Are you a fan of Minecraft’s classic blend of gathering resources, crafting, and exploring the world? If so, then this guide is made just for you. Minecraft is a sandbox game that grants players the utmost freedom and has inspired multiple creators from all around the world to develop similar experiences.
While Mojang continues to bring new Minecraft updates, we are also among the players who want even more variety. As such, we decided to sit down and compile a list of the best games like Minecraft for you to try out. So, with that, let’s begin.
Best Games Like Minecraft Overview
Whether you enjoy a relaxing world with tons of creative options for customization or you’re looking for RPG-style progression, here is a quick overview of the best games like Minecraft:
| Game | Description |
|---|---|
| Terraria | A 2D sandbox with deep progression, boss fights, and massive crafting depth. |
| Roblox | A creative platform that offers millions of player-made experiences. |
| Stardew Valley | Relaxed farming experience with crafting, exploration, and strong community elements. |
| Ark: Survival Evolved | Hardcore survival world with dinosaurs and base-building. |
| Astroneer | This is a peaceful space exploration with crafting elements. |
| LEGO Worlds | A pure creative experience with LEGO bricks. |
| No Man’s Sky | An infinite universe that focuses on exploration, crafting, and survival. |
| Valheim | A viking-themed combar with co-op play and has a challenging combat. |
| Hytale | A sandbox RPG blending block-based building with tons of enemies. |
| Starbound | Sci-fi sandbox game with planet exploration. |
| Subnautica | This is an underwater exploration with base-building mechanics. |
| Eco | A survival sandbox that is focused on sustainability. |
| Sons of the Forest | This is a dark survival experience with crafting elements. |
| Vintage Story | A realistic survival experience with a darker Minecraft theme. |
| Colony Survival | Here, colony management is essential with Minecraft-like visuals. |
List of 15 Best Games Like Minecraft
While Minecraft remains an unmatched game in terms of creativity and freedom of exploration, the following games are equally worth exploring. The following best Minecraft-like games offer various interesting mechanics that you won’t find in Minecraft. With that said, dive right in:
Terraria
- Release Date: May 16, 2011
- Developer(s): Re-Logic, Pipeworks Studio, Engine Software
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One/360, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, GeForce Now, Windows, Linux, macOS
Terraria is often considered Minecraft’s closest competitor. It’s a 2D sandbox adventure game that has much more depth in its lore than Minecraft. Here, you will be thrown into a vast, infinitely generating world that is filled with diverse biomes. You can find Lush forests, pitch-black caves, and even reach the depths of the underworld.
The gameplay revolves around gathering resources, crafting tools and weapons, and building structures. This game gives you an array of possibilities for crafting new items and challenges your creativity. So, if you like this one, you might love these 15 amazing games like Terraria.
Roblox
- Release Date: September 1, 2006
- Developer(s): Roblox Corporation
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
Roblox is an expansive online platform that extends the conventional meaning of video games. This is like a vast universe where players like you and me can create and share gaming experiences. Starting with simulations to role-playing action-packed games, Roblox has it all.
Roblox is free to play. However, there is an in-game currency known as Robux that can be bought using real-world money. Nonetheless, some of the best scary Roblox games can be the perfect start to your adventure.
Stardew Valley
- Release Date: February 26, 2016
- Developer(s): ConcernedApe
- Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, GeForce Now
Stardew Valley is a unique title that captures Minecraft’s core gameplay features. You can make farms, take care of your crops, raise farm animals, gather resources, and make tools. Additionally, you might need to explore the world where you can encounter monsters and fight bosses.
Apart from the single-player modes, Stardew Valley allows you to build relationships with communities and villagers. Not only that, but you can participate in a multiplayer farm and also download and install a variety of Stardew Valley mods, which will further expand the game’s experience.
Ark: Survival Evolved
- Release Date: August 27, 2017
- Developer(s): Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios, Virtual Basement LLC
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, GeForce Now
Ark: Survival Evolved will spawn you into the age of dinosaurs. In a world teeming with such huge creatures, your priority must be gathering resources and making yourself a safe home. In this game, you must scavenge for weapons and tools and keep building shelters to avoid the dinosaurs.
In addition to this, the game offers diverse ecosystems for you to explore, either solo or with your friends. So what are you waiting for? Hop on this game and bring your friends to explore the prehistoric times.
Astroneer
- Release Date: December 16, 2016
- Developer(s): System Era Softworks
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch
The next game on our list is Astroneer, a captivating space exploration game that invites you on a journey among the stars. This game beautifully blends the art of gathering resources, crafting materials, and building your own base. The environment seems so stunning that you will feel like screenshotting each and every place.
While there are challenges of surviving outer space by securing oxygen and power, the experiences will be truly worth a shot. Astroneer is similar in spirit to Stardew Valley and offers hours of relaxing gameplay.
LEGO Worlds
- Release Date: June 1, 2015
- Developer(s): TT Games, Traveller’s Tales
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One
Imagine a world built entirely of LEGO blocks. This is basically what LEGO Worlds is: a massive sandbox game completely filled with LEGO bricks. This game gives you complete independence to build anything you can come up with using the bricks.
