Get Creative and Build Your Game from the Ground Up!
Get Creative and Build Your Game from the Ground Up!
Image courtesy of Steam.
I’m sure we all remember playing in the sandbox when we were younger. Digging around, building (or trying to build) sandcastles, and playing pretend, all from the comfort of your local park. You probably can’t do that now, but as a kid, it was the most fun in the whole wide world. What if I told you that you can still play in the sandbox just like when you were little? Well, maybe not exactly like when you were a kid. More like an adult version of playing in the sandbox.
If you’ve ever been browsing Steam and seen the tag “Sandbox,” you may have been a bit confused by what that means. Well, my friends, this is your one-way ticket to playing make-believe again! Here are some things we’re going to cover as we discuss sandbox games:
Without further ado, let’s play make-believe!
Simply put, sandbox games give players a high degree of freedom to explore and interact with the in-game world outside of a rigid story experience. This means that you pretty much get to make the game your own and shape the world in whatever way you see fit. You get to build, create, destroy, and explore on your own terms!
Now, you may have heard the term “open-world,” and are now asking yourself, “What’s the difference between open-world and sandbox? Is there even a difference?” And to answer your question, yes, there is a difference, but what is it?
An open-world game is typically more rigid and linear, following a strict story that moves the game forward accordingly. Being open-world just means that a player can explore the map more freely than in other games. However, after completing certain missions or tasks, the game may close off areas to you, making them unable to access or explore any further.
Sandbox games give players more freedom in their exploration because there aren’t usually quests or a strict story to follow. You can always explore every area of the map and interact with it as you please.
The Sims franchise is a staple life simulator game and one of my personal favorites. Begin by creating your sim from the ground up. Customize their hair, body, traits, face shape, clothing, shoes, accessories—if you can name it, you can customize it. Once you name your character (or up to 8 characters), find or build them a home, and get to decorating! After that, the world is your oyster.
The Sims is a classic example of a sandbox game. With no storyline (other than the one you create for your sims), there is nothing “progressing” the game forward. You have full control over your sims and the way their lives unfold and progress. And it’s free on Steam! How awesome!
🎮Get The Sims 4 here
Stardew Valley is a sandbox game full of mysteries, adventures, and of course, romance. After your grandfather’s death, you play as a farmer rearing up to turn his run-down farm into a land of prosperity. Transform the overgrown land into a thriving farm, raise animals, grow crops, and build relationships with the townspeople.
While the game includes tasks and allows you to complete said tasks to open new areas, there is no linear story driving everything forward. By completing parts of the Community Center and repairing the broken sailboat, you can unlock areas like Calico Desert and Ginger Island. Once you’ve unlocked the areas, you can do whatever you want. While it's not your cut-and-dry sandbox, it’s a personal favorite of mine.
🎮Purchase Stardew Valley here
Terraria is a 2011 action-adventure sandbox game known for its 2D sprite tile-based graphical style and focus on combat, exploration, building, crafting, survival, and mining. While there aren’t any quests, you can give yourself goals and prepare to fight large battles and explore the vast area of the game by yourself or with friends!
Terraria is another classic sandbox game that allows players to make the game their own and journey into the unexplored world. You can build a home, invite NPCs to live with you, explore cave systems, and fight all kinds of mobs! What’s not to enjoy?
🎮Purchase Terraria here
Raft is a sandbox game about building and improving your raft as you journey into the oceanic world. You start on a small raft and must use your hook to retrieve bits of driftwood and scrap metal to expand your raft. Occasionally, you may stumble upon an island filled with new resources and food. Navigate through this water world and find, explore, and scavenge new islands for resources.
While Raft includes elements of a story, none of them are required to progress the game forward. You can simply float by on your raft, collecting pieces of driftwood and building the perfect buoyant home.
🎮Purchase Raft here
Now you can get back in the sandbox after all these years without getting sideways glances from strangers in the park! Explore, build, destroy, and do as you please in the sandbox of your choosing. Happy gaming!
