The 10 Best Immersive Sims on PC

The immersive sim genre has seen a resurgence lately, with both big-name studios like Arkane and indie developers diving into this ambitious, systems-driven world. At RPS, we’ve always had a soft spot for these richly detailed simulations, with the original Deus Ex often hailed as the best game ever. But times have changed, and so has the landscape of immersive sims. So, we’ve put together a list of the best immersive sims you can play on PC today.

What Makes an Immersive Sim?

Defining an immersive sim isn’t easy. At its core, the genre is about agency, systems, emergence, consistency, and reactivity. But these are abstract terms, and sometimes it's best to just go with your gut. If a game gives you the freedom to interact with the world in deep and meaningful ways, it’s probably an immersive sim. Now, let’s dive into the list!

The Best Immersive Sims on PC

10. Cruelty Squad

Playing Cruelty Squad is like stepping into a fever dream. Nic from our team called it “a maximum effort shitpost wearing a puke-stained Rainbow Six t-shirt.” This game defies all conventional design wisdom with its awkward controls, bizarre art style, and ear-piercing soundtrack. Yet, for the right kind of player, its chaotic and punishing gameplay is strangely captivating. Whether you’re trading human organs on the stock market or using nightmare vision goggles that do absolutely nothing, Cruelty Squad is a wild ride. I don’t necessarily recommend it, but I do demand you acknowledge its existence before moving on.

9. Shadows Of Doubt

Shadows Of Doubt takes the "sim" in immersive sim to the next level. This procedural detective game drops you into a fully simulated noir city where every resident has their own routine—and some of them are murderers. As the investigator, it’s your job to piece together clues from crime scenes, financial transactions, and surveillance footage to solve these cases. The depth of the simulation has led to some hilarious bugs, like snipers who couldn’t hit their targets, leaving apartment buildings littered with spent bullet casings. If emergent gameplay is your thing, Shadows Of Doubt should be on your radar.

8. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

A cult classic from the 90s, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines fits snugly into the immersive sim category. With its open-ended hub world, rich character customization, and dark, atmospheric narrative, this game has earned a dedicated following over the years. Despite its development troubles, the sequel, Bloodlines 2, is still highly anticipated. The original game’s mix of vampiric seduction, horror, and stealth is hard to top, but we’re hopeful that the sequel will bring something new to the table.

7. Deus Ex

Deus Ex is a genre-defining classic that still holds up today. This game laid the groundwork for the immersive sim genre with its blend of RPG elements, stealth mechanics, and a branching narrative that responds to your choices. Though it was overshadowed by other first-person shooters at the time, Deus Ex has since been recognized as a pioneering work that influenced countless games. From skill progression to its intricate plot, Deus Ex remains a must-play for fans of the genre.

6. Gloomwood

Gloomwood is a love letter to the Thief games, with its low-poly aesthetic and stealth-focused gameplay. When it first hit early access, it offered a tantalizing glimpse of a dark, immersive world filled with creepy locations and grisly encounters. Since then, the game has received several updates, expanding the map and adding new mechanics. If you’re a fan of old-school stealth games with a modern twist, Gloomwood is worth checking out.

5. System Shock (2023)

The System Shock remake is a faithful reimagining of the original game, preserving the claustrophobic atmosphere of Citadel Station while updating the visuals and gameplay for modern audiences. This remake doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead refines the immersive sim elements that made the original a classic. With its intricate level design, creepy AI, and tense atmosphere, System Shock is a perfect example of how to modernize a beloved game without losing its essence.

4. Prey

In Prey, you can transform into a coffee mug, roll under a security booth, and pop back into human form with a sense of accomplishment and mild embarrassment. The game’s enemies can do the same, hiding in plain sight and keeping you on edge throughout your exploration of the space station Talos I. The freedom to approach challenges in multiple ways—whether through combat, stealth, or clever use of the environment—makes Prey one of the best immersive sims out there. The ability to escape the station early, ending the game abruptly, is just one example of the game’s commitment to player agency.

3. Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2 is a masterclass in level design, offering a series of environments that beg to be explored from every angle. Whether you’re navigating the shifting rooms of the Clockwork Mansion or hopping between timelines in A Crack In The Slab, the game is packed with memorable moments. Each level offers multiple paths and solutions, encouraging creative playstyles. The city of Karnaca is a playground for supernatural assassins, and it’s up to you how you want to navigate its rooftops, alleys, and gutters.

2. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided builds on the legacy of the original with a densely packed city full of secrets to uncover. Prague is a labyrinth of vents, sewers, and rooftops, offering countless ways to approach your objectives. One of the highlights is the Palisade Bank, an opulent building that’s begging to be infiltrated. With enough skills and patience, you can explore every inch of this high-security facility, uncovering hidden weapons, blueprints, and more. Mankind Divided is a shining example of how to create a living, breathing world that responds to your choices.

1. Deathloop

Deathloop shakes up the immersive sim formula by eliminating the need for save scumming. As Colt, a beefy security man trapped in a time loop, you’re tasked with assassinating the island’s elite in a perfect run to break the loop. Each day, you explore the same few towns and laboratories, learning their secrets and planning the perfect sequence of hits. The game’s clockwork design is a refreshing take on the genre, offering a refined experience that’s hard to top.

And there you have it—the best immersive sims on PC. Did we miss your favorite? Found a secret room with an undiscovered gem? Share your thoughts in the comments below—just don’t try to convince us that BioShock is an immersive sim. We’re not buying it!