What games are most like Minecraft?

The blocky sandbox sensation known as Minecraft came out of nowhere, launching into phenom status after starting with humble origins as an indie project by Markus "Notch" Persson. This vast, open-ended experience has helped pave the way for a new era of open-world software and helped spur the rise of indie gaming at large.

Gamers have since been captivated by the expansive landscapes, rewarding building mechanics, and thrilling survival gameplay. While one can theoretically pour hundreds of hours into this massive digital playground of blocks, there will inevitably be those seeking similar content. What are some of the best games like Minecraft?

Astroneer

Astroneer is a delightful indie game that brings a celestial twist to some of Minecraft's fundamentals. Set in the 25th century, players assume the role of an astronaut set to explore, gather materials, and settle interplanetary. While not crawling with enemies like Minecraft, Astroneer tests players' mettle in different ways, namely through the hostile environment. Everything from deadly plants to suffocation and active geysers can harm this brave astronaut.

Ark: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved is a game that provides a sense of wonder and heart-pounding thrills that's rarely matched. Players will be on the edge of their seats fending off reptilians as well as other humans, often with simple, cobbled-together weapons. Players can choose to venture through the hostile, prehistoric wilderness solo, or team up with others (even form large tribes online). Each mode has its own dynamic — but both prove fun and exciting in their own way.

Dyson Sphere Program

Dyson Sphere Program is a strategy factory sim that has been generally well received by the Steam populace. Players are put in charge of crafting an energy source that can fuel humanity's existence, which is largely confined to virtual reality. The process involves carrying out research, acquiring resources, and gradually expanding productivity, an endeavor that typically requires heading to other planets. The developer is currently working on a combat system, an addition that could and should introduce an exciting extra dimension to the gameplay loop.

No Man's Sky

No Man's Sky's redemption story is nothing short of remarkable. Hello Games deserves all the praise in the world for sticking by its project and releasing years' worth of substantial updates, resulting in an experience that is now among the most complete and diverse in the sandbox genre. No Man's Sky is an easy recommendation for people who enjoy slow-paced open-world projects. Now, Minecraft and No Man's Sky's core gameplay are not especially similar, and they largely focus on different things. The former is defined by its creative crafting; conversely, the latter focuses more on exploration, although crafting is still a major part of the overall package.

Minecraft Dungeons

Minecraft Dungeons actually resembles isometric crawlers like Diablo and Gauntlet far more than its open-world cousin. The game features ample Minecraft references and charming blocky visuals, not to mention loads of combat and item gathering. The core game is somewhat short at five or six hours, but Minecraft Dungeons keeps players coming back with a cool magic system, rewarding progression, and vast dungeons crawling with foes.

Minecraft Legends

Minecraft Legends takes a stab at the strategy genre, albeit with an action-focused gameplay loop. The spin-off seems to be designed to function as a gateway option to a genre that tends to primarily attract hardcore players. The spin-off also retains some crafting and building mechanics, although they are not as deep as in Minecraft.

My Time At Portia

My Time at Portia is a cute take on Minecraft and The Sims, with some RPG elements tossed in for good measure. The game takes place following the collapse of civilization, from which point, emerging from the (literal) underground, players must rebuild. The goals are to collect resources to craft items, allowing advancement through better tools which give way to more goodies and town expansion. At the same time, players can gain wealth and town favor, as well as take on various dungeon foes.

Raft

Raft takes place in a single, vulnerable location, which remains adrift in the hostile seas. Players will scramble to build upon and reinforce their raft, all while hooking objects or diving in the water to get precious resources and stay alive, along with fending hungry sharks and other creatures.

Craft The World

Craft The World is described as a blend of Dungeon Keeper, Terraria, and Dwarf Fortress, yet there's a prominent feel of Minecraft, given the versatility in the building and survival features. Craft the World offers tons of rewarding gameplay as players command a band of dwarves to craft, build, and fend off the things that go bump in the night.

Eco

Eco is a sophisticated social game that brings a collaborative premise and a slew of activities to take part in within the vast digital wilderness. Eco is akin to a more passive version of Minecraft mixed with The Sims, as players will interact with one another, manage their characters, and generally just go about their day.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley melds Harvest Moon-style farm management with crafting, quests, combat, and other more traditional RPG features. The result is a super addictive 80+ hour romp, which can be enjoyed solo or with a friend.

7 Days To Die

7 Days to Die is a survival game with building components and a more mature aesthetic. The developers have continued to regularly update and tweak the experience, resulting in a game that has taken many forms over its life span. The title has PvE and PvP servers, so players can pick whichever mode they prefer; either way, they should be prepared for a tough time.

Lego Worlds

Lego Worlds emphasizes the building side of Minecraft, though players can also engage in satisfying demolition, management, and thrilling dungeon crawling.

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes its predecessor's impeccable foundation and adds a fuse system that allows Link to build all sorts of vehicles, weapons, and constructions. While players won't be able to construct massive bases like in Minecraft, TOTK nevertheless promotes and rewards their creativity. Otherwise, TOTK is just an all-around fantastic package.

Starbound

Starbound rolls with a similar system of randomly generated worlds with unique biomes that serve as a blank slate from which to build upon, and which are crawling with critters to fight. Starbound feels like a virtual Star Trek quest as much as a Minecraft-like journey, as players have a central ship hub used to fly to unique lavish worlds. In Mojang fashion, the game is vast with its array of weaponry, items, and cool settings. Yet, it also takes a more streamlined approach than Terraria or Minecraft with endearing storylines and quests.

Terraria

Terraria is about as close to a Minecraft experience as one can get in a 2D space. The game similarly uses a deceptively simple retro vibe for its visuals. Like Minecraft, there's an array of tasks to partake in, lands to explore and plunder, and enemies to defeat. Terraria still feels as wondrous as ever.

Fortnite

Fortnite by Epic Games helped popularize a new style of games with its free-to-play model and battle royale premise in a sandbox setting. The game emphasizes building on the fly, evasion, and swiftly shooting foes with a range of weapons.

These are just a few of the best games like Minecraft that offer expansive worlds, creative building mechanics, and thrilling gameplay. Whether you're a fan of survival, strategy, or RPG elements, there's something for everyone in this list. So go ahead and explore these games to find your next digital playground of blocks!