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There is little left to be said about Minecraft. This open-world crafting/survival game first came out in 2011 and quickly became one of the most, if not the most popular game in the world.
Its central concept is simple enough. You are thrown into an infinite world filled with various mobs and resources, and it’s up to you to make the best of it. The freedom Minecraft allows is what turned it into a classic of the gaming world that still rakes in tens of millions of monthly players even to this day. So let’s look at our own top 10 games like Minecraft list.
7 Days to Die
Taking inspiration from Minecraft with the infinite world and the crafting system, 7 Days to Die brings in some more hardcore survival mechanics. The main loop of the game is right in the name. Every seven days you spend in the game world, a horde of zombies will come rushing toward you. In order to survive, you will have to make the most out of the time between these raids. Build a base, gather better equipment, and farm for resources if you want to live in this harsh zombie-infested land.
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Release Date: December 13, 2013
The Forest
Lauded as one of the best games like Minecraft, The Forest is perfect for horror enthusiasts. Your character finds himself crash-landing on a tropical island filled with tribes of cannibals. It’s up to you to find shelter and gather the resources needed to survive. All the crafting in the game tries to be as realistic as possible, with plenty of recipes that actually make sense.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Release Date: May 30, 2014
Ark: Survival Evolved
With a focus on multiplayer, Ark takes place in a sci-fi fantasy setting where advanced tech meets dinosaurs. Those dinosaurs can be hunted for resources or tamed. Taming these wondrous beasts is a big part of the game since you can mount them and use them in combat. Unlike other games like Minecraft, PvP is also a big part of the game. Creating groups and building bases together is emphasized since surviving alone is tricky. Similarly to Rust, bases can be raided, so defending your base by yourself versus an organized group is next to impossible.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Don’t Starve
Created by a small indie studio, Don’t Starve became a massive success due to its brutal take on the open-world survival style of gameplay. Beautifully hand-drawn, the game puts you in the shoes of a character that finds himself in a strange Lovecraftian land. As the name implies, feeding yourself is a core tenet of the game. You will have to fight this harsh world tooth and nail to feed your character correctly. Only after you’ve created a stable food source can you explore other parts of the game entirely.
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Valheim
If you love games like Minecraft and have a soft spot for Viking mythology, Valheim might be the perfect game for you. Your character is thrown into a Viking limbo where mythological monsters roam freely. Even though the graphics are pretty simplistic, it uses plenty of modern effects systems which can create some very immersive and beautiful landscapes. There is no better feeling than sailing forth in search of new lands, especially when a few friends join you on your adventures.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S
Release Date: February 2, 2021
No Man’s Sky
Despite a very troubled launch, No Man’s Sky has become a gem over the years because of the hard work of its developers. The game offers you an infinite universe with billions upon billions of systems and planets you can explore. You can build bases, upgrade your gear, buy new ships or simply explore this immense world. No Man’s Sky is constantly adding new content to the game, so there’s always something new to fiddle with in this game.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, macOS, iPadOS
Release Date: August 9, 2016
Stardew Valley
Created by a one-man team, Stardew Valley is one of the most successful games like Minecraft. Introducing some RPG elements, Stardew Valley starts you off as a young adult that is put in charge of their grandfather’s abandoned farm. It will be up to you to navigate this cute world as you plant fruit and vegetables to turn a profit. The neighboring village is also filled with unique and interesting characters to befriend and learn more about their stories.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, macOS, Linux, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Android, iOS
Release Date: February 2016
Starbound
The closest you can get to a 2D No Man’s Sky experience, Starbound is an enjoyable open-world game. Your character will have to explore countless systems and planets to upgrade his ship while also solving various quests. There are multiple NPC factions that you can interact with, many of them offering you different types of gear and quests. If you’re a fan of Sci-Fi and prefer the 2D aesthetic, definitely give Starbound a try.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox One
Release Date: 22 July, 2016
Core Keeper
A more recent take on the Minecraft formula, Core Keeper has plenty to offer. After a short introduction where you see a team of explorers falling inside a mysterious cave, you are tasked with exploring a unique underground world filled with dangers. There is plenty to do as you explore the various biomes in search for better resources as you make your way up the tech tree. And with new content constantly being added, Core Keeper should be on your list of must-buys.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux
Release Date: 2021
Terraria
And coming out on top of our list, we have one of the best games like Minecraft. Terraria is a 2D game that takes plenty of inspiration from Minecraft. Your player has complete control over the world, and there are multiple goals that you can achieve. But the game doesn’t force you towards any of those goals. You’re free to explore at your own pace. Build a base, or don’t; the world is your oyster. Given that the game is still seeing content patches after years of development keeps things interesting. All in all, Terraria deserves the number one spot on this top 10 games like Minecraft list due to the sheer amount of content you can explore.
All-in-all, there are plenty more games similar to Minecraft apart from our top 10 above but with these you have a safe bet when it comes to a survival, open-world, and fun crafting game.
