiment 89% positive of 7,761 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (89% of 7,761)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Character Customization, Sandbox
Why players like it: Simulation, Action, Space, Adventure, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationSandboxStrategyFunnyRPGComedyCharacter CustomizationCasual
- 3
The Sims 4
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Maxis; both open world and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Life Sim, Character Customization and Building.
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more.
The Sims 4 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Maxis Player sentiment 86% positive of 199,663 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (86% of 199,663)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 5 of 5 — Life Sim, Simulation, Character Customization, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Life Sim, Character Customization, Free to Play, Building, Romance — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: Free — free
Watch-outs: players report monetisation inside the game (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:Life SimCharacter CustomizationBuildingRomanceSimulationSandboxCasualFamily Friendly
- 4
Spore
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Maxis; both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Sandbox, Simulation and Casual; released around the same time (2008).
Be the architect of your own universe with Spore, an exciting single-player adventure. From Single Cell to Galactic God, evolve your creature in a universe of your own creations.
Spore at a glance Released 2008 Studio Maxis Player sentiment 93% positive of 72,594 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (93% of 72,594)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 2 of 5 — Simulation, Sandbox
Why players like it: God Game, Open World, Sandbox, Colony Sim, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:SandboxSimulationCasualFunnyFamily FriendlyComedy
- 5
Two Point Hospital
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Simulation, Building and Funny.
Design stunning hospitals, cure peculiar illnesses and manage troublesome staff as you spread your budding healthcare organisation across Two Point County.
Two Point Hospital at a glance Released 2018 Studio Two Point Studios Player sentiment 92% positive of 34,935 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (92% of 34,935)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Simulation, Management, Medical Sim, Building, Funny — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $29.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationBuildingFunnyStrategySandboxComedyCasualReplay Value
- 6
SimCity 4
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Maxis; both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Building, Sandbox and Strategy.
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone.
SimCity 4 at a glance Released 2003 Studio Maxis Player sentiment 82% positive of 9,833 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: (82% of 9,833)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: City Builder, Immersive Sim, Base-Building, Building, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, will not launch or install (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:BuildingSandboxStrategySimulationCasualFamily FriendlyModdable
- 7
Youtubers Life
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Life Sim, Character Customization and Casual.
Become the most successful youtuber on the planet! Create videos, get subscribers, attend events, interact with your fans… and grow your channel. Live a youtuber’s life!
Youtubers Life at a glance Released 2017 Studio UPLAY Online Player sentiment 77% positive of 15,413 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.7/10 · Steam: (77% of 15,413)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 4 of 5 — Life Sim, Simulation, Character Customization, Sandbox
Why players like it: Management, Singleplayer, Life Sim, Character Customization, Casual — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $9.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:Life SimCharacter CustomizationCasualSimulationComedyFamily FriendlyFunnyStrategy
- 8
Fallout Shelter
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Strategy and Building.
Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland.
Fallout Shelter at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 88% positive of 82,585 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (88% of 82,585)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Free to Play, Base-Building, Survival, Post-apocalyptic, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: Free — free
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, monetisation inside the game, lost progress or broken saves (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationStrategyBuildingCasualSandboxRPGFunnyGreat Soundtrack
- 9
Reus
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Sandbox; released around the same time (2013).
In Reus, you control powerful giants to shape the planet to your will. You can create mountains, oceans, forests and more. Enrich your planet with plants, minerals and animal life. There is only one thing on the planet that you do not control: mankind, with all their virtues and and all their vices.
Reus at a glance Released 2013 Studio Abbey Games Player sentiment 78% positive of 5,991 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.8/10 · Steam: (78% of 5,991)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 2 of 5 — Simulation, Sandbox
Why players like it: God Game, Strategy, Indie, Simulation, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $9.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:StrategySimulationSandboxCasualReplay ValueFamily FriendlyGreat SoundtrackFunny
- 10
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Casual, Sandbox and Family Friendly; released around the same time (2012).
The best-selling, award-winning franchise is back – on your home PC in gorgeous HD for the first time.
