15 Best Sandbox Games like Minecraft You Should Play – 2023 🎲

15 Best Sandbox Games like Minecraft You Should Play: Minecraft is currently one of the most popular games in the world. Moreover, it has every right to be there. It offers us really wide and distinct worlds brimming with various biomes, uncountable critters, incredible Minecraft enchantments, and countless ways to approach the game.

Nothing compares to Minecraft when it comes to boosting creativity. However, after a decade of great campaigns, it is time for some change. For this reason, we have compiled a list of sandbox games comparable to Minecraft that may not dethrone the king, but will certainly give it a run for its money.

However, can they ever be as excellent as Minecraft? Let’s find out!

Best Sandbox Games Like Minecraft (2023)

Every game on our list pushes Minecraft in different ways, from gameplay to creative freedom. But rest assured that none of them are imitations of Minecraft. Additionally, the list is not sorted, so you may explore each game according to your curiosity.

1. Terraria: 2D Game Like Minecraft

Terraria is a sandbox game similar to Minecraft in which the player must explore a vast forest in order to live. You begin the game with a pickaxe and a sword to gather resources and defend yourself against zombies, skeletons, and flying eyeballs (wow!). Keep in mind, though, that, unlike Minecraft’s 3D gameplay, Terraria is a 2D game with a linear progression.

Basically, you will be restricted to a single road and unable to wander freely. The finest aspect about Terraria, though, is that it has the same intriguing adventures, crafting, battle, and mining as Minecraft.

• Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, PlayStation (3, 4 & 5), Xbox (360, One & Series X/S), Nintendo (3DS & Switch), Wii U, Windows Phone and PS Vita
• Download: Steam ($9.99)

2. Eco

Eco is one of the most spectacular games similar to Minecraft in which players must construct a society utilizing the world’s limited resources. They must preserve the ecology while discovering novel survival strategies. When coal is burned, the air becomes contaminated. Similarly, if more trees are taken down, the forest ecology becomes more unstable.

In contrast to Minecraft, you must face the repercussions of your choices while manufacturing weapons and protecting yourself from foes. It is a game that emphasizes production rather than destruction. If you are searching for a game similar to Minecraft but with a bit more responsibility, you should play Eco.

• Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux
• Download: Steam ($29.99)

3. Subnautica

Subnautica is a survival game that focuses on ocean exploration and discovering new means to survive on a faraway world. You may explore the ocean to discover unusual stones and crafting materials, among other things. In the same way that you must confront mobs in Minecraft, you must also face diverse oceanic species.

It is essentially a Minecraft-like game with exploration, construction, crafting, and survival, except the battles, take place in the oceans. This fantastic game full of adventure and thrill should not be missed.

• Platform(s): Windows, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch
• Download: Steam ($29.99)

4. Trove

Trove is a unique voxel game, which means the game is comprised of cube-shaped pixels, similar to the Blocks in Minecraft. As a result, Trove’s universe resembles that of Minecraft. Nonetheless, it is essentially a multiplayer game in which each character has a unique style and skill.

In addition, the realm of Trove has a multitude of unique personalities and creatures. Nevertheless, Trove has a premise similar to Minecraft: you must change your environment by making weapons, interacting with other players, and killing adversaries. The game is also better suited for action-oriented gamers. Trove is a must-play if you are seeking a Minecraft-like game with greater scope.

• Platform(s): Windows, macOS, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
• Download: Steam (Free)

5. Roblox

Roblox is a platform for multiplayer games that lets users design their own games. In a sense, it is comparable to Minecraft due to its shared emphasis on world-building. It enables you to construct your own world, build a shelter, craft weapons, and locate the greatest survival materials.

You may create a virtual environment and encounter obstacles and excitement along the road. You may also compete with other online communities to prevent the destruction of your world. Roblox is far more immersive than Minecraft, making it a superior game for a large number of gamers. As an example, you may play Squid Game in Roblox with your pals, and you can even install Roblox on your Chromebook to play games with your schoolmates.

Platform(s): Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Xbox One
Download: Official Website (Free)

6. Astroneer

Astroneer is a great game of exploration and adventure set on the most distant planet in the known cosmos. The game takes place in the 25th century when interstellar travel has become possible. You may become an Astronaut and explore space in search of rare materials and the answer to the universe’s origin enigma.

The idea is extremely similar to Minecraft, in which players must risk their lives and discover new means of survival. You have the ability to build a space base and new vehicles that can transport you to another planet. Astroneer is an excellent survival-adventure game similar to Minecraft but set in outer space.

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows
Download: Steam ($29.99)

7. Lego Worlds

Lego Worlds is a very similar game to Minecraft, with infinite discoveries, surprises, and the ability to build anything using Lego bricks. In a procedurally generated 3D universe, you may develop landscapes and structures with similar gameplay. In addition, you may construct new weaponry, vehicles such as helicopters, and monsters.

The more uncommon artifacts you acquire along the road, the greater your reward. You can spend the prizes to unlock the following game level. In essence, it is a family game, and children will love playing with various objects and constructing things.

