The Best Immersive Sims on PC

The immersive sim genre has seen a renaissance recently, with both major studios like Arkane and indie developers diving into this ambitious and rewarding genre. At RPS, we've always been huge fans of these intricate simulations, famously naming the original Deus Ex the best game ever. But with so many new contenders, does it still hold that title? Only one way to find out: let's make a big list.

Immersive sims are tricky to define. Mark Brown once described them as games emphasizing agency, systems, emergence, consistency, and reactivity. While these terms might seem vague, they capture the core principles of what makes these games so engaging. But hey, sometimes it's best to go with your gut. So, here's our ranked list of the best immersive sims on PC.

Remember, if your favorite immersive sim isn't here, drop a comment and let us know. And yes, we know BioShock isn’t on this list—fight us in the comments.

Here's a sneak peek at the list, ranked for your scrolling pleasure. Can't wait? Click a title to jump straight to it.

10. Cruelty Squad

Developer: Consumer Softproducts
Release Date: 2021

Playing Cruelty Squad feels like enduring a migraine. Described as "a maximum effort shitpost wearing a puke-stained Rainbow Six t-shirt," this game defies conventional design with its chaotic visuals, awkward controls, and bizarre soundtrack. Yet, for some, its punishing charm is irresistible. You can buy and sell human organs, invest in an ammunition gland, or wear nightmare vision goggles with no clear purpose. It's a unique experience, but not one we necessarily recommend—just acknowledge it before we move on.

9. Shadows of Doubt

Developer: ColePowered Games
Release Date: 2023

Shadows of Doubt takes procedural detective work to the next level, immersing you in a noir city full of routine-driven NPCs, some of whom are murderers. Your job is to piece together clues from financial transactions, broken windows, emails, and more to identify the killer. The game's ambitious simulation can lead to funny bugs, like snipers missing repeatedly, but its emergent gameplay solidifies its place as a true immersive sim.

8. Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines

Developer: Troika Games
Release Date: 2004

This 90s RPG fits the immersive sim mold with its hub world, freedom to explore, and character customization ranging from sewer monster to sultry vampire. Despite its development troubles, the original Bloodlines remains beloved for its mix of sex, sadism, and stealth. The sequel, Bloodlines 2, has faced delays, but fans still hold out hope for a worthy follow-up.

7. Deus Ex

Developer: Ion Storm
Release Date: 2000

Playing Deus Ex today reveals the foundational elements of the immersive sim genre. Its genre-bending skill system, detailed plot deviations, and player agency influenced countless games. Though overshadowed by Half-Life at its release, Deus Ex's legacy endures in modern RPGs and shooters, making it a genre-defining classic.

6. Gloomwood

Developer: New Blood Interactive
Release Date: 2022

Gloomwood offers a tantalizing taste of low-poly immersive sim gameplay inspired by Thief. With its updates expanding the creepy city, including a market district, power station, and mirror realm, Gloomwood promises a richly atmospheric experience. If you're into early access games, now might be the perfect time to dive in.

5. System Shock (2023)

Developer: Nightdive Studios
Release Date: 2023

Nightdive Studios' System Shock remake stays true to the original's layout while modernizing its aesthetics. This faithful reimagining rewards fans of the early immersive sim with a beautifully revamped Citadel Station, offering a maze of cramped corridors and crawlspaces that captures the essence of the genre's origins.

4. Prey

Developer: Arkane Studios
Release Date: 2017

In Prey, you can turn into a coffee mug and roll under security booth windows, adding a layer of clever mimicry to its horror-infused space station setting. The freedom to unlock routes with various powers and weapons, like the glue gun, highlights Arkane's mastery of immersive sim design. Talos I is a sci-fi playground of emergent gameplay and jumpscares.

3. Dishonored 2

Developer: Arkane Studios
Release Date: 2016

Dishonored 2 is renowned for its exceptional level design, from the constantly shifting Clockwork Mansion to the time-hopping A Crack in the Slab. Whether navigating the sunny docks or the narrow streets of Karnaca, players explore from unique perspectives, making this fantasy stab 'em up a masterpiece of immersive sim design.

2. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Developer: Eidos Montreal
Release Date: 2016

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’s densely packed Prague is a cyberpunk playground. The Palisade Bank, with its grand architecture and hidden vaults, exemplifies the game's intricate design. Offering myriad routes and hidden treasures, Mankind Divided continues the legacy of its predecessor with sublime city design and endless opportunities for subterfuge.

1. Deathloop

Developer: Arkane Studios
Release Date: 2021

Deathloop breaks the save-scumming habit by resetting the game for you, creating a refreshing take on the immersive sim genre. As Colt, you're trapped in a time loop, perfecting a sequence of assassinations to break free. The changing environments based on the time of day offer a refined, clockwork kingdom of emergent gameplay, making Deathloop a standout in the genre.

That's our list! We've crawled through all the vents and explored every nook.