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Craving the quiet serenity of a game like Minecraft, but don’t want to actually play Minecraft? Or maybe you feel as though you’ve seen everything the game has to offer you for now and want to try something a little different. There are a ton of Minecraft-esque titles out there in the world, and some are truly excellent swaps.
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It’s hard to follow up such a beloved product, of course, but some brave developers have done impressive jobs. Some center solely on survival, while others add rather unpredictable elements into the mix, like bloodthirsty zombies and deep-space aliens. But which one should you eagerly tear into? That really depends on what you’re looking for. We’ve assembled a list of 39 games like Minecraft that are well worth exploring.
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1
Deep Rock Galactic
Blasting bugs with up to four players is a recipe for video game bliss, and Deep Rock Galactic nails the fun of being a space dwarf obsessed with mining and beards. In a world flooded with games laden with microtransactions, this game bucks the trend by keeping players engaged with an extremely well-crafted gameplay loop within procedurally generated levels. The game has had a vibrant evolution with patches and updates. Deep Rock Galactic is steeped in charm, and there are few games that provide such genuine fun in the co-op space.
2
Forager
Forager takes the crafting gameplay that’s become so addictive, and frames that within a bite-sized adventure that’s been lovingly developed to incite joy in players. There’s enough complexity to discover, but the game delivers concepts and mechanics steadily, eventually allowing for the creation of a wholesome, satisfying space. Where the game truly shines is in its unfolding, constantly dangling a delicious carrot for players to chase. There are challenging dungeons to discover and massive bosses to topple, so expect a plentiful array of gaming in Forager.
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3
Slime Rancher
Imagine taking care of an entire farm of adorable little RPG-inspired slimes that can be picked up with a vacuum gun and plopped about to solve puzzles. Slime Rancher is exactly what it sounds like, and it is sticky-sweet cute. It is nigh impossible to play this game without wearing a big dumb smile. Better yet, a sequel may push the slime-farming idea even further.
4
Raft
Tapping into the deepest fears of humanity, Raft drops players into a vast ocean and arms them with a grappling hook to pull in drifting supplies while fighting off hungry sharks. It’s a game that balances resource management with bravery in a way that few survival games achieve, doing so at the very outset and keeping players hooked with an exciting array of craftable tools. The game eventually evolves into sharing a story and visiting islands, expanding the scope beyond the initial, rocksteady idea. Live out the classic conversation starter—“what would you do if stranded at sea?”—with up to eight players.
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5
Subnautica
Subnautica and its sequel Subnautica: Below Zero perfectly capture what it means to explore an alien world rife with danger. The feeling of dread and wonder when seeing a Leviathan for the first time is an unmatched moment of game design brilliance. Unlike many survival games, Subnautica keeps things moving through specific goals that move the story forward, while allowing players to explore at their own pace. It’s satisfying to know that Subnautica can be finished, with defined ways to win.
6
Grounded
While the game is still in Early Access, Grounded sets itself apart by chasing the idea of being small and fighting off insects while exploring a typical American backyard. There is a palpable sense of danger to playing because of the setting. Getting a group of friends together and exploring a colorful world through this unique perspective can lead to exceptional gaming.
Since making a splash upon its release, the game has seen steady improvements. Grounded seems to keep things small artistically but has a trajectory of growth that will likely keep players’ attention for years to come.
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7
Halo Master Chief Collection: Forge Mode
One of the coolest things about games with creative systems is the wacky ways people imagine new takes on gameplay using the tools available. Some of the most fun in gaming can be found in the Forge Mode of Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Whether it’s becoming a duck running through obstacle courses as snipers pick away players or a classic round of Griffball, there is a rampant sense of whimsy in community-created modes. Countless hours can be lost laughing at the absurdity of Forge maps. It’s hard not to laugh at something like Forklift Sumo, which is exactly what it sounds like.
8
Fallout 76
While Fallout as a franchise has stagnated, and Fallout 76 released in one of the most notoriously rough states in recent memory, players who have stuck with the game claim that there is definitely fun to be had in the apocalyptic hills of West Virginia. Players are given lots of tools to build up a base to fight off mutants, zombies, and Mothman. The unique setting and weapon design is what draws in most players, but getting the right group of friends or gathering enough for a full server can make for awesome evenings. Just be prepared for a longer period of onboarding and performance drops.
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9
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers
One of the most absurd franchises in gaming history, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers adds voxel visuals to the straightforward gameplay of the series. There is a ton of block-related humor in World Brothers that will have fans of the survival genre laughing through most of their playtime. The core gameplay of blasting aliens and bugs remains intact, creating a light-hearted, ridiculous loop of action that is sure to shake up game nights.
10
Valheim
Valheim is an evolving title that leans into Norse mythology. It creates a brutal world, begging for the bravest souls to find its secrets. Gathering a group of Vikings to tackle terrifying beasts or spending time developing one’s village is typical fare for survival games, but where Valheim stands out most is in its art direction and combat. The game has been crafted in a way that explores the genre’s tropes, making clever twists that might draw in those who have already exhausted other games in this style. Valheim is one of the best ways to inject some magic into gaming nights with friends.
