15 Best Sandbox Games Like Minecraft You Should Play

Minecraft is easily one of the most popular games on the planet right now. And it has every right to be in such a place. It provides us with truly open and unique worlds filled with unique biomes, countless mobs, amazing Minecraft enchantments, and endless ways to approach the game. Nothing comes close to Minecraft when stimulating creativity is in the discussion. Though, after a decade of successful runs, it’s time to shake things up a bit. For that, we are here with some amazing sandbox games like Minecraft that might not dethrone the king but definitely give it a tough competition. But can they ever be good enough to replace Minecraft? Let’s find out!

Best Sandbox Games Like Minecraft (2022)

Each of the games on our list challenges Minecraft in various aspects, ranging from gameplay to creative freedom. But rest assured that none of them are fake Minecraft clones. Moreover, the list isn’t ranked, so you can check out each game as per your curiosity.

1. Terraria: 2D Game Like Minecraft

Terraria is a sandbox game just like Minecraft where you have to explore the deep expanse of forest to survive yourself. You begin with a pickaxe and a sword to find resources as well as defend yourself from zombies, skeletons, and flying eyes (yeah!). However, keep in mind that, unlike Minecraft’s 3D gameplay, you have a 2D game in a linear progression in Terraria.

Basically, you won’t be able to roam around anywhere and have to stick to one path. But the best part about Terraria is that there are exciting explorations, crafting, combat, and mining for which Minecraft is extremely popular.

• 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 another one of the most fantastic games like Minecraft where players have to build a civilization using limited resources from their world. They have to maintain the ecosystem while finding new ways to survive. If you burn coal, the air gets polluted. Similarly, if you cut more trees, the forest ecosystem gets fragile.

Unlike Minecraft, here you have to face the consequences of your actions while also crafting weapons and shielding yourself from enemies. It is a game that is more about creation than destruction. You should definitely play Eco if you are looking for a game like Minecraft but with slightly more responsibility.

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

3. Subnautica

Subnautica is a survival game that is based on underwater exploration in oceans and finding new ways to stay alive on a distant planet. You can explore the ocean and find unique stones, crafting material, and more. Just like you have to face mobs in Minecraft, here you have to face Ocean creatures of all kinds.

Basically, it’s a Minecraft-like game that has exploration, building, crafting, and survival, but the battle is fought in the Oceans. You should not miss this epic game filled with adventure and excitement.

• 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 built on cubic-shaped pixels just like Minecraft’s Blocks. As a result, the world of Trove looks similar to Minecraft. However, it’s primarily a multi-player game with each character having a distinct style and ability.

Also, Trove’s universe is pretty large with many unique characters and entities. That said, Trove has a similar theme to Minecraft: you have to shape your world by crafting weapons, collaborating with other members, and fighting off enemies. The game is also better suited for players who love action. If you are looking for a game like Minecraft but on a larger scale, you should definitely play Trove.

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

5. Roblox

Roblox is a multiplayer gaming platform that allows users to create games as they desire. In a way, it is similar to Minecraft because both of them share the create-your-own-world theme. It lets you build your own universe, make a shelter, create weapons, and find the best resources to stay alive.

You can develop a virtual ecosystem and discover challenges and adventure along the way. You can also rival against other communities on the web and save your world from destruction. The best part about Roblox is that it is pretty immersive, which makes it a much better game than Minecraft for many players. Like you can even play Squid Game in Roblox with your friends, and Roblox can even be installed on your Chromebook to enjoy games with school friends.

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

6. Astroneer

Astroneer is a fantastic game of discovery and adventure set on the farthest planet of our universe. The game is set during the 25th century when Intergalactic traveling has become a possibility. You can be an Astroneer and explore outer space to find rare resources and solve the mystery behind the existence of the universe. 

The theme is very much like Minecraft where you have to risk your life and find new ways of survival all alone. You can create a space base and new vehicles, which can take you to another planet. All in all, Astroneer is a superb survival-adventure game like 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 game that is truly like Minecraft with countless discoveries, surprises, and the ability to create anything with Lego bricks. It also follows similar gameplay where you can create landscapes and constructions in a 3D procedurally generated world. Besides that, you can create various weapons, vehicles like helicopters and unique creatures too.

The more you collect rare objects along your way, the more reward you get. You can use the rewards to unlock the next level of the game. In essence, it’s a family game and kids would surely enjoy this while interacting with various objects and building things.

