The best simulators for those who want to try a new profession

Top simulator games for exploring new professions

Let’s be honest, life as a gamer gives us a unique opportunity: we get to try out jobs that we might not ever get around to IRL. Whether you’ve ever dreamed of flying a plane, running your own company, or saving lives in an emergency room, video game simulators are the easiest and safest way to dive deep into what it feels like to work certain professions. All without leaving the comfort of your gaming chair.

In this article, I’m here as your gaming bro to drop you some recommendations on the best simulator games for trying out new professions. Whether you’re looking to dabble in aviation or just want to lay back and try something creative without the real-world pressure, these games will help you experience the thrills and challenges of different careers.

What is a profession simulator game?

A simulator game puts you straight into a professional role, allowing you to take control and figure out the ins and outs of a job without any real consequences. Some simulators focus on precision, offering highly detailed and realistic models, while others strike a balance between realism and entertainment. The beauty of this genre is its ability to cover nearly every type of profession, making it as wide-ranging as your interests.

Why try simulator games?

• Experience different professions without the risk.
• Learn useful skills (even if they’re only for virtual environments).
• Great for relaxation or honing strategic thinking.
• Mix fun with educational experiences.

No matter what you’re into—driving trucks, managing businesses, or crafting the perfect sandwich—there’s probably a simulator game out there for you!

Top simulator games to explore different professions

Here’s a breakdown of some of the best simulator games out there. Trust me, these games are an absolute blast and can get pretty immersive. Plus, they hit the sweet spot when it comes to balancing fun and realism:

1. Microsoft Flight Simulator (For aspiring pilots)

   Okay, first off, if you’ve ever imagined flying thousands of feet up in the air, Microsoft Flight Simulator is a must-play. This game sets the standard when it comes to aviation simulators. Whether you’re flying small propeller planes across local airfields or commercial jets across continents, the level of realism in this game is mind-blowing.

   What makes it awesome:

   • Real-world weather patterns and live air traffic.
   • Detailed cockpits with accurate instrumentation to get you as close as possible to real flying.
   • Explore the entire world in a 1:1 scale.

   If you’re new to flight sims, don’t be intimidated! There are plenty of beginner tutorials to help you get started, and you can make the game as simple or complex as you like.

2. Truck Simulator Series (For mastering the open road)

   Next up, there’s nothing quite like the experience of cruising down endless highways in a big rig, and that’s where the Truck Simulator series comes in. Whether it’s American Truck Simulator or Euro Truck Simulator 2, these games nail the experience of long-haul trucking.

   Why truck simulators are addictive:

   • Massive, open-world maps based on real-life roads and cities.
   • Options to customize your truck and real-world trailers.
   • You manage your own trucking company, balancing driving time and expanding your fleet.

   Best part: You even have to obey traffic laws and manage your driving hours like a real trucker. It makes long journeys surprisingly meditative.

3. Farming Simulator (For future farmers)

   Being a farmer isn’t easy, but in the virtual world, it’s both challenging AND fulfilling. Available in a variety of editions, the Farming Simulator franchise lets you get your hands dirty in crop management, animal husbandry, and running agricultural vehicles.

   Why it stands out:

   • Accurate farming equipment from brands like John Deere and Case IH.
   • Huge open fields to cultivate and grow crops.
   • You manage the economics of farming: Buy seeds, sell crops, and upgrade your farm.

   It’s a laid-back yet deep simulator—perfect for those days when you just feel like unwinding in a more rural environment.

4. Surgeon Simulator (For those questioning medical school)

   Anyone curious about the chaotic life of surgeons might get a kick out of Surgeon Simulator. But make no mistake, this one’s a bit more on the wacky side. While not a fully realistic simulation, it’s still an entertaining game where you’ll perform transplants, pull out organs, and stitch patients together—often with hilarious consequences.

   Fun features:

   • Bizarre, challenging surgeries that require high precision.
   • Humorous physics—watch out for flying organs!
   • Co-op mode so you and a buddy can try not to fail together.

   If you don’t care about perfection but still want to attempt brain surgery, then this game’s your jam.

5. Cooking Simulator (For future chefs)

   Love food? Ever wanted to run a kitchen like Gordon Ramsay? Well, Cooking Simulator lets you take charge without having to clean up any actual mess! It’s a pretty realistic look at running a professional kitchen.

   Best reasons to try it:

   • Highly detailed cooking mechanics: slicing, frying, baking, everything is hands-on.
   • Time management: Get dishes cooked up before your customers lose patience.
   • Dozens of real-world recipes to master and experiment with.

   Just make sure you don’t burn the place down, alright?

6. House Flipper (For those who want to flip homes)

   Dream of renovating homes and making big profits? Then pick up House Flipper. This game gives you the freedom to buy rundown properties, fix them up, and sell them for a profit. You’ll clean, paint, and redecorate every aspect of the house.

   What’s cool about it:

   • Wide range of renovation tools and customization options for interiors.
   • Progress from tiny apartments to massive homes.
   • Creative freedom to express your interior design flair.

   If interior design has ever caught your fancy, House Flipper is a surprisingly satisfying way to scratch that itch.

How simulator games can enhance real-world skills

Let’s get something straight: While playing a simulation game won’t actually prepare you fully for a real-world job (sorry, just playing Surgeon Simulator won’t get you into medical school), these games can still give you insights and teach you some skills that might come in handy. Here are a few ways simulators can help with real-world applications:

• Improved hand-eye coordination: Especially in simulator games where precision is important (think flight simulators or surgery games).
• Time management skills: Required in games where meeting deadlines or managing assets is critical, such as in Cities: Skylines or Truck Simulator.
• Resource management: Games like Farming Simulator teach you how to balance spending and resources.
• Stress management in high-pressure scenarios: Think cooking or emergency-based simulators.

Final thoughts: Ready to explore a new profession?

So, that’s the lineup! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to dip into a new career, these simulator games won’t disappoint. Whether you’re flying across the globe, managing a farm, or selling renovated houses, each one offers a unique and immersive experience. And hey, who knows, maybe one of these games will spark an actual career change for you!

Looking for more recommendations or reviews of other types of games? Stick around, explore the blog, and be sure to share your experiences with simulator games. Let’s keep that virtual grind going!