Best Sandbox games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated sandbox games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free sandbox games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Forever Skies
A first-person survival game set on a post-apocalyptic, ecologically ruined Earth. Play solo or with up to 3 friends as you build, upgrade, and fly a high-tech airship. Scavenge resources, craft tools, and face dangers on the surface as you hunt for a cure to save humanity.
Medieval Blacksmith
Medieval Blacksmith is a blacksmithing simulation set in a magical medieval world. Play as a blacksmith with no past, craft legendary weapons from daggers to spears, and forge your path to becoming the world’s greatest. Dive into a story filled with adventure and endless creative possibilities!
Aviassembly
Build and fly your own airplane! Complete missions to earn money, upgrade your plane, and discover new locations in an open world.
Crashlands 2
Slap your way across a vibrant world where interstellar friendships are the key to your survival. Befriend eccentric aliens, craft bizarre weaponry, and stick it to the man in this sequel to the award-winning open world crafting RPG Crashlands.
STORROR Parkour Pro
Escape Reality. The ultimate multiplayer parkour experience. Escape, race, and explore the streets and rooftops of London’s Isle of Dogs. Join team STORROR to save your estate, or challenge your friends to test their skills. STORROR Parkour Pro is complete control and freedom of movement.
inZOI
"Every life becomes a story" Create your unique story by controlling and observing the lives of 'Zois'. Customize characters and build houses using inZOI's easy-to-use tools to live the life of your dreams and experience the different emotions of life created by its deep and detailed simulation.
Cataclismo
Design and build fortresses brick by brick to stand against endless hordes of Horrors in this real-time strategy game with resource management, siege defense, and exploration. Lead from the ramparts, push back the darkness, and hold fast against the creatures of the Mist.
ANEURISM IV
A dystopian simulator where your choices shape a decaying city. Join other players to protect the metropolis from ruin, hasten its downfall, or simply work in the factories. With no set goals or rules, every action has consequences in a world teetering on the brink.
Secret Agent Wizard Boy and the International Crime Syndicate
Use magic spells and military surplus explosives to topple an evil crime syndicate hidden beneath a prestigious wizarding school. Learn spells, engage in espionage, and spread lore-unfriendly chaos.
One Lonely Outpost
An alien world sometimes needs a farmer’s touch to bring it to life. In this sci-fi, colonization-life sim, terraform a barren world: turn wastelands into verdant landscapes while exploring, farming, building, and unlocking all the mysteries of this strange new planet.
Beast Saga
Beast Saga is an open-world RPG set in a martial arts universe where you play as a young wolf tribe member named Lang Jiusi. Immerse yourself in a world of free exploration, gathering, crafting, life skills, martial arts cultivation, forming alliances and experiencing unique Jianghu adventures.
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced
Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players.
Two Point Museum
Curate and manage incredible museums! Explore to discover amazing artifacts. Design and refine the layout, keep staff happy, guests entertained, donations plentiful… and children off the exhibits
Card Survival: Fantasy Forest
Card Survival: Fantasy Forest is a card-based deep survival simulator and the next installment in the Card Survival Series. Carve yourself a home in a primordial forest that has a will of its own. A day-to-day life simulator in a world where nature reigns with mystery, beauty and sometimes cruelty.
Cafemart Simulator
Create and decorate your cozy cafe, where guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks. Expand your service with a supermarket offering a wide selection of fresh products, so visitors can not only have a tasty meal but also do some shopping. Play solo or with friends in cooperative mode!
Stellar Settlers: Space Base Builder
Stellar Settlers is a chill space base/city builder and colony sim game. With unique vertical and horizontal base-building gameplay, settle on 10 hostile alien planets and build your own thriving colony. Get enough materials to build a physics-based Spaceship and try to escape from disasters.
Longvinter
Fish, farm, craft, gather, cook, loot or steal from other players and build a campsite or a village with your friends in an open-world multiplayer sandbox game without rules!
Terra Firma
Play god and create your own world in this complex simulation. Plate tectonics, wind and water erosion and plant life all develop and interact to produce a world that is viewable from a single tree to kilometres across.
The Backrooms 1998 - Found Footage Survival Horror Game
The Backrooms: 1998 is a first-person found footage psychological horror survival game where it tells the story of a young teen after accidentally falling into the depths of The Backrooms in 1998. Roam freely, mark, explore and try unravel the story - however you are not alone. Don't scream.
