Minecraft has captivated gamers worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling games ever. However, if Minecraft isn't your cup of tea, or you're craving more of its unique gameplay, we've curated a list of the 11 best games that echo the Minecraft experience. These games offer a variety of elements akin to Minecraft, from world-building and survival to relaxing crafting experiences. Here are the top picks that cater to every Minecraft enthusiast's taste.
Roblox
Roblox stands out as a versatile platform where you can not only play games but also create your own. It's perfect for those who enjoy Minecraft's multiplayer aspect, offering a plethora of user-generated game modes and minigames. While the base game is free, in-game purchases like Robux are available for avatar customization and upgrades.
Slime Rancher 1 and 2
If the farming and cultivating aspects of Minecraft appeal to you, especially in Peaceful mode, Slime Rancher 1 and 2 are ideal choices. These RPGs let you build a farm to collect and breed adorable slime creatures, with an engaging in-game economy and puzzle-like slime combinations that can keep you entertained for hours.
Satisfactory
Satisfactory appeals to those who relish Minecraft's resource harvesting and automation. Though it features more complex systems, the satisfaction of building and managing automated resource farms is similar to Minecraft's farming automation, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy intricate gameplay.
Terraria
Often compared to Minecraft, Terraria is a 2D side-scroller that offers a similar sandbox experience. From digging to the depths of hell to building sky-high structures, Terraria's worlds are full of possibilities, complete with bosses, NPCs, and unique biomes to explore.
Stardew Valley
For a more focused life-simulation experience with crafting and mining at its core, Stardew Valley is a delightful choice. As you restore a dilapidated farm in a charming village, you'll build relationships and engage in various activities. It's highly recommended on the Nintendo Switch and as a mobile game.
Don’t Starve
For fans of Minecraft's survival mode with its eerie elements, Don't Starve offers a thrilling challenge. The game focuses on gathering food to avoid starvation, building shelters, and maintaining sanity. With permanent death, the stakes are high, but so are the rewards. There's also a multiplayer expansion, Don't Starve Together.
Starbound
Starbound mirrors Terraria's style, letting you explore multiple alien planets from your starship. It offers a structured yet open gameplay experience, where your equipment defines your character class, making it a unique addition to the sandbox genre.
LEGO Fortnite
Launched in December 2023, LEGO Fortnite is a free-to-play survival game that blends elements of Minecraft and Fortnite. It's an accessible entry into survival games, offering the playful charm of LEGO in a free-to-play format.
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky, despite a rocky start, has evolved into a vast sandbox through continuous updates. Whether you're scavenging resources across planets or relaxing in a creative mode, the game offers endless exploration and freedom.
Dragon Quest Builders 2
This spinoff from the Dragon Quest series introduces cooperative play in a vibrant sandbox world. Engage in combat, construction, and management activities within a charming art style, making Dragon Quest Builders 2 a must-play for building RPG fans.
LEGO Worlds
LEGO Worlds offers a complete LEGO brick sandbox experience. Collect items across procedurally generated maps, use terraforming tools to modify landscapes, and create your own designs with the "brick by brick editor."
What do you think of our top picks? Have we left something out? Let us know in the comments or vote for your favorite in the poll above.
Next, check out how to play Minecraft for free to start playing or dive into our guide to the best survival games for more like this.
