Discounted 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
X3: Reunion
X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.
Arma 2
Building on 10 years of constant engine development, ARMA II boasts the most realistic combat environment in the world. It models real world ballistics & round deflection, materials penetration, features a realtime day/night cycle and dynamic wind, weather and environmental effects.
Stronghold 2: Steam Edition
Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.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 21st 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 1,397,228 reviews of which 1,362,130 were positive and 35,098 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 24,836 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
1,362,130
35,098
24,836
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 24,107 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
24,107
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 1,151,641 reviews of which 1,114,726 were positive and 36,915 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 20,952 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among sandbox games based on player count.
9.6
1,114,726
36,915
20,952
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 212,987 reviews of which 206,579 were positive and 6,408 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 19,487 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.6
206,579
6,408
19,487
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 9,725 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
9,725
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 6,444 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
6,444
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 4,971 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
4,971
players
8. 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 86,771 reviews of which 79,042 were positive and 7,729 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 4,747 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.0
79,042
7,729
4,747
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 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 4,639 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played sandbox games.
9.8
274,557
3,945
4,639
players
10. Space Engineers
Space Engineers is a sandbox game about engineering, construction, exploration and survival in space and on planets. Players build space ships, space stations, planetary outposts of various sizes and uses, pilot ships and travel through space to explore planets and gather resources to survive. Space Engineers is a space, sandbox and building game developed and published by Keen Software House. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 131,797 reviews of which 116,697 were positive and 15,100 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 4,594 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played sandbox games.
8.7
116,697
15,100
4,594
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 21st 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 4,327 reviews of which 4,210 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
4,210
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 1,381 reviews of which 993 were positive and 388 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in sandbox games.
6.9
993
388
-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 410 reviews of which 375 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
375
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 3,826 reviews of which 3,173 were positive and 653 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
3,173
653
-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. 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 #7 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
9.1
10,962
721
-93%
21.14€
1.48€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
8.3
1,294
195
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
6.2
400
224
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
10. TerraTech
TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector. TerraTech is a building, sandbox and open world game developed and published by Payload Studios. Released on August 10th 2018 has received 23,257 reviews of which 21,230 were positive and 2,027 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for sandbox games.
8.9
21,230
2,027
-92%
25.75€
2.06€
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 21st 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 9,725 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
9,725
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 898, this sandbox game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sandbox games on Steam.
7.9
74,109
18,222
898
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 14,159 reviews of which 13,616 were positive and 543 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 548, this sandbox game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sandbox games on Steam.
9.4
13,616
543
548
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 268 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
268
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 230 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
230
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 1,223 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 223 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 187 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
7.8
1,000
223
187
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 122 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
122
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 1,751 reviews of which 1,726 were positive and 25 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 109 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free sandbox games on Steam.
9.3
1,726
25
109
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free sandbox games on Steam.
6.7
810
353
96
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free sandbox games on Steam.
7.3
581
179
83
players