The 7 best simulation games on Xbox Game Pass in 2026

Xbox Game Pass constantly infuses players with a wide variety of genres, including simulation games. The subscription offers several unique sims at a very fair price, no matter which tier you subscribe to, and many of them can be played on both console and PC. Xbox Game Pass is a great way for people to experiment with titles they would never dream of picking up for real money.

Single-player and multiplayer games are available as part of Xbox Game Pass, so whether you want to lock in and take on the satisfying job of a washing machine or keep the city safe with a fellow officer, there's something for everyone. Simulation games are a great way to expand your knowledge of a certain topic and really immerse yourself in the day-to-day responsibilities of the characters.

We left Microsoft Flight Simulator and PowerWash Simulator 1 and 2 from the list just because everyone already knows them. Let's focus on the Game Pass sim games that could use the exposure.

Crime scene cleaner

Are you the bad guy?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with a crowd? Well, now you don't have to. Crime scene cleaner it offers the full experience…with strings attached. Players take on the role of a single father who must clear his way through some of the most terrifying mob-created messes in order to pay for his daughter's hospital bills. Carrying out tasks such as cleaning up spilled blood, disposing of murderous weapons and getting rid of any strange smells will ensure that the big boss pays you well. There may occasionally be valuable items that the mob demands, but they might be better off in your pockets if it's worth the risk.

Your efforts will be reflected in your payout, and more money will allow players to upgrade their cleaning equipment to get the job done faster and more efficiently. You cleaned up the mess, but maybe some fingerprints are only visible under UV light? You won't want to miss a thing, after all you have experienced first hand what happens to those who let the crowd down. This single player game is great for those who like games like PowerWash simulatorbut with an added twist.

A game about digging a hole

Just keep digging

You've just moved into your new house and there's a mysterious orange “X” on the grass in your backyard. You stare and realize the only logical thing to do is dig! Starting your one man's journey with only a measly shovel and limited inventory, players can expect to earn money by selling rocks and coal to upgrade their tools. Your energy will run out, so buying recharges is a must, but the deeper you dig, the harder it is to come back. Items like jetpacks can be purchased to avoid fall damage and make exits easier, and the deeper you go, the more valuable loot you'll find.

The bottom of the hole is a mystery: what's really down there and why it's there A game about digging a hole? Upgrades such as a metal detector will help players with which direction to dig; wasting energy and storage space on cheap materials can leave you stuck at the bottom. With every shovelful of dirt you get closer to the truth on your solo adventure into the depths of the earth, but have you prepared yourself?

Police Simulator: Cops

Good cop or bad cop?

Looking for an authentic experience of patrolling the streets of Brighton as part of the city's police force? look no further Police Simulator: Cops allows players to get the full experience, either through play solo or invite a teammate on their patrol route. Starting with issuing parking tickets, you'll climb the ranks of the police force, gaining more responsibility and expertise as you progress, unlocking new items like radio communications and faster patrol cars. Players will conduct interrogations, learn to pick up on social cues that may be the key to finding a suspect, and solve traffic accidents that may seem innocent at first but end up with someone in handcuffs.

At the end of each shift, XP will be awarded based on how many incidents you've dealt with and how well they've been recorded. This will help improve and unlock new neighborhoods of Brighton, each with their own unique feel and set of challenges to tackle. It is important to explore all areas as civilians will occasionally ask for directions and a better understanding of the city will do wonders for a busy officer.

Roadside Research (game demo)

Is it Goop?

In this game you and up to 3 other friends they are in charge of the operation of the gas station. And you are an alien and no one can find out. After landing on Earth, you've set yourself the task of improving your alien technology by researching people, pumping gas, and resupplying, but you have to mix it up. While the sun is shining, you are a regular employee and you need to feel like it; the mess you left behind from your slimy feet, you better clean it up quick! Unusual activity will increase the suspicion meter, and if it gets too high, players can expect a government visit that won't end well.

Road research it balances keeping your gas station to attract more customers and then collecting information about them undetected to improve your knowledge. Gather enough information and you can control customers' minds to spend more money or erase their memory of any suspicious activity they've seen. Unlock new snacks and equipment for your station; the higher the rating, the more customers are willing to pay. The fate of the station and your life is up to you. Can you hide your true identity from the world?

Herdling

To the mountains and beyond

Starting out alone and afraid, trying to find a way out of the darkness, this solo adventure follows a young boy on his journey to lead a herd of beautiful, magnificent animals to the top of the mountains. Herdling is a game with some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever see, and you'll fall in love with the unique animals you add to your herd throughout the story. Herdling is an emotional experience that combines puzzles and compassion into one challenging quest for peace.

Collect accessories to better identify the members of your herd, carefully navigate treacherous conditions guarded by ghostly enemies, and be careful to keep everyone together. The bigger your herd, the more speed you'll gain as you stampede through the pastures, but if you lose a member, they're gone forever. Herding is not an easy job, but the reward at the end of the journey is definitely worth it.

House Flipper

Work smarter, not harder

Are you planning to create your dream place? Immerse yourself in House Flipperand you can do just that! If knocking down walls and turning basements into doomsday shelters sounds like fun, then this game is definitely for you. Meeting the exact requirements of customers for renovations will be a challenge. Finding the exact shade of yellow for a wall, redoing a sloppy job and leaving no trace of your efforts, but that's why you have your trusty tools. From painting walls to installing new bathrooms, House Flipper it has everything and as you progress through the story, so will you.

Taking on contracts from your laptop, each of which rewards you with generous cash, leaves players with 2 options: upgrade your tools to make your job easier, or save and renovate the place you've always dreamed of. By gaining experience from each job, you will have the opportunity to upgrade your skills, making your work faster and more efficient. Customers can give you a choice to determine what happens to the space, for example, the husband wants a playroom, while the wife wants a children's playroom; it's up to you who will have the last word. House Flipper is a great game for players who want to escape from reality and relax with satisfying chores.

Car mechanic simulator 2021

Roll up your sleeves

With over 72 unique cars and 4000 parts that demand your attention, Car mechanic simulator 2021 starts you off as a novice mechanic of a new open garage working your way up the career ladder. Investing in new workspaces, tools and equipment will expand your services and offer new, higher paying jobs. Rebuilding cars from scratch, repainting and tuning are just some of the things you get to do in this one single player story. Each job offers special challenges for you to complete, some with their own mini-games that speed up the repair if successful. Crafted story missions will slowly incorporate more challenging fixes into your work, offering high rewards and skill points that can be used for things like faster unscrewing to maximize speed.

With an infinite number of generated orders, you will certainly have plenty to do. And if you burn yourself out working on customers' cars, once you've saved up enough money, players can buy and work on their own car. The auction house always welcomes eager buyers, and players can try out their new ride on the racetrack to see how effective their modifications are. Car mechanic simulator 2021 it has excellent attention to detail and great fluid gameplay, with some players even joking about inadvertently expanding their knowledge of cars just by playing it. If you want to learn more about cars, this game might be better than the manual.