The best immersive sims are those that actively reward player agency and offer a degree of freedom unmatched by any other video game. For more than three decades, the loosely defined genre has been a hit among the PC crowd for letting you do whatever you please. They’re backed by incredible world-building, open-ended design, and storytelling that grips you from start to finish.
Best immersive sims of all time
From mainstream entries to burgeoning indie releases, these are the 10 best immersive sim games most worthy of your time and attention in 2026.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
It’s staggering to think that Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is now 10 years old. The second Adam Jensen game took everything that worked with Human Revolution, a prequel to the original game, and dialed it up to 11. It’s (arguably) not as strong narratively; however, this title nails the cyberpunk aesthetic, a greater choice of augmentations, and a rewarding gameplay loop, with greater viability for lethal or pacifist runs.
What’s more, you can pick up this modern-classic for next to nothing nowadays on console or PC, so it’s well worth experiencing, and then re-running, particularly with the stellar expansions: System Rift and A Criminal Past.
Dishonored
More than a decade after its release, Dishonored remains Arkane’s masterwork. The watercolor-in-motion immersive sim is incredibly detailed, endlessly replayable, and bolstered by buttery smooth controls. You play as Corvo Attano, a royal protector who falls victim to a coup against the Empress and must take revenge on those responsible.
You have a full gamut of powers to achieve this goal, including the ability to teleport, possess bodies, summon a swarm of devouring rats, and even stop time. You could also choose a fully non-lethal path, too; choke out your enemies and sneak in the shadows, peace or violence in equal balance.
BioShock
Few immersive sims are as iconic as Ken Levine’s BioShock. Set in a crumbling fascist dystopia leagues under the sea, there’s nothing quite like the oppressive atmosphere of Rapture. You’re Jack, the sole survivor of a plane crash who ends up descending deeper through the ruins of a once-great aquatic city.
You have access to a wealth of historic weaponry from the early 1900s, as well as a range of powers, called Plasmids, allowing you to shoot lightning, fire, ice, and even bees from your fingertips. The game also features iconic enemies with the Splicers and Big Daddies, plus Andrew Ryan is among the most memorable villains in any game.
Cruelty Squad
There’s nothing subtle about Cruelty Squad. The modern immersive sim gives you complete control at the cost of everything else, including your eyes and your mental state. It’s garish and unforgiving, and yet totally unflinching in execution.
The self-described “sewage infused garbage world” is engrossing to navigate, and you have a wealth of weaponry and bio-modifications to achieve your goal of being the best operative in the hardcore gig economy. There’s nothing else quite like it, and if you can get past its visuals, there’s so much to explore here.
Thief II – The Metal Age
While an argument can be made for The Dark Project, Looking Glass’ sequel doubled down on the non-linear level design, complexity, and pure stealth action with improved enemy AI, new tools, and an unforgettable narrative.
It’s over 25 years old, so getting it to run optimally on modern computing hardware may be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. The Life of the Party and First City Bank & Trust missions are among the best in the series; however, the entire trilogy (and even the 2014 reboot) is worthy of a spot on my list. Yeah, I said it.
Prey
Not to be confused with id Software’s portal-based shooter of the same name, Arkane’s Prey is among the best immersive sims of all time for good reason. You’re Morgan Yu aboard the Talos I, fighting terrifying, shapeshifting enemies known as Typhons.
This isn’t a power fantasy; instead, it’s a game with razor-thin survival margins. It’s challenging, non-linear, and incredibly demanding of both your mental and physical prowess. Why? Anything in any area could be in disguise. Ammo is scarce, and death comes quickly. Prey isn’t the easiest im-sim to get into, but it’s hard to fault the experience once it clicks with you.
System Shock (2023)
For as beloved as the original two System Shock games are, they can be near-impenetrable for new players. That’s where Nightdive Studios’ ground-up reimagining of the original game comes into the fold. It’s incredibly faithful to the original title, featuring stellar visuals, modernized controls, and even the OG VA for SHODAN. It’s a fight to the death against an uncompromizing rogue AI. Deep space survival games are rarely as good as this.
Neckbreak
There’s no shortage of solid indie immersive sims, and Neckbreak leads the charge confidently. While its art style may give off the impression of a first-person take on Dennaton’s Hotline Miami, there’s far more substance than what’s on the surface.
The combat is incredibly engaging (not to mention challenging), with a supercharged, acidic art style, pulse-pounding music, and an in-depth city to free-roam in. Non-linear progression, dozens of endings, a sanity system, and many hubs to explore make Neckbreak one of the more slept-on titles in the genre.
Deathloop
While Deathloop (arguably) doesn’t reach the heights of Arkane’s Dishonored series, Deathloop is a big swing bolstered by its player invasion system and “break the loop” narrative. You’re Colt, and you’re hunted by Julianna, as you must find a way to dispatch all eight Visionaries in a 24-hour span.
The game lacks the replay value of most of the other entries here; however, there’s no faulting how enjoyable the experience can be. There’s a suite of powers to play with, but a standout here is the 1960s-inspired weaponry, making gunfights more immersive, something which the developer rarely did up until this point.
Cyberpunk 2077
It’s debatable whether Cyberpunk 2077 is truly an immersive sim or just a first-person open-world shooter that flirts with the concept. With that said, developer CD Projekt Red has added so much to the title that I believe it now qualifies. You’re V, a mercenary in Night City trying to become a legend by any means necessary.
You can indulge in all manner of body modifications at Ripperdocs, specialize in both ranged and melee weapons, or use your mind against your foes as a deadly Netrunner. It may lack some of the typical hallmarks of the genre, but there’s so much to do in the game, and you’re given so much freedom, that it is well worth a place here.
FAQs
A third Adam Jensen game in the Deus Ex franchise was cancelled by Embracer Group in 2024.
You should play the Dishonored series in the order they were released: Dishonored’s base game, the DLCs of The Knife of Dunwall and The Brigmore Witches, then Dishonored 2, before ending with Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. This way, you won’t get lost with the characters or the time jump.
Prey (2017) struggled due to poor marketing, selling only around 1.5 million units, significantly fewer than Dishonored 2 the year before.