Microtopia
Become the hive mind of a robot ant colony in Microtopia! Use pheromone trails to create, automate and optimize supply chains for your ants to follow. Collect resources, produce goods, feed your queen, grow your colony and fly out to expand the species!
Tiny Pasture
Meet your new little desk buddies! They’ll snooze, scratch, and scamper around while you work or study (don’t worry, they’ve been trained not to invade your workspace). If you’re good at animal management, they will occupy the bottom of your screen with different kinds and colors!Most played sandbox games on Steam
Take a look at the top sandbox games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Terraria
Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available! Terraria is a open world survival craft, sandbox and survival game developed and published by Re-Logic. Released on May 16th 2011 has received 1,394,254 reviews of which 1,359,264 were positive and 34,990 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played sandbox game, thanks to its 49,797 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
1,359,264
34,990
49,797
players
2. RimWorld
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more. RimWorld is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Ludeon Studios. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 207,285 reviews of which 203,071 were positive and 4,214 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 35,684 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among sandbox games based on player count.
9.7
203,071
4,214
35,684
players
3. Garry's Mod
Garry's Mod is a physics sandbox. There aren't any predefined aims or goals. We give you the tools and leave you to play. Garry's Mod is a sandbox, moddable and multiplayer game developed by Facepunch Studios and published by Valve. Released on November 29th 2006 has received 1,150,066 reviews of which 1,113,171 were positive and 36,895 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 28,494 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among sandbox games based on player count.
9.6
1,113,171
36,895
28,494
players
4. Factorio
Factorio is a game about building and creating automated factories to produce items of increasing complexity, within an infinite 2D world. Use your imagination to design your factory, combine simple elements into ingenious structures, and finally protect it from the creatures who don't really like you. Factorio is a automation, base-building and resource management game developed and published by Wube Software LTD.. Released on August 14th 2020 has received 212,622 reviews of which 206,226 were positive and 6,396 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 23,861 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.6
206,226
6,396
23,861
players
5. Albion Online
Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion. Albion Online is a free to play, mmorpg and open world game developed and published by Sandbox Interactive GmbH. Released on May 16th 2018 has received 81,493 reviews of which 64,385 were positive and 17,108 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 12,983 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played sandbox games.
7.8
64,385
17,108
12,983
players
6. Core Keeper
Explore a vast cavern of creatures, relics and resources in a mining sandbox adventure for 1-8 players. Mine, build, fight, craft and farm to unravel the mystery of the ancient Core. Core Keeper is a pixel graphics, open world survival craft and online co-op game developed by Pugstorm and published by Fireshine Games and bilibili. Released on August 27th 2024 has received 53,662 reviews of which 49,848 were positive and 3,814 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 12,157 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.1
49,848
3,814
12,157
players
7. Myth of Empires
Myth of Empires is a multiplayer war sandbox game featuring a high degree of freedom and multiple civilizations. Players must survive, craft, create, and lead troops in their quest to conquer PVE or PVP territory and build their own empire. Xizhou Civilization Pack is now officially released! Myth of Empires is a building, open world survival craft and sandbox game developed by Angela Game and published by Imperium Interactive Entertainment . Released on February 21st 2024 has received 16,724 reviews of which 11,440 were positive and 5,284 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 7,267 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played sandbox games.
6.7
11,440
5,284
7,267
players
8. Tabletop Simulator
Tabletop Simulator is the only simulator where you can let your aggression out by flipping the table! There are no rules to follow: just you, a physics sandbox, and your friends. Make your own online board games or play the thousands of community created mods. Unlimited gaming possibilities! Tabletop Simulator is a tabletop, board game and simulation game developed and published by Berserk Games. Released on June 05th 2015 has received 69,953 reviews of which 66,046 were positive and 3,907 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 6,995 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.3
66,046
3,907
6,995
players
9. People Playground
Shoot, stab, burn, poison, tear, vaporise, or crush ragdolls in a large open space. People Playground is a sandbox, gore and physics game developed by mestiez and published by Studio Minus. Released on July 23rd 2019 has received 277,891 reviews of which 273,962 were positive and 3,929 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.8 out of 10. With 5,894 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.8
273,962
3,929
5,894
players
10. Mount & Blade: Warband
In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia! Mount & Blade: Warband is a medieval, rpg and open world game developed and published by TaleWorlds Entertainment. Released on March 31st 2010 has received 165,798 reviews of which 162,048 were positive and 3,750 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 5,673 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.7
162,048
3,750
5,673
players
Best deals on sandbox games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of sandbox games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted sandbox games.
1. SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator
A unique artist sim game with realistic paint mixing, physics and numerous painting tools. Upgrade and customize your studio, complete tasks, sell and expose art, buy instruments and get famous! SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator is a design & illustration, sandbox and immersive sim game developed by Goose Minded and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 4,319 reviews of which 4,202 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for sandbox category.
9.4
4,202
117
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
2. Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master
A dungeon in danger ! Build, manage, and defend your tower in the satirical heroic fantasy universe of Dungeon of Naheulbeuk. From a shaky establishment to an infamous lair! Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master is a management, simulation and funny game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Dear Villagers. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,373 reviews of which 988 were positive and 385 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in sandbox games.
7.0
988
385
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
3. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame
Bricksburg is in ruins and Emmet's friends have been taken! Team up with Emmet and a host of heroic characters to save their friends from the strange inhabitants of the Systar System. Journey into outer space, discover new worlds, and test your Master Building skills. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is a adventure, lego and sandbox game developed by TT Games and Feral interactive (Mac) and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released on February 26th 2019 has received 1,328 reviews of which 859 were positive and 469 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in sandbox games.
6.3
859
469
-96%
29.25€
1.17€
4. Crash Drive 3
Are you ready for THE car stunting playground? Experience ridiculous fun in this cross-platform multiplayer, free-roaming game! Drive monster trucks, tanks and more amazing vehicles across a huge open world. Level up, play events, earn cash, unlock new cars and discover secrets.... Crash Drive 3 is a racing, multiplayer and open world game developed and published by M2H. Released on July 08th 2021 has received 408 reviews of which 373 were positive and 35 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
8.5
373
35
-95%
21.40€
1.07€
5. Black Skylands
Become the captain of an airship and explore the world of the skies, gather resources and build powerful weapons, uncover ancient secrets and fight beneath your ship's sails. Black Skylands is a pixel graphics, open world and sandbox game developed by Hungry Couch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on August 15th 2023 has received 3,806 reviews of which 3,155 were positive and 651 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
8.0
3,155
651
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
6. Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure
In Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure, Maxwell unites with Batman™, Superman™ and the rest of The Justice League™ to restore order to the DC Comics Universe. Challenge your imagination as you battle the mightiest villains in an exciting, action-filled adventure through GOTHAM CITY™, METROPOLIS™, ATLANTIS™ and other iconic... Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure is a adventure, superhero and action game developed by 5th Cell Media and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released on September 24th 2013 has received 2,306 reviews of which 1,896 were positive and 410 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
7.9
1,896
410
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
7. Snowtopia: Ski Resort Builder
Build your ideal ski resort. Keep skiers smiling with fresh pistes and fine facilities. Ski, build and chill in the wintry world of Snowtopia where everyone is welcome! Snowtopia: Ski Resort Builder is a simulation, building and management game developed by TeaForTwo and published by Goblinz Publishing and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on December 14th 2022 has received 1,162 reviews of which 713 were positive and 449 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
6
713
449
-94%
19.83€
1.19€
8. Scribblenauts Unlimited
The best-selling, award-winning franchise is back – on your home PC in gorgeous HD for the first time. Scribblenauts Unlimited is a puzzle, casual and adventure game developed by 5th Cell Media and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released on February 15th 2013 has received 11,670 reviews of which 10,950 were positive and 720 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
9.1
10,950
720
-93%
21.14€
1.48€
9. My Little Universe
Stranded on a barren moon with nothing but your tools, fuelless ship, and celestial powers of creation, you are destined to recreate what was once lost and be the hero of your own Little Universe! Don't forget to call in up to three of your friends to join your journey in the Splitscreen Co-op Mode! My Little Universe is a mining, exploration and dungeon crawler game developed by Estoty and published by SayGames. Released on October 05th 2023 has received 1,442 reviews of which 1,253 were positive and 189 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
8.3
1,253
189
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. Mech Mechanic Simulator
Become a Mech Mechanic to deconstruct, rebuild, paint and fix gigantic iron machines. You live in an age of enormous machines and you better get ready to get your hands dirty! Mech Mechanic Simulator is a mechs, crafting and sandbox game developed by Polyslash and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on March 25th 2021 has received 623 reviews of which 400 were positive and 223 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
6.2
400
223
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
Free sandbox games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play sandbox games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play sandbox games.