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

8. Starbound

Starbound follows the same principle as Minecraft, and in this game, you have to create your own world and save it from the enemies. The game begins after the destruction of Earth where you explore the intergalactic planets in a spacecraft.

After a while, you come across this habitable planet called Earth where you land and start an adventurous journey to bring back life. To fulfill the quest, you have to build new armors and fight off the weird creatures. Starbound is a great survival game, and I must say, there are many surprises and discoveries as you play along.

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

9. Craft The World

Craft The World is a new game set in a unique world where you lead a team of dwarfs to free your settlement from dangerous creatures. The game supports exploration, resource building, and the ability to craft weapons from objects, a concept similar to Minecraft. You will have to build a dwarf fortress to keep a check on the dangerous creatures and keep them out of your biome

While the game is particularly exciting, it’s a 2D game with linear gameplay like Terraria and that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Nevertheless, you can surely play Craft The World to experience sandbox gaming in a raw form.

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

10. No Man’s Sky

Taking the term “open-world” to literally a cosmic scale, No Man’s Sky is a major challenge to Minecraft’s seemingly endless terrain. This game offers you exploration, combat, survival, and trading all within a huge universe. You can discover planets, meet players, claim lands and even discover unique species of flora and fauna.

Just like Minecraft, you never know what you will get until you explore a specific location. And thanks to the god speed vehicles in-game, you don’t even have to struggle with complex traveling like teleportation in Minecraft. So, if you are looking for a modern-age Minecraft that is laid back on the crafting element, No Man’s Sky is the game for you.

• 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 basically Minecraft if you only limited yourself to all the best village seeds. It focuses on farming, raising domestic mobs, and making friends around the town. Not to forget, the world of this game also has a welcoming kids friendly vibe to it, even though the plot of based in a post-apocalyptic world.

Leaving the creative element aside, this game also features boss fights and hostile mobs like Minecraft. Though, none of them are as scary and haunting as the Warden in Minecraft 1.19. My Time at Portia is a perfect toned-down and creative alternative to Minecraft that offers its own mechanism and storytelling while keeping sandbox-like exploration and crafting at its core.

• 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 that happens when Minecraft meets Pokemon. It features a mostly blocky open world filled with mythical creatures and unique structures. Our aim is to collect resources, craft items, and tame mobs to ultimately dominate the world by creating a base. But that’s not all. Just like Minecraft, you can break almost every block in PixARK too, thanks to its own voxel block building system.

As for the creative elements, the game allows you to build bases, automatic systems, and houses on the back of creatures. PixARK even has custom character creation tools which Minecraft only offers in the form of the best custom Minecraft skins.

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

13. Garry’s Mod

Games involving guns, practically, don’t feel anything like Minecraft. But Garry’s Mod challenges this notion. It allows the player to go wild with their creativity and create custom worlds that can be simple, wild, or just pure chaos. If you’re familiar with the best Minecraft custom maps, Garry’s Mod allows you to make the most powerful versions of them.

There is no specific goal or objective in this game. Instead, you’re free to create your own levels, maps, custom characters, and even objects. So, if you are looking for a fun-focused game that is even more customizable than Minecraft, Garry’s Mod is the ultimate gift for you.

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

14. Scrap Mechanic

Scrap Mechanic, with imagination at its core, is one of the most creative multiplayer survival games like Minecraft of all time. With more than 100 building parts, you can engineer a variety of machines in this game. From cleaning supplies that double as weapons to a house that can walk, nothing is off the table. And the best part is, unlike Minecraft’s Redstone mechanics, you won’t need to search for tutorials to get your scrap machines working.

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

15. Dreams: World Creation Game Like Minecraft

The final Minecraft-like game on our long list is also probably the most powerful one. Staying true to its name, Dreams allow you to create almost everything you can dream of. Whether it is a piece of art or a whole video game, anything can come to life in Dreams, thanks to its “DreamShaping” mechanics.

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!

So that was our list of games like Minecraft which have a similar theme, open world, and share an identical survival strategy. We all love the best Minecraft mods because they let us experience our creative sides like nothing else. In line with that, there is a multitude of games that are built on the same theme but have brought another dimension to the gameplay. We have indeed mentioned those games on this list. So, go ahead, play the games and overcome the challenges. And if you know of any other worthy Minecraft competition game too, let us know in the comments!