Minecraft has taken the gaming world by storm since its release and has kept players engaged with an unparalleled sandbox experience. With its open-ended gameplay, blocky aesthetics, and endless possibilities, the game has become a cultural phenomenon.
If you’ve spent countless hours mining, crafting, and exploring and want to try something new, you’re in luck. This list isn’t about Minecraft clones but rather games that share a similar appeal or provide a fresh twist on the sandbox or open-world genre.
Some of them are inspired by Minecraft’s core ideas and others will offer a completely different experience that veteran fans will still appreciate. From 2D action adventures to farming simulations and action-packed RPGs, there’s something here for everyone.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.
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4 games you can check if you like Minecraft
1) Terraria
Terraria is a sandbox RPG game developed by Re-Logic and is about exploration, crafting, building, and combat and it takes place in a procedurally generated 2D world. It has been around for a while and has a vibrant community.
Terraria is unique because it emphasizes fighting and adventure. While gathering resources for building and crafting, players can battle a variety of adversaries including strong bosses. The sandbox has sold over 58.7 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games ever.
It is a must-try for any Minecraft fan searching for something fresh yet recognizable. The game is currently available on various platforms including consoles and mobile devices.
2) Dragon Quest Builders 1 and 2
Dragon Quest Builders developed by Square Enix blends sandbox gameplay with the charm of the Dragon Quest series. Available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this game allows players to construct and manage camps using blocks.
What sets Dragon Quest Builders apart is its mix of RPG elements and creative building mechanics. Players gather resources to craft items, build structures, and complete quests. The camp’s level increases as it becomes more developed, rewarding players for their creativity and effort.
The sequel Dragon Quest Builders 2 was released in 2018. Its blocky aesthetic and resource-gathering gameplay will resonate with Minecraft fans, while its storytelling and RPG elements offer a fresh twist.
3) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom redefines open-world gaming. Breath of the Wild emphasizes freedom and creativity similar to Mojang's masterpiece. Players can approach objectives in various ways using tools and the environment to their advantage.
The game’s unstructured world encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing one to forge their path. These games let players explore the vast land of Hyrule solving puzzles, completing quests, and battling enemies.
Tears of the Kingdom builds on its predecessor with even more gameplay mechanics and an expanded story. While these games stylistically differ from Minecraft, their open-world design and emphasis on player freedom make them a perfect fit for fans of Mojang’s blockbuster.
4) Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley created by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone is a farming simulation game that offers a cozy and relaxing experience. Players inherit a neglected farm in Stardew Valley and must restore it to its former glory.
The game’s open-ended gameplay allows them to grow crops, raise animals, mine for resources, and build relationships with the townspeople. It also features multiplayer functionality, enabling up to eight players to work together.
Although Stardew Valley focuses on farming rather than crafting or building, its open world and creative opportunities make it a hit among the blocky sandbox's fans. The game’s charming art style and engaging mechanics provide a delightful change of pace.
These four games offer unique experiences while sharing elements with Mojang's blocky sandbox, such as creativity, exploration, and freedom.
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