SimEarth: The Living Planet

Shape worlds, guide life, and watch evolution unfold from space

gameSandbox & Creative simulator

Visit Website

Our Verdict

Best for

Students, teachers, and simulation fans craving deep planetary ecosystem modeling

Skip if

Players wanting flashy graphics or multiplayer experiences

What is SimEarth: The Living Planet?

SimEarth: The Living Planet lets you model an entire planet, controlling climate, atmosphere, geology, and life. Play as a god‑like manager in game mode with limited energy, or experiment freely with unlimited resources to test any scenario. Watch billions of SimEarthlings evolve from single‑cell organisms to intelligent species, all visualized from a satellite perspective. The simulator blends education and entertainment, offering deep planetary science in an accessible single‑player experience.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

msrp$49.99

developerMaxis

publisherMaxis, Sega

age ratingESRB E

multiplayerSingle player

release date1990-12-31

Key Features of SimEarth: The Living Planet

Create and customize entire planets, adjusting atmosphere, temperature, and tectonic activity.

Manage energy budgets in game mode to develop and preserve your world under constraints.

Experiment with unlimited resources in experimental mode to test any planetary scenario.

Observe SimEarthlings evolve from microbes to intelligent species, including non‑human intelligences.

View your planet from a satellite perspective with two levels of magnification.

Adjust climate variables such as greenhouse gases, solar output, and ocean currents.

Simulate geological processes like volcanism, plate tectonics, and core cooling.

Track planetary health metrics and respond to ecological crises in real time.

Use Cases for SimEarth: The Living Planet

Educational Tool

Teach students planetary science and ecosystems through interactive simulation.

Creative Sandbox

Design exotic worlds and experiment with alien biospheres without limits.

Strategic Management

Balance resources and environmental factors to keep a planet thriving.

Research Prototype

Model climate change scenarios for academic or hobbyist investigations.

Pros & Cons of SimEarth: The Living Planet

Pros

Deep planetary simulation
Rich educational content
Two distinct play modes
Highly detailed ecosystem dynamics

Cons

Steep learning curve for newcomers
Limited graphics compared to modern titles
No multiplayer or co‑op features

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms can I play SimEarth on?

SimEarth: The Living Planet is available for PC and Mac.

Is there a multiplayer mode?

No, the game is single‑player only.

Do I need an internet connection?

An internet connection is not required after installation.

Can I create my own custom planet?

Yes, both game and experimental modes allow full planet customization.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →

Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Reviews & Ratings0.0

Write a Review See all reviews →

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!

Top Alternatives & Similar Games

View all alternatives & similar games→

Solar 2

AI-suggested

Solar 2 is a dynamic abstract sandbox where you start as a tiny particle and grow into a massive celestial body. The universe evolves alongside your progress, offering endless possibilities for creation and destruction. With simple controls and a minimalist aesthetic, the game blends action, adventure, and comedy in a sci‑fi setting, letting players experiment freely across multiple platforms.

Compare with SimEarth: The Living Planet

Spore

AI-suggested

Spore is an ambitious simulation game developed by Maxis that lets players shape their own universe. Starting in the primordial ooze as a microscopic organism, you guide your species through five unique stages of evolution: Cell, Creature, Tribe, Civilization, and Space. Throughout the journey, you use powerful in-game editors to customize your creature's appearance, vehicles, buildings, and spaceships. Each stage introduces entirely new gameplay styles, ranging from primordial arcade action and real-time strategy to grand galactic exploration and empire building.

Compare with SimEarth: The Living Planet