3 Hidden Gem Simulator Games You Probably Missed

Sometimes, after a long day, all we want is to escape reality. What better way to do it than by diving into a simulator game, where you can step into countless different roles?

So, in an attempt to help you find your next great experience, we've put together a list of some fantastic simulator games you might not have heard of!

Papers, Please

First on our list, a straightforward yet incredibly fun experience.

In Papers, Please, players take on the role of an immigration officer at a border checkpoint. The goal is simple: inspect travelers' documents and enforce an expanding set of rules to protect your country from potential threats.

As the game progresses, new regulations are introduced daily, requiring players to balance speed and accuracy to avoid mistakes. Meanwhile, you're also tasked with managing personal and family issues, which often lead to tough ethical dilemmas.

Despite its simple premise, Papers, Please offers a deeply intricate experience that will challenge your decision-making.

Contraband Police

The premise of our next pick shares similarities with Papers, Please, but with even more depth.

Contraband Police is set in the fictional region of Acaristan, where you play as a border guard in charge of a checkpoint. You will need to check documentation, goods, and vehicles so that all the standards can be met and discard those with discrepancies.

What sets Contraband Police apart is its atmosphere. The game is set in a politically tense region, where attacks can erupt at any moment, adding an extra layer of danger and excitement. The procedurally generated tasks featured in the game also possess high replayability value, so no two playthroughs of the game will ever be identical.

This combination of dynamic gameplay and intense atmosphere makes Contraband Police stand out in the simulator genre.

Derail Valley

In Derail Valley, players can explore a vast 256 km² world, filled with diverse environments like mountains, lakes, and towns, all connected by an extensive railroad network. Whether you choose to walk freely or drive a variety of trains, the game offers the opportunity to complete deliveries across various industries.

The vehicle simulation is incredibly detailed, featuring a range of diesel and steam locomotives, along with complex mechanics such as coupling, servicing, and securing brakes.

This allows players to interact with and learn about the intricate systems that power trains. The procedurally generated delivery system ensures that no two tasks are alike, adding a layer of variety to each playthrough.

For an even deeper experience, Derail Valley offers both a Career mode and a VR mode, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its worlds.

Have you played any of these simulators? Or perhaps you have a hidden gem to recommend that's not on our list? Let us know in the comments below!