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
CARNAGE OFFERING Tower Defense
The replicator robots are back! It's 2528. The machines are increasingly infecting the planets with genetically modified monsters. Challenge them and try to stop the onslaught. Upgrade buildings and heroes, mine resources, discover technology and fight to save humanity!
Fading Afternoon
Seiji Maruyama is a middle-aged yakuza recently released from prison. Known as "Gozuki" (one of the demon generals from Buddhist mythology) he is the power that his oyabun counts on. But there is one thing his aniki is not taking into account: Maruyama is getting old.
Sugar Shack
Grab some friends, fire up the boiler, and let the syrup flow! Build the world around your cabin as you fulfill orders of hungry villagers with endless sweet tooths. There's never a dull moment in this cozy forest inspired by Quebec lore and art!
Pumping Simulator 2
A gas station management game, start by selling a car to raise funds and invest in an abandoned plot of land. Build, expand, and upgrade your gas station, diversify services, customize and manage time efficiently during peak hours. And maybe you will become rich
Pyroworks
Pyroworks is a free-to-play online multiplayer game containing fireworks from real-life companies from all over the globe. You can choose to make your own show, cause destruction and chaos or simulate new years. Don't miss out on playing with your friends - the most fun part.
Birds Aren't Real: The Game
Birds Aren’t Real is a 3D sandbox game with a comic twist.Based on the real-life satirical conspiracy theory, play as a government surveillance pigeon drone, using sneaky maneuvers and creative thinking to manipulate the citizens and dispel their suspicions about the government's avian task force.
ABRISS - build to destroy
ABRISS is an atmospheric physics-destruction building game.Build structures from parts to let them crash into your targets. Unlock new parts, destroy more, witness entropy at its worst in digital-brutalist cityscapes. Build to destroy.
Highrise City
Highrise City offers a new spin on City Simulations & Tycoon games expanding the economy and resource management aspect. Experience a modern take on the genre enriched with a complex resource based economy system.
Sim Companies
Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience.
Age of Reforging:The Freelands
Welcome to medieval high-freedom sandbox adventure CRPG!You'll be a reforger in freelands chosen by the Goddess to embark on medieval adventure tour at your own pace, gathering teammates, seeking survival, and craft your unique legend!
Sunkenland
Get ready for a Waterworld-themed survival game with modular base building, sunken city scavenging, crafting, base defense, and invasions of NPC clans for resources and territory. Ready for the water apocalypse?
Bee Island
Take control of the hive and protect it from enemies. Build factories and defence, research technologies and, if necessary, use nuclear weapons, but do not let the enemies harm the queen!
Golf It!
Embark on an exciting journey with Golf It! Seize your putter, rally your friends, and immerse yourself in an epic minigolf adventure. Conquer countless courses, create lasting memories, and refine your skills to emerge as the ultimate minigolf champion. Your thrilling golfing odyssey begins here!
Lawgivers II
Lawgivers II is a political sandbox game that features multiple electoral systems, approve/reject bills and govern a country. Start out your career from the very bottom, and perhaps one day, lead your nation to become the most influential in the world.
Ship Graveyard Simulator 2
Dust off your torch and hammer - it's time to get back to work, you have a new job to do. Visit the new beach coast with the largest, biggest ship graveyard in the world, dismantle huge ship parts and collect tons of precious steel. Roll up your sleeves, it's time to get back to the business.
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.
Desynced
Desynced is a sci-fi strategy game with fully customizable units and behaviors. Gather, build, research, and explore the unknown. Alone or with friends, unveil the mystery of an AI on the edge of self-awareness and uncover the hidden truth in this blend of strategy, automation, and exploration.
Canvas of Kings
Canvas of Kings is a minimalistic mapmaking tool that focuses on randomness and auto-generated elements on user-definable and interactive paths, plots and rooms.
Word Factori
Word Factori is a word-building game where your only resource is the letter "i". Build a chain of factories to bend, rotate, reflect, and merge "i" into more complex letters. Discover secret letter recipes, unlock hidden word art, and optimize your factory chains for high scores.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 19th 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 24,884 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
1,359,264
34,990
24,884
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 207,748 reviews of which 203,531 were positive and 4,217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 22,530 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among sandbox games based on player count.
9.7
203,531
4,217
22,530
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 21,543 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
21,543
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 18,327 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
18,327
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 81,775 reviews of which 64,605 were positive and 17,170 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 9,614 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played sandbox games.
7.8
64,605
17,170
9,614
players
6. 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 70,060 reviews of which 66,148 were positive and 3,912 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 6,183 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.3
66,148
3,912
6,183
players
7. 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 53,988 reviews of which 50,146 were positive and 3,842 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 4,956 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.1
50,146
3,842
4,956
players
8. 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 278,502 reviews of which 274,557 were positive and 3,945 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.8 out of 10. With 4,662 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.8
274,557
3,945
4,662
players
9. Planet Zoo
Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them. Planet Zoo is a management, simulation and building game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on November 05th 2019 has received 86,491 reviews of which 78,784 were positive and 7,707 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 4,094 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.0
78,784
7,707
4,094
players
10. 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 16,771 reviews of which 11,471 were positive and 5,300 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 4,048 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played sandbox games.
6.7
11,471
5,300
4,048
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 19th 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 1,330 reviews of which 860 were positive and 470 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
860
470
-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 1,894 were positive and 412 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
1,894
412
-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 1,165 reviews of which 714 were positive and 451 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
6.0
714
451
-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 11,683 reviews of which 10,962 were positive and 721 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
10,962
721
-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 1,489 reviews of which 1,294 were positive and 195 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
1,294
195
-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 624 reviews of which 400 were positive and 224 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
224
-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 19th 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 81,775 reviews of which 64,605 were positive and 17,170 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 9,614 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free sandbox games on Steam.
7.8
64,605
17,170
9,614
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 92,331 reviews of which 74,109 were positive and 18,222 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 866, this sandbox game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sandbox games on Steam.
7.9
74,109
18,222
866
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 513, this sandbox game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sandbox games on Steam.
9.4
13,577
542
513
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 42,600 reviews of which 28,314 were positive and 14,286 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 302 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
6.6
28,314
14,286
302
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 2,303 reviews of which 1,427 were positive and 876 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 206 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
6.1
1,427
876
206
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 162 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
162
players
7. 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. Attracting a solid base of 112 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
7.0
575
216
112
players
8. 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. Attracting a solid base of 101 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
9.4
1,703
24
101
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 760 reviews of which 581 were positive and 179 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
581
179
95
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 1,163 reviews of which 810 were positive and 353 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free sandbox games on Steam.
6.7
810
353
70
players