1. Albion Online
Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion. Albion Online is a free to play, mmorpg and open world game developed and published by Sandbox Interactive GmbH. Released on May 16th 2018 has received 81,493 reviews of which 64,385 were positive and 17,108 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 12,983 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free sandbox games on Steam.
7.8
64,385
17,108
12,983
players
2. Trove
Grab your friends, hone your blades, and set off for an epic procedurally generated adventure in Trove! Battle the Shadow in realms filled with dungeons and items created by your fellow players. Whether hunting treasure or building realms of your own, it’s never been this good to be square! Trove is a free to play, open world and sandbox game developed and published by gamigo US Inc.. Released on July 09th 2015 has received 92,335 reviews of which 74,117 were positive and 18,218 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,061, this sandbox game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sandbox games on Steam.
7.9
74,117
18,218
1,061
players
3. OpenTTD
OpenTTD is a business simulation game in which players earn money by transporting passengers and cargo via road, rail, water, and air. It is an open-source remake and expansion of the 1995 Chris Sawyer video game Transport Tycoon Deluxe. OpenTTD is a simulation, building and free to play game developed and published by OpenTTD. Released on April 01st 2021 has received 14,119 reviews of which 13,577 were positive and 542 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 749, this sandbox game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sandbox games on Steam.
9.4
13,577
542
749
players
4. Counter-Strike Nexon
Counter-Strike Nexon is a Free to Play MMOFPS offering competitive PvP and PvE action including content from the original Counter-Strike and all new game modes, map creation function, weapons, and hordes of Zombies! Counter-Strike Nexon is a free to play, fps and zombies game developed by Valve and NEXON and published by NEXON. Released on October 07th 2014 has received 42,587 reviews of which 28,304 were positive and 14,283 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 519 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
6.6
28,304
14,283
519
players
5. Wurm Online
A sandbox MMORPG that has pushed the boundaries on what it means to be open world and stood the test of time. Dig, mine, shape the world around you and make your lasting mark! Wurm Online is a free to play, sandbox and rpg game developed and published by Code Club AB. Released on July 24th 2020 has received 2,290 reviews of which 1,422 were positive and 868 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 167 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
6.1
1,422
868
167
players
6. Resonite
Enter a novel digital universe with infinite possibilities. Whether you resonate with people around the world in a casual conversation, playing games and socializing or you riff off each other when creating anything from art to programming complex games, you'll find your place here. Resonite is a early access, casual and sandbox game developed by Yellow Dog Man Studios and Frooxius and published by Yellow Dog Man Studios. Released on October 06th 2023 has received 1,215 reviews of which 994 were positive and 221 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 165 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
7.8
994
221
165
players
7. The Powder Toy
The Powder Toy is a classic physics sandbox game, which simulates air pressure and velocity, heat, gravity and a countless number of interactions between different substances The Powder Toy is a simulation, sandbox and 2d game developed and published by The Powder Toy Team. Released on June 14th 2024 has received 1,727 reviews of which 1,703 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free sandbox games on Steam.
9.4
1,703
24
99
players
8. MergeCrafter
Welcome to the magical world of Runaria! Explore dungeons, chop trees, mine rocks, and discover hidden treasure! Merge identical items to create valuable resources, Craft new tools and upgrade them with powerful enchantments! Setup passive mining drills and tree farms to rebuild your camp! MergeCrafter is a relaxing, sandbox and match 3 game developed and published by Fiveamp. Released on August 23rd 2022 has received 791 reviews of which 575 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free sandbox games on Steam.
7.0
575
216
97
players
9. Haven & Hearth
A free-to-play MMORPG with crafting, building, landscaping, foraging, hunting, fishing, a dash of poetry, and open PvP combat, Haven & Hearth is a early access, mmorpg and rpg game developed and published by Seatribe. Released on November 01st 2024 has received 755 reviews of which 578 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free sandbox games on Steam.
7.3
578
177
91
players
10. Egg Surprise
A fun clicker with economic simulation in the penguin kingdom. Obtain rare collections, venture into dangerous dungeons, and build your own civilization! Egg Surprise is a simulation, clicker and arcade game developed and published by SQRT Games. Released on June 20th 2024 has received 1,154 reviews of which 806 were positive and 348 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free sandbox games on Steam.
6.8
806
348
56
players