Scribblenauts Unlimited at a glance Released 2012 Studio 5th Cell Media Player sentiment 94% positive of 12,381 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (94% of 12,381)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 1 of 5 — Sandbox
Why players like it: Puzzle, Casual, Adventure, Sandbox, Family Friendly — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $19.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:CasualSandboxFamily FriendlyFunnyComedyStrategyModdableReplay Value
- 11
Planet Coaster
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Building and Sandbox.
Planet Coaster® - the future of coaster park simulation games has arrived! Surprise, delight and thrill incredible crowds as you build your coaster park empire - let your imagination run wild, and share your success with the world.
Planet Coaster at a glance Released 2016 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 91% positive of 72,148 Price $44.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (91% of 72,148)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Simulation, Building, Management, Sandbox, Family Friendly — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $44.99 — $25.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationBuildingSandboxFamily FriendlyStrategyFunnyGreat SoundtrackCasual
- 12
Planet Zoo
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Building and Sandbox.
Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them.
Planet Zoo at a glance Released 2019 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 91% positive of 97,527 Price $44.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (91% of 97,527)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Management, Simulation, Building, Sandbox, Nature — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $44.99 — $25.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationBuildingSandboxFamily FriendlyStrategyGreat SoundtrackCasualFunny
- 13
Prison Architect
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Building and Sandbox.
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect.
Prison Architect at a glance Released 2015 Studio Introversion Software Player sentiment 89% positive of 73,744 Price $5.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (89% of 73,744)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Simulation, Building, Sandbox, Base-Building, Colony Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $5.99 — $14.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationBuildingSandboxStrategyModdableFunnyReplay ValueCasual
- 14
Crusader Kings II
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and RPG; released around the same time (2012).
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
Crusader Kings II at a glance Released 2012 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 91% positive of 73,903 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (91% of 73,903)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Character Customization, Sandbox
Why players like it: Grand Strategy, Strategy, Medieval, Historical, Political Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:StrategySimulationRPGSandboxReplay ValueModdableCharacter CustomizationGreat Soundtrack
- 15
Coral Island
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Life Sim, Simulation and RPG.
Coral Island is a vibrant, laid-back farm sim reimagined with multiplayer! Experience enchanting island life at your own pace: farm with friends, nurture animals, build relationships, hang out with a diverse cast of characters, and dive into the magical Merfolk Kingdom.
Coral Island at a glance Released 2023 Studio Stairway Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 27,542 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (89% of 27,542)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 5 of 5 — Life Sim, Simulation, Character Customization, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Farming Sim, Life Sim, Relaxing, Dating Sim, Simulation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $29.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:Life SimSimulationRPGCharacter CustomizationSandboxBuildingCasual
- 16
House Flipper
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Building and Sandbox.
House Flipper is a unique chance to become a one-man renovation crew. Buy, repair and remodel devastated houses. Give them a second life and sell them at a profit!
House Flipper at a glance Released 2018 Studio Empyrean Player sentiment 94% positive of 111,507 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (94% of 111,507)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Simulation, Design & Illustration, Building, Singleplayer, Relaxing — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $24.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationBuildingSandboxCasualFamily FriendlyReplay ValueModdable
- 17
Hydroneer
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Sandbox, Building and Funny.
Hydroneer is a mining and base building sandbox. Dig for gold and other resources to turn a profit and enhance your mining operation. Build a base of operations, forge weapons, go fishing, and dig deep!
Hydroneer at a glance Released 2020 Studio Foulball Hangover Player sentiment 86% positive of 28,407 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (86% of 28,407)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Base-Building, Mining, Automation, Sandbox, Co-op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $14.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SandboxBuildingFunnyCasualSimulationStrategyFamily Friendly
- 18
Construction Simulator 2015
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Building and Casual.
In Construction Simulator 2015, you take the controls of 16 realistic construction machines made by LIEBHERR, STILL and MAN with high-quality 3D graphics.
Construction Simulator 2015 at a glance Released 2014 Studio weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung GmbH Player sentiment 82% positive of 6,852 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (82% of 6,852)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Simulation, Building, Multiplayer, Open World, Automobile Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $14.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationBuildingCasualStrategySandboxModdableFamily Friendly
- 19
InZOI
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Life Sim, Character Customization and Simulation.
