The most popular genre in recent times has been sandbox games, which is a common trend across all gaming platforms. Today we will be looking at the top 5 sandbox games available on mobile, but before we go any further, let me explain what exactly sandbox games are.
Sandbox Games
Sandbox games don’t have any specific objective or lack predetermined goals for the game’s progression. Instead, players in sandbox games are usually given free rein over how they want to enjoy the game. Simply put, Sandbox games are associated with open-world games that allow players to explore and run freely. There might be a storyline or plot to a sandbox game, but players aren’t forced to play the story mode to be able to continue playing the game.
The term “Sandbox” was given to this genre of games because it is quite similar to a child playing in a sandbox and letting his/her creativity run free. Now that we have a clearer idea of the exact meaning of sandbox games let’s look at the list we have prepared for you today. The games mentioned aren’t in any particular order, and no game mentioned here is better than the other, so feel free to browse and choose the game of your liking.
- Terraria
- Minecraft
- Don’t Starve
- Stardew Valley
- Roblox
1. Terraria
- Developer: 505 Games Srl
- Price: $4.99
First, on the list, we have one of the biggest 2D sandbox games of all time. Terraria is an open-world sandbox game that, in the simplest words, could be explained as Minecraft but in 2D. Featuring the most retro pixel art, Terraria has it all, monsters, weapons, nostalgic animations, creating, exploration, you name it.
Released on mobile back in 2013 and has garnered over a million downloads since then. Although the game is paid, Terraria offers so much in terms of gameplay that the price charged is justifiable. If you like Minecraft and are interested in trying something similar, then Terraria is the way to go.
Terraria is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.
2. Minecraft
- Developers: Mojang Studios
- Price: $7.49
Even if you don’t play games, there is a high chance that you’ve heard about the second game on our list. Minecraft has been around for quite a long time, and in that time, it has not only garnered the reputation of being one of the greatest games of all time but also managed to evolve with its player base. Much like Terraria, Minecraft is all about creating stuff and fighting against monsters as you go about exploring the world.
Released on mobile back in 2011 and has garnered over 10 million downloads since then. Like Terraria, Minecraft is a paid game that offers money’s worth. Since the game is a co-op, players can join with their friends and build houses, run through caves, automate their buildings, fight monsters in the overworld and the nether, and so much more. With new updates being released frequently, players won’t be getting bored anytime soon.
Minecraft is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.
3. Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition
- Developers: Klei Entertainment
- Price: $4.99
Another survival game, “Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition”, comes third on our list. An adventurous man was trapped and shipped into the mysterious wilderness, where he has to survive using the resources available. Chop trees, use stones, hunt animals, and try to survive in the hopes of making it out of there alive.
Although the objective of Don’t Starve is similar to Terraria and Minecraft, the gameplay couldn’t be more different. Firstly the art style is unique for Don’t Starve, along with a more horror approach to the game, allowing it to stand on its own as a title without drawing comparisons to other games.
Released on mobile back in 2016 and has garnered over 500K downloads since then. The game is paid, and although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, feel free to look it up and see if it appeals to you.
Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.
4. Stardew Valley
- Developers: ConcernedApe
- Price: $4.99
The fourth title on our list is a farming simulator cum RPG “Stardew Valley”. Have you ever played farming games such as HayDay, Family Barn, and others while wishing there was more to the gameplay? Then Stardew Valley is the game for you. Featuring over 50 hours worth of gameplay, players can tend to their farms while also moving around talking to NPCs, settling down and having a family, cooking delicious foods, going fishing, and so much more.
Stardew Valley allows players to truly experience being a farmer beyond just the fields. Players become actual farmers who can live their lives and interact with much more. The game also features retro pixel art, which makes it feel like a GAMEBOY ADV game and adds to the nostalgic factor.
Released back in 2019 and since then garnered over a million downloads, Stardew Valley has truly appealed to the player base.
Stardew Valley is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.
5. Roblox
- Developers: Roblox Corporation
- Price: Free
The final game on this list is one of the biggest games on all platforms aside from Minecraft. Roblox is a game that allows its players to be whatever they want and do whatever they feel like. It is a virtual universe where players can enter different worlds created by other players and play games. It could be original games or even ones inspired by TV shows and cartoons.
Players can hang out with their friends and explore this metaverse while sharing the experience. The best part about Roblox, it’s free, aside from the in-app purchases, but those are optional. Released in 2015 and since garnered a whopping 50 million downloads, it is one of the most played mobile games on the market.
Roblox is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.
Conclusion
Here we have a list of the top 5 Sandbox games available on mobile; sadly, many other games couldn’t make it to the list. However, we just want you to know that aside from these games, there are many more that you can explore and enjoy with your friends or by yourselves. Hope this article helped you look for what you wanted, and thank you for checking us out.
