Dating sims app for guys

Dating sims (also known as otome games) have been popular in Japan for many years. Now, an increasing number are being translated into English, and Western companies are producing their own! In these types of games, you get to step into a fictional world and pursue romance. 

The characters that you interact with are purely fictional, as these games are simulations (not actual dating apps). The gameplay takes the form of interactive, visual stories that you read through as conversations. Most titles also have minigames as well!

You can choose your potential beau from a group of characters, and you try to woo them throughout the game. Once one character's route has finished, you can choose someone else.

Each story route is unique, as are the characters. The player is given choices as the plot progresses, and your choice affects how the story develops. There are often different endings, and to get the full story, you may need to replay the game! The possibilities are endless.

Here's our list of the top 10 best dating sims currently available. We've looked at games with different themes and focus, so you're sure to find something you'll enjoy!

Compare the Best Dating Sims

How to Choose a Dating Sim - Buying Guide

With such a variety of options, choosing an app to download can be a little daunting. To try and make this easier, here's a buying guide to help you decide what features to look for and how to choose the best dating sim for you!

What Kind of Romance Do You Want?

Dating sims all have their own settings and themes. You can find romance in a modern setting, go back in time, or live in a fantasy world. Some dating sim apps offer several different settings, while others stick to one location. Choose a setting that appeals to you!

If you don't have a distinct preference (or have several!) try an app with a wider variety of themes and characters. Also, some dating sim apps are fully focused on romance and only romance. Other apps have more variety in their stories and split their focus between romance and other events, such as family drama, work, or crimes.

The majority of dating sims have a female main character with only male characters for her to date. There is an increasing number that offer more options, though! From female love interests to gender-neutral protagonists, dating sims are becoming increasingly LGBTQ-friendly.

Choose the Right Play Mechanics

Most apps have different stories that you can play and give you a choice of which character you want to date. The stories themselves can be very linear or they may branch out and have different routes and endings. 

If you want to get the best ending, you may have to play the same story several times. In some apps, these stories are distinct and separate. However, in other apps, they interconnect as the characters all inhabit the same world. So, to get the complete endings, you may need to finish several stories.

If you're not interested in replaying stories to unlock every ending or path (this can often cost money) or playing every character route, then a more linear app would be best for you.

Be Careful of Age-Appropriate Content

Like every other app in either the App Store or Google Play store, dating sims get an age rating. Some dating sims have a 17+ rating and have been given said raising for a reason! The characters you're trying to date can make sexual references in more maturely rated apps, and there may also be references to things like alcohol or violence.

There are content warnings in app stores for each app, so please read these before you download if you want to avoid any of these themes.

Find a Writing Style You Like

Even if a dating sim has beautiful artwork and an intriguing setting, if you don't like the writing style then it won't hook you! You have to be able to relate to your avatar and like the love interests enough to devote time (and potentially money) into dating them.

Take advantage of any free tokens that most apps provide to try out stories and see what appeals to you. If you can't put the app down and are disappointed when you can't read any further, then it's a winner!

Some dating sims can be bought for a one-off fee, but this is very rare. The usual model is a free download with optional in-app purchases. With these apps, you need to use a ticket to progress to the next part of the story. 

You will be given free tickets each day and may be able to get more from watching ads or playing mini-games, so it is possible to complete the stories for free. However, if you only use the free tickets, progress will likely be very slow.

You can purchase extra tickets with real money, but this can become very expensive very quickly. Be aware of how much you're spending. A few apps do offer a subscription service, which might be more cost-effective if you want to rush through the stories. 

Looking for More Fun Apps?

If you need a break from romance, here are our choices for other entertaining games and apps!

With so many dating sim apps on the market, it can be tricky to pick the right one for you. As most of the games are free, you can have fun trying out different apps until you find one (or more!) that you want to continue with.

Remember to consider what kind of setting and characters you want in your game! It can be helpful to think about the game mechanics you prefer as well. Whether you want a serious sweeping romance or a more lighthearted tale, there's dating sim out there for you.

Author: Kellie Lacey