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows
Download: Steam ($29.99)

8. Starbound

In Starbound, you must develop your own universe and defend it from attackers, similar to Minecraft. After the destruction of Earth, you pilot a spacecraft to explore the interstellar worlds.

You eventually discover the habitable planet Earth, where you land and go on an exciting mission to restore life. To complete the adventure, you must create new armor and defeat the strange beasts. Starbound is an excellent survival game, and I must add that there are many surprises and discoveries along the way.

• Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows, Linux, macOS, and PS Vita
• Download: Steam ($14.99)

9. Craft The World

Craft The Planet is a new game set in an original world in which you lead a band of dwarfs to liberate a village from hostile animals. Similar to Minecraft, the game offers exploration, resource gathering, and the creation of weaponry from things. You will need to construct a dwarf stronghold to control the harmful creatures and prevent them from entering your biome.

It is a 2D game with linear gameplay, like Terraria, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea despite the game’s excitement. You may nevertheless play Craft The World to experience sandbox gameplay in its purest form.

• Platform(s): iOS and Windows
• Download: Steam ($18.99)

10. No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky, which takes the term “open-world” to a galactic scale, poses a formidable challenge to Minecraft’s seemingly infinite environment. This game provides exploration, warfare, survival, and trade in a vast cosmos. You may explore worlds, meet other gamers, lay claim to territory, and even uncover unusual plant and animal species.

Similar to Minecraft, you never know what you will receive until you explore a place. And because of the game’s god-speed vehicles, you don’t even have to fight with complicated transport methods like teleportation in Minecraft. No Man’s Sky is the game to play if you want a modernized version of Minecraft with a more relaxed crafting system.

• Platform(s): Xbox One & Series S/X, PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, and macOS
• Download: Steam ($59.99)

11. My Time at Portia

My Time at Portia is essentially Minecraft if only the greatest town seeds were available. It focuses on farming, rearing domesticated animals, and developing local acquaintances. Even though the game’s narrative is set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game’s universe has a warm, child-friendly atmosphere.

Aside from Minecraft’s creative element, this game also incorporates boss battles and hazardous monsters. However, none are as frightening and eerie as the Warden in Minecraft 1.19. My Time at Portia is a creative, toned-down version of Minecraft that features its own system and narrative while retaining sandbox-style exploring and construction.

• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, iOS, and Windows
• Download: Steam ($7.49)

12. PixARK: Pokemon Game Like Minecraft

PixARK is a game where Minecraft and Pokemon collide. It contains a mostly cube-shaped open environment populated by fantastical animals and distinctive architecture. The objective is to amass resources, create equipment, and tame monsters in order to create a base from which to finally control the globe. But there’s more. Due to its own voxel block construction method, you can break practically every block in PixARK, just like you do in Minecraft.

Regarding creative components, the game permits the construction of bases, automated systems, and dwellings on the backs of creatures. PixARK even features tools for creating custom characters, whereas Minecraft merely gives the greatest custom Minecraft skins.

• Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows
• Download: Steam ($39.99)

13. Garry’s Mod

Practically, games incorporating firearms feel nothing like Minecraft. However, Garry’s Mod contradicts this assumption. It lets the player to unleash their imagination and construct bespoke worlds that might be basic, chaotic, or wild. Garry’s Mod enables you to create the most potent versions of the top Minecraft custom maps if you’re familiar with them.

This game has no defined mission or purpose. You may instead construct your own levels, maps, custom characters, and items. Garry’s Mod is the perfect present if you are seeking for a fun-oriented game that is even more configurable than Minecraft.

• Platform(s): macOS, Windows, and Linux
• Download: Steam ($9.99)

14. Scrap Mechanic

Scrap Mechanic is one of the most imaginative multiplayer survival games comparable to Minecraft ever created. In this game, you may construct a wide range of machines using more than 100 building components. Everything is on the table, from cleaning items that serve as weapons to a house that can walk. And the greatest thing is, unlike Minecraft’s Redstone mechanics, you won’t need to look for instructions to get your scrap machines to function.

• Platform(s): Windows
• Download: Steam ($19.99)

15. Dreams: World Creation Game Like Minecraft

The final Minecraft-like game on our extensive list is perhaps the most potent. True to its name, Dreams allows you to create virtually anything you can imagine. Dreams’ “DreamShaping” features allow for the creation of anything, whether it be a work of art or an entire video game.

This game allows you to create scenes, models, animations, and even music. Then once you are done, you can invite other players to try out your worlds and you can do the same as well.

• Platform(s): PlayStation 4 and 5
• Download: Official Website ($7.99)

Play Sandbox Games Like Minecraft Right Now!

This concludes our list of games with a similar premise, an open environment, and a similar survival technique as Minecraft. We all adore the top Minecraft modifications because they allow us to express our creative selves in a way that nothing else can. In keeping with this, there are several games with the same subject that have added a new depth to the gameplay. These games are indeed featured on this list. Therefore, play the games and overcome the obstacles. And if you know of any other great Minecraft competition games, please mention them in the comments.