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11
Sea of Thieves
Braving the Kraken-threatened seas as a pirate is the perfect framework for an open-world survival game. Sea of Thieves has continued to mold that vision through steady content releases and updates, creating one of the most enjoyable multiplayer titles available. Whether it’s barking sea shanties or fighting off skeletons for treasure, the organic nature of the gameplay keeps things interesting, even for longtime players. Fans of pirate fiction and media in particular owe it to themselves to spend some time in Sea of Thieves.
12
Runescape
Sometimes the simple act of gathering items and trading or selling them to others can be exceptionally rewarding. For many, Runescape fits that role perfectly. While a few of the game’s older iterations are still supported, the newest version still offers the tried and true formula of improvement through repetition. Sure, there are dungeons to delve and quests to complete, but chipping away at a mining skill or fishing and cooking away your free time has always felt like the biggest appeal of Runescape.
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13
Satisfactory
Building a complex machine of systems is the name of the game in Satisfactory, a title that enables players to reach an extreme level of satisfaction. By mastering the way pieces connect, you can develop massive factories. Where players find the most fun though, is in creating a system unique to them—one that effectively supports the game’s main goals of gathering and processing raw materials on an alien planet. Once things are automated, seeing your results climb to astronomical heights is such a delightful dopamine hit. It also helps that the game is visually stunning, and simply living in this world is enjoyable.
14
Project Zomboid
While its art style represents one of the simpler examples in the genre, steady development updates have rekindled interest in Project Zomboid surprisingly well—a perfect example of how developer support can keep people engaged. The game’s difficulty and focus on extremely scarce basic resources makes for tension-filled moments and decision-making loaded with importance. Players can organically create factions, cooperate with others, or become terrifying raiders with the ultimate goal of surviving for as long as possible. Project Zomboid is deceptively simple, but offers a certain depth in its survival gameplay that is hard to find elsewhere.
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15
Space Engineers
Space Engineers takes the core gameplay of Minecraft, voxel-based mining and building, and expands it to space. In this game, you can build your own bases and spaceships from refined materials and journey through a solar system. The systems at work in Space Engineers are a bit complex, and it’s a game that can soak up hundreds of hours while you’re just getting the fundamentals of mining and building down. If you’ve ever thought Minecraft wasn’t “big picture” enough, then set your sights for the stars with this game.
16
Terraria
Turn Minecraft into a 2D side-scroller, and you have Terraria. This very successful title has released on pretty much every platform available since its initial launch in 2011. In many ways, Terraria mirrors the aspects that make Minecraft so appealing while still retaining its own character and charm. The goals here are much the same. Explore a vast, randomly-generated world, build a base, mine materials, and fight enemies. There’s more emphasis on combat in Terraria, and you’ll face bosses and recruit NPCs that can help further your abilities, which might be appealing to anyone who thinks Minecraft can be too directionless and lonely.
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17
Starbound
Just as Terraria is a bit like Minecraft in 2D, Starbound is like if you changed Terraria to a sci-fi setting. The big difference here is that you’re not too attached to one location. Instead of building a permanent base, you have a starship which you can use to travel between planets and explore the cosmos. Your player class is determined by what items your character has equipped, and as such, your role and abilities are a bit more rigid than the freeform equipment system in Minecraft. Starbound also has a procedurally-generated world, so no two playthroughs are the same.
18
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Dragon Quest Builders 2 goes beyond the original by adding new features, a whole new story, and a hub in the form of the Isle of Awakening. This game is story-driven while still allowing you the freedom to explore and create. There are a ton of NPCs in this game which can help you build and which all have their own stories and problems you must solve if you want to save the world. Square Enix came out of left field with this series, and Dragon Quest Builders 2 shows that the success of the first game was no fluke.
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19
Astroneer
Space is dangerous, and few games exemplify that more than Astroneer. In this title, you have to mine for your life as you try to build a sustainable base of operations. Oxygen, energy, and resources all must be carefully managed as you continue to pierce further into the unknown. The building is streamlined, and your vehicles and buildings are 3D printed, so you might feel a bit stifled creatively. However, with so much to explore, including other planets once you craft your first rocket, you’ll probably appreciate the simplicity of the building system.
20
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a game that lets you do a little bit of everything. The main objective is to fix up a farm bequeathed to you by your grandfather, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Your character can mine, fish, cook, craft, get married, and more. There’s also more intrigue in Stardew Valley’s world than you’d think at first glance, and solving all the mysteries takes hard work and dedication. The game even has multiplayer now, so you can farm with your friends.
Brittany Lynn Vincent
Tech & Appliances Contributor
Brittany Vincent has been covering video games and tech for over a decade for publications like G4, Popular Science, Playboy, Empire, Complex, IGN, GamesRadar, Polygon, Kotaku, Maxim, GameSpot, Variety, Rolling Stone, Yahoo, and more. She's also appeared as a speaker at video game conventions like PAX East and has coordinated social media for companies like CNET. When she's not writing or gaming, she's looking for the next great visual novel in the vein of Saya no Uta.
Alex McCumbers
Alex McCumbers is a champion of games—new and vintage—who treats the medium with as much respect as film and literature: His retro game studies made it into the SNES Omnibus books, and he’s been published on various online platforms. Raised in West Virginia, Alex’s love of games and tech is unparalleled. Retro-inspired, JRPG, Metroidvania, Horror, Esports, Fighting, and more are some of his favorite topics. Find him on his personal site, ForeverClassicGames.com, or on Twitter @acmccumbers.