Keep Factually independent
Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.
Sim farms guide
Executive summary
"Sim farms" can refer to at least three distinct things in current reporting: the 1993 Maxis video game SimFarm and strategy/walkthrough resources for it (historic gaming), modern commercial farming simulation games and tutorials (Farming Simulator series and related VR/academy content), and criminal telecom devices or setups called SIM farms or SIM boxes used to send high volumes of texts/calls for fraud. Each meaning appears in the provided results: SimFarm game history and guides [1] [2] [3], contemporary Farming Simulator products and beginner guides [4] [5] [6], and telecom “SIM farm” definitions and fraud warnings [7] [8].
1. Three different "Sim farm" topics — pick which you mean
The phrase "Sim farms" is ambiguous in current sources. It names a classic Maxis game, SimFarm, released in 1993 and bundled with teacher materials (teacher’s guide and blackline masters) for classroom use [1]. It also describes today's crop-and-tractor simulation franchises and tutorials (Farming Simulator series and Farming Simulator Academy) that teach players how to start and run virtual farms [4] [5] [6]. Separately, UK/industry reporting defines "SIM farm" as telecom equipment used to hold many SIM cards to send huge volumes of SMS/calls and commit fraud, with regulatory action referenced [7] [8].
2. If you mean the classic game — what the sources say
SimFarm: SimCity’s Country Cousin is documented as a 1993 Maxis title that simulates planting/harvesting, livestock management, weather/season systems and disasters like tornadoes and locusts; it came with a user manual and a teacher’s guide for classroom use [1]. Community-produced strategy guides and walkthroughs capture gameplay tips, UI controls and disaster management [2] [3], useful if your "guide" request seeks retro walkthrough material.
3. If you mean contemporary farming simulators and how-to guides
Modern simulation franchises offer structured tutorials and beginner modes: GIANTS Software’s Farming Simulator lineup includes Farming Simulator VR and Farming Simulator 23/25 content and an Academy that teaches beginners core choices (agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry) and how to start a farm; official sites promote step-by-step tutorials and specialist paths [4] [5] [6]. Third‑party pieces (e.g., Thrustmaster) recommend completing in-game tutorials and using “New Farmer” modes to learn basics [9].
4. If you mean telecom "SIM farms" — criminal use and policy context
Industry explainers describe SIM farms and SIM boxes as devices/setups that hold many SIM cards and are used to bypass international fees or to mass-send SMS/calls for fraud; harms include revenue loss for carriers, delivery problems for legitimate A2P messaging, and compliance/quality issues [7]. Language and legal responses are emerging: Cambridge Dictionary’s blog notes "SIM farm" as a noun meaning a device used by criminals to send very large numbers of texts/calls, and references recent UK legal moves criminalizing possession/supply of SIM farms without legitimate reason [8].
5. What a practical “Sim farms guide” could include (three tailored outlines)
- For retro SimFarm players: a concise walkthrough covering farm setup, crop rotation/soil and climate choices, livestock care, disaster mitigation, and equipment tips — the material already exists in fan FAQs and StrategyWiki walkthroughs [2] [3].
- For new Farming Simulator players: a beginner syllabus — complete the tutorial, choose “New Farmer” mode, pick a specialization (agriculture/animals/forestry), and use official Academy lessons and vendor-brand vehicles for authenticity [9] [5] [6].
- For industry/IT audiences concerned about SIM farms: an explainer covering what SIM farms/SIM boxes do, how they harm A2P messaging and carrier revenue, and mitigation strategies businesses typically use [7] [8].
6. Conflicts, omissions and caution for readers
Sources consistently separate the three meanings but do not synthesize them; available sources do not mention a single unified “Sim farms guide” that covers all three meanings (not found in current reporting). Regulatory detail is mentioned briefly (UK legal moves referenced by the Cambridge blog) but full legislative texts or enforcement outcomes are not included in these results [8]. For gameplay help, fan walkthroughs and official Academy resources exist, but no single definitive modern compendium combining historic SimFarm and current Farming Simulator series guidance is shown [2] [3] [6].
7. Next steps — what I can produce for you
Tell me which meaning you meant (classic SimFarm game, modern Farming Simulator play guide, or telecom SIM farms and fraud). I will then produce a focused, sourced guide: a retro walkthrough (with gameplay tips), a beginner-to-intermediate Farming Simulator playbook using Academy/tips [9] [5] [6], or a short policy/technical explainer on SIM farms and mitigation strategies [7] [8].