The Best Sports Games to Simulate on Your PC

I know sometimes it can be very challenging to find the best sports games to simulate on your PC. This is because, unlike other genres like RPG, MMOs, and FPS, sports games don’t get a lot of coverage. However, this does not mean that there aren’t any good games in this genre. In fact, some of the best sports simulator games are among the most-played titles in the gaming world today.

Take FIFA 18, for example — it sold over 26.4 million copies shortly after its release. That’s no small number! And just like that, many of the best sports simulator games continue to dominate the charts, even if the media doesn’t talk about them enough.

But don’t worry, that’s exactly why we’re here! In this article, we will list out the best sports games to simulate on your PC. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Racing Simulators

Sports racing is practically a genre-defining niche for simulation games. Can you even call yourself a gamer if you’ve never played a racing game before in your life? I remember the first ever video game I played was the Need For Speed II back in 1997.  

Fast forward to today, and we have some of the best sports games to simulate the thrill of real-life racing. Let’s start with iRacing — often called the king of online racing sims. iRacing offers a top-notch professional-level simulation with official licenses from NASCAR, IndyCar, and more. Its subscription-based model might scare casual gamers, but for serious racers, it’s the holy grail.

Another fan-favorite is the Assetto Corsa series. What makes it special is the precise driving mechanics and modding community. In AC sim games, players can race everything from street cars to GT3 machines across some of the world’s best circuits.

Of course, no list is complete without the F1 series. Each year, the official F1 game brings the entire Formula 1 season to life — complete with all drivers, teams, and circuits. The career mode and online multiplayer scene are a big hit among fans.

Lastly, we can’t forget Gran Turismo 7. Though a PlayStation exclusive, Gran Turismo 7 blends simulation and accessibility beautifully. It’s a widely respected name in racing simulation, and the series even spawned a spin-off movie in case you’re wondering. Among many things, it offers a wide variety of cars, licenses, and challenges, making it one of the best sports simulator games.

Flight Simulators

Ever since the dawn of humanity, man has always dreamed of flying. Thanks to modern technology advancements, it is now possible to take to the endless horizons right from the comfort of your room with flight simulator games!

When we talk about the best sports games to simulate, flight simulators easily make the list. The biggest name here is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It’s famous for its jaw-dropping visuals and real-time weather system. The game uses satellite data and AI to recreate the entire planet. From small Cessnas to massive Boeing 747s, you can fly everything across almost every airport in the world.

For those who prefer military aviation, there’s DCS World (Digital Combat Simulator World). Unlike casual flight games, DCS is a serious combat flight simulator. It’s famous for its ultra-realistic physics, detailed cockpits, and combat missions. If you ever wanted to feel like a real fighter pilot, DCS World is as close as it gets.

Then there’s X-Plane 12, known for its accurate flight physics. Many real-world pilots actually use it for training. The game supports a wide range of aircraft, from light planes to airliners, and offers worldwide scenery with highly detailed airports and weather effects.

For something more fun and unique, you can try VTOL VR. It’s a combat flight simulator built entirely for virtual reality. VTOL VR puts you directly in the pilot’s seat of futuristic combat jets, where you can actually use your hands to flip switches and control the jet.

Football Simulators

While there are many differences among people across various cultures and continents, one thing that has kept humanity on one page is their shared love for football. Where other sports are largely region-bound, football fans can be found in every corner of the world!

Naturally, when we talk about the best sports simulator games, football simulators are right at the top. The most popular name here is EA Sports FC 2025 — the new face of the FIFA series. After EA and FIFA ended their partnership, the game continued under this new title but kept the same exciting gameplay. It offers multiple modes like Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and online multiplayer. In the game, players control over 19,000 licensed footballers and 700+ teams from real-world leagues and tournaments. Whether you want to manage a club, create your dream team, or climb the ranks online, it’s all here in EA Sports FC 2025.

On the other side, you have eFootball by Konami. It was earlier known as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES). This game focuses more on skill-based gameplay and realistic ball physics. Unlike the PES era, it’s now free-to-play and regularly updated with new teams and content. While it does not have as many official licenses as EA Sports FC, it offers a competitive online experience and is very popular in Asia and South America, which makes it one of the best sports games to simulate on your PC.

Basketball Simulators

Wherever there are Americans, there is basketball. It is a fast-paced game of strategy and skill where only the best of the best athletes dominate the battleground. Just like a typical American, if basketball is your favourite game but the thought of endless running and shoving has you second-guessing, then playing the best basketball simulators on your PC is the way to go!

Speaking of which, there’s only one king of a franchise that has ruled the basketball gaming market for years – the NBA 2K series. Year after year, a new NBA 2K game is released with updated rosters, improved graphics, and better gameplay that continues the trend of raising the bar for basketball simulation. The series includes all the official NBA teams and players, along with real arenas, jerseys, and even crowd animations that make you feel like you’re inside a live match.

Among many things, you get to control your favorite stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, and enjoy quick matches with them, enter full seasons, or dive into MyCareer mode, where you create your own player and rise from a rookie to a legend. There’s also an online multiplayer mode where you can compete against other players around the world.

All this makes NBA 2K games one of the best sports simulator games to play in 2025 and beyond!

Honorable Mentions

And just like that, we’ve covered all the major simulator games that you can play on your PC. However, it's not the end of the picture yet. As part of our honorable mentions, we’ve got a couple of games up our sleeves. While they may not share the same big enthusiastic player base as the best sports simulator games mentioned above, these still pack a power punch of thrilling experience, especially if you are into such niche sports genres.

Let’s start with Out of the Park Baseball 26. This game is less about action and more about management. It’s a baseball simulator focused on strategy, statistics, and team management. From trading players to setting lineups and even adjusting ticket prices, you control every aspect of your baseball franchise. If you love the "brains" behind baseball, this game is a hidden gem.

Moving to cricket, Cricket 24 is currently the most complete cricket simulation available. It features real-world teams, players, and stadiums from Australia, England, India, and more. You can play test matches, T20s, or World Cup tournaments. You can even start your career mode as a rookie cricketer and rise to international fame.

For golf lovers, EA Sports PGA Tour is worth mentioning. It offers real golf courses like Augusta National and Pebble Beach, along with a smooth and realistic swing mechanic. Its gameplay focuses on realistic swing mechanics and course conditions. The game also includes PGA Tour events, where you can compete against real-world golfing legends.

If you’re into wrestling, then WWE 2K25 is your go-to simulator game to simulate on your PC. It’s the ultimate wrestling simulator featuring an extensive roster of WWE Superstars and Legends. You can play through story-driven career modes, manage your own wrestling show in MyGM, or just jump into chaotic matches with friends online.

Then there’s NHL 25, a solid hockey simulator. Hockey fans should definitely check it out. As of writing, it’s the latest entry in the long-running NHL series and features over-the-top realistic ice hockey gameplay, complete with official NHL teams, players, and dynamic crowd reactions.

Lastly, we have AO Tennis 2, one of the few serious tennis simulators available. It offers a career mode, real-life tournaments, and detailed player customization. The gameplay focuses on timing, positioning, and strategy, giving tennis fans a proper simulation experience.

These niche titles may not dominate headlines, but they definitely deserve a spot among the best sports games to simulate on PC.