All sandbox video games

Looking for a top-notch recommendation? Come and browse our article dedicated to the best sandbox games to play on PC & Steam in 2023.

What is a sandbox video game?

This genre can’t really be described only as “games like Minecraft”, due to the fact that there is a bit more to it. Firstly, it’s the freedom of choice that you require during your gameplay. Sandboxes are often paired with open world games, which isn’t necessarily a mistake, but one must keep in mind that these aren’t always the same categories.

Sandbox PC games offer you the possibility to do what you want in worlds created by their authors, whereas open world games have, well, open worlds. This doesn’t mean that they will allow you to perform any action that you might think of. For instance, you have to clear a particular quest to proceed further. The differences aren’t always clear, so don’t worry, and just remember that these two definitions aren’t totally identical. Copy? Now, moving on to the examples.

Brose all open world games on PC

All open world games on PC have the sort of content that offers its players a little bit of everything that doesn’t bore you at all. As a result, it’s really crucial to think of what the game’s genre can “accept” as an idea that fits the gameplay and makes it exciting. What titles managed to perfect this formula?

Love it or hate it, Grand Theft Auto V is a game that has shown us what freedom really means in terms of video games. There is always so much to do, both in the main storyline and in the side quest sphere. Let’s not forget about the usual fun activities present in GTA series: driving to random places, shooting at random people, and hijacking a random vehicle. These are only some of the options. Maybe Rockstar has milked this cow for a little bit too long, but it’s still an excellent choice from our sandbox games list out there.

The other pick is also a bit obvious, although not mentioning The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in this category at all would be a grave misunderstanding of the sandbox concept. You are literally free to go anywhere after starting the game and leaving the first village. Isn’t it fantastic for free-spirited players and fans of sandbox pc games? Obviously, you need to be wary of dangers that you may not want to encounter from the get-go. Nonetheless, the charm of Skyrim lies in the fact that you learn from the experience where you can go and where you really shouldn’t push your luck.

Exploration games are all about that, and Bethesda’s masterpiece lets you understand the rules of its world by yourself. Moreover, the fights and soundtrack are outstandingly great. We should also mention the unique approach to leveling up: just use the ability that you want to strengthen, and the game will take note of that, gradually granting you more points. Skyrim is a perfect sandbox RPG, and it’s no wonder that it still maintains popularity after so many years.

These were the two examples that you certainly have heard of before, so treat them as a must-have introductory title that will show you the spectacle of open world games PC. After you’ve familiarised yourself with them, there are so many other titles to check out that you’ll need to look for something a little bit specific. One way or another, you most certainly enjoy the freedom of choice.