"Every life becomes a story" Create your unique story by controlling and observing the lives of 'Zois'. Customize characters and build houses using inZOI's easy-to-use tools to live the life of your dreams and experience the different emotions of life created by its deep and detailed simulation.
InZOI at a glance Released 2025 Studio Krafton Player sentiment 77% positive of 32,534 Price $39.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.5/10 · Steam: (77% of 32,534)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 5 of 5 — Life Sim, Simulation, Character Customization, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Life Sim, Character Customization, Sexual Content, Realistic, Simulation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $39.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, will not launch or install, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:Life SimCharacter CustomizationSimulationBuildingRomanceSandboxModdableCasual
- 20
Cities: Skylines II
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Building and Sandbox.
Raise a city from the ground up and transform it into a thriving metropolis with the most realistic city builder ever. Push your creativity and problem-solving to build on a scale you've never experienced. With deep simulation and a living economy, this is world-building without limits.
Cities: Skylines II at a glance Released 2023 Studio Iceflake Studios Player sentiment 56% positive of 91,995 Price $49.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.7/10 · Steam: (56% of 91,995)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: City Builder, Simulation, Building, Sandbox, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $49.99 — $30.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationBuildingSandboxStrategyModdableCasualGreat Soundtrack
- 21
Mount & Blade
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Strategy and Sandbox; released around the same time (2008).
Calradia is a land at war, offering great riches and even greater dangers to adventurers and mercenaries that flock to shed their blood on its soil. With courage and a strong sword, an unknown stranger can make a name as a warrior. Free-form sand-box gameplay.
Mount & Blade at a glance Released 2008 Studio TaleWorlds Player sentiment 92% positive of 6,718 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (92% of 6,718)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Character Customization, Sandbox
Why players like it: RPG, Medieval, Open World, Strategy, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $9.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:RPGStrategySandboxModdableCharacter CustomizationSimulationReplay Value
- 22
Kerbal Space Program
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Building.
In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.
Kerbal Space Program at a glance Released 2015 Studio Squad Player sentiment 96% positive of 146,438 Price $39.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (96% of 146,438)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: Space, Simulation, Sandbox, Physics, Science — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $39.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:SimulationSandboxBuildingModdableFunnyReplay ValueStrategyComedy
- 23
Octopath Traveler
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Great Soundtrack and Strategy.
Eight travelers. Eight adventures. Eight roles to play. Embark on an epic journey across the vast and wondrous world of Orsterra and discover the captivating stories of each of the eight travelers.
Octopath Traveler at a glance Released 2018 Studio Square Enix Player sentiment 86% positive of 17,150 Price $59.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (86% of 17,150)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 2 of 5 — Simulation, Sandbox
Why players like it: RPG, JRPG, Pixel Graphics, Turn-Based, Story Rich — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $59.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report servers and connection (details)
Shared with The Sims 3:RPGGreat SoundtrackStrategyCasualSandboxSimulation
- 24
The Scroll of Taiwu : Beyond The Dome
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Sandbox and Strategy.
"The Scroll of Taiwu" is an indie game themed around Chinese mythology and wuxia. Players assume the role of the mysterious "heir of the Taiwu clan" in an alternate ancient China, working through generations of heirs to defeat a powerful hereditary enemy and shape the fate of the human world.
The Scroll of Taiwu : Beyond The Dome at a glance Released 2026 Studio ConchShip Games Player sentiment 65% positive of 70,159 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.3/10 · Steam: (65% of 70,159)
Matches The Sims 3 on: 3 of 5 — Simulation, Building, Sandbox
Why players like it: RPG, Martial Arts, Sandbox, Open World, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs The Sims 3: $29.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with The Sims 3:RPGSandboxStrategySimulationCasualBuilding
Common questions
What game is most like The Sims 3?
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum, on the evidence we have. It both open world, strategy and relaxing. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to The Sims 3" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with The Sims 3. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of The Sims 3 do?
The Sims 4, Spore, SimCity 4 are also from Maxis, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.