Moreover, if you want to build a spaceship to visit other worlds, you can also do that. You will encounter lots of creatures on your way, solve puzzles, and gather all sorts of valuables. While made completely from bricks, LEGO Worlds is one of the best games like Minecraft you must try!
No Man’s Sky
- Release Date: August 12, 2016
- Developer(s): Hello Games
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, GeForce Now
No Man’s Sky is a vast space exploration game that can seem quite similar to Astroneer. This game boasts an infinite universe filled with star systems you can visit and explore. The best thing is that you are bound to find something new whenever you land on an unexplored planet.
Similar to Minecraft, you can gather resources and craft tools, upgrade your gear, and engage in combat. However, most of the game revolves around exploration, survival, and managing your resources as you make your way through the Cosmos.
Valheim
- Release Date: February 2, 2021
- Developer(s): Iron Gate Studio
- Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox
Valheim is a great alternative to Minecraft that emphasizes exceptional graphics. Here, players are brought into an infinitely generative world where they have the utmost freedom to explore any location. The first night of your spawn might scare you because of the monsters all around you.
So, similar to Minecraft, be prepared to collect resources and build your first base in the middle of nowhere. The game offers both single-player and co-op modes, where you can work with other players to progress faster.
Hytale
- Early Access Release Date: January 13, 2026
- Developer(s): Hypixel Studios
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Hytale is one of the most ambitious sandbox games inspired by Minecraft. This exclusively blends the block-based mechanics with an intense RPG-style progression. Currently, it is only available in early access mode, released in January 2026. Hypixel Studios are constantly releasing patch updates, and development is going on in full force. So, be prepared for the stable release of this epic experience soon.
In the early access mode, you can enjoy the exploration and the creative worlds. As you start up the game, you’re dropped into a randomly generated world with diverse biomes, ancient structures, temples, ruins, and a massive range of creatures. Check out the key differences between Hytale and Minecraft to learn more about this game.
Starbound
- Release Date: July 22, 2016
- Developer(s): Chucklefish
- Platform(s): macOS, GeForce Now, Windows, Linux, Xbox One
Starbound visually resembles Terraria in its 2D graphics. However, it consists of more high-tech stuff. Here, you can build spaceships from scratch and start your journey of exploring different planets.
There are new worlds with unique flora and fauna elements that will surely leave you awestruck. In addition to this, you can gather resources and craft tools that will remind you of Minecraft. Apart from the gameplay mechanics, you will also encounter tough combat scenarios, boss battles, and a rich storyline, making you more engrossed in the game with each passing day.
Subnautica
- Release Date: January 23, 2018
- Developer(s): Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows, macOS, GeForce Now
While we’re discussing a lot about games on the ground, Subnautica plunges you into the oceanic world. Here, you must gather items to build strong underwater bases with the high pressure in the depths.
In this vast ocean, you will find various mythical and legendary creatures, such as the Leviathans. So, navigating these areas will surely test your courage and spark a rush of adrenaline during each dive. Subnautica blends underwater exploration with a touch of horror, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Eco
- Release Date: February 6, 2018
- Developer(s): Strange Loop Games
- Platform(s): Windows, Linux, macOS
Eco is an open-world game that combines survival with governmental elements. Here, your primary job is to not only gather resources and make a home for yourself but also to maintain your civilization.
Here, you might be required to make laws, manage resources, and make some critical decisions that will affect your overall gameplay. If you make poor choices, your society will suffer, and all your hard work could suffer from a collapse.
Sons of the Forest
- Release Date: February 23, 2023
- Developer(s): Endnight Games Ltd
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Windows
Sons of Forest is the sequel to the classic survival game known as The Forest. In addition to old gameplay features, we are also introduced to some new items. Moreover, your inventory is larger than before, allowing you to store more valuables before heading to your base.
The gameplay features the crash of a billionaire’s plane in a forest, and you are responsible for rescuing them from the area. With larger-than-life enemies, a denser world, and more danger, Sons of the Forest is a weird but amazing game like Minecraft you must try.
Vintage Story
- Release Date: September 27, 2022
- Developer(s): Anego Studios
- Platform(s): Linux, Windows
Vintage Story is a sandbox survival game that will spawn you into a beautiful yet eerie world. This game has a darker set of environments than most other survival games, thereby creating a sense of tension and fear.
You will encounter several dangerous situations, including hostile wildlife and supernatural entities. There is a vast range of playable characters, which encourages you to experiment with all of them. For a block-based game like Minecraft, Vintage Story is the one title you should try.
Colony Survival
- Release Date: June 16, 2017
- Developer(s): Pipliz
- Platform(s): GeForce Now, Linux, Windows, macOS
The visuals of Colony Survival can feel very similar to Minecraft. However, it differs in one major aspect: its gameplay. This game focuses on building and managing a colony rather than individual builds like in Minecraft.
Here, you need to lead your colony towards prosperity by managing the resources. Assign tasks to citizens to maintain the harmonious nature of your surroundings, and you will be good to go. Fail, and there will be dire consequences. Are you ready to find out what they are?
And that wraps up our list of the best games like Minecraft. So, which game will you try out first? Share with us in the comments below!
