Maxime
Minecraft isn't just a game - it's a phenomenon, inspiring dozens of imitators, clones and potential spiritual successors. It's taken hold of us like few games can, thanks to its simple sandbox design that lets you build just about anything your imagination can conceive. It also proved that you don't need flashy graphics, as its distinct and blocky look is still a major part of its charm.
Of course, not every game can be Minecraft, and we wouldn't want it to be. But maybe you're in the mood for something that's Minecraft-esque, while not quite the same as Mojang's famous survival sandbox. If that's the case, take a look below, as we count down the top 25 games like Minecraft for you to play right now.
The Forest
The Forest drops you in the middle of the wilderness (literally: you crash a plane) and forces you to build weapons and shelters to survive against a seemingly nocturnal tribe of cannibals. It's very much like playing Minecraft - if Minecraft's creepy, hissing spiders were bloodthirsty savages trying to eat you. However The Forest is much scarier than Minecraft would ever want it to be. There's a real Green Hell vibe that underscores the whole story, with you getting lost in the wilderness looking for food, taking cover from the elements and fighting off aggressive mutants. Not for kids.
Roblox
In its ridiculously popular online sandbox, Roblox lets you create just about anything you can think of. Want to build a massive skyscraper to watch it explode in spectacular fashion, or throw a disco party with flashing lights and a DJ on stage? Go ahead and do it. The world is yours to do with as you please, and the possibilities are endless thanks to the game's complex editing tools. Roblox emphasizes the social aspects of setting up and tearing down with friends, with virtually everything in the world that players have created. Give it a try if Minecraft is a little too solitary for your taste.
Terasology
If it weren't for the realistic water in the game, you'd probably confuse Terasology with Minecraft itself. The game has all the aesthetic elements of Mojang's original trend, right down to the locked hands and the cognizable land cubes. However, Terasology is an open source game, so if you're someone who likes to jump in and contribute to the development and expansion of a community project, this is a win-win scenario. In addition to the world destruction and building elements of Minecraft, Terasology has its own unique features, including the ability to build up armies of loyal servants to defend your works. The game is also constantly evolving, so there's no telling how it might change and evolve in the future.
Terraria
As in Minecraft, many trees will be felled on the way to building shelters when first stepping into the world of Terraria. But it's a necessary sacrifice, as there are things that go bump in the night in this world - things that would very much like to kill you, in fact, even as you try to figure out what to do with your ever-growing pile of natural (and supernatural) resources. Fortunately, Terraria gives you more options when it comes to getting rid of encroaching evil, and crafting is more than just a safety net against the world's persistent dangers. Oh, and it's in 2D.
Stardew Valley
With all the large-scale construction going on, it's easy to forget that Minecraft offers the chance to indulge in the underappreciated joys and small victories of owning and maintaining a garden, or even a growing farm. Stardew Valley is a whole game that revolves around that same idea. That said, there are many things that set it apart. Unlike Minecraft, players in Stardew Valley can get to know their local community of fictional characters and even, if they choose, create a romantic relationship with some of their neighbors. The game draws as much from Animal Crossing and JRPGs as it does from Minecraft, and this hybrid nature prevents it from leaning too heavily on any one genre.
Ark: Survival Evolved
Although "Minecraft with dinosaurs" is probably a bit too reductive a description, it certainly gives you an idea of what you can expect from Ark: Survival Evolved. You become aware on the beaches of a mysterious island hold filled with Jurassic beasts, but before long, your crafting and combat skills will come in handy in your quest to become king of the jungle. Ark is a game obsessed with Darwinism and the hierarchy of nature. Start as naked prey, become a top predator. The game gradually becomes less a survival experience and more a fantasy of power, emulating the concept of evolution in a way that few other titles do.
Starbound
The tagline for Starbound is a good summary of what to expect: "survive, discover, explore and fight." Beyond that, an infinite universe means there's plenty of scope in its generous heaps of 2D co-op gameplay, especially when it comes to shaping the world and discovering new places to settle. Exploring the game with friends - whether it's simply farming, space exploration or creating weapons for quests - is designed to be enjoyable in its own right, rather than simply a means to an end. And although it's an open-ended experience, the addition of quests and NPCs gives the game a contextual purpose, unlike Minecraft's storyless adventure.
Don't Starve
The Creeper will always remain the king when it comes to survival crafting fear, but Don't Starve's consortium of creatures is close to dethroning the Minecraft icon. The similarities also extend to Don't Starve's emphasis on staying alive through tool and shelter crafting, despite your incredibly limited resources. However, the game stands out for its wonderfully gothic aesthetic, which looks like a children's book fused with H.P. Lovecraft. And, as the title suggests, Klei Entertainment's roguelike uses hunger as the primary challenge for players in a nail-biting survival experience. Staying fed has never been more intense and fire has never been a better friend.
Rust
To be immersed in a cruel world, without direction or instruction. Die. Die some more. Eventually, you'll figure out how to survive by crafting weapons, equipment, and makeshift shelters in your attempt to avoid damage from other players, not to mention the radiological and weather hazards of the land itself. This part should sound familiar to Minecraft players, but unlike Minecraft, Rust is an experiment in the depravities of human nature. On the one hand, this means that your newly spawned avatar can die a lot at the hands of not-so-nice raiders. On the other, less bloody hand, a helpful group of like-minded players can make the adventure of survival a rewarding team effort.
Survivalcraft 2
Survivalcraft's voxel world and its dangers are nothing unheard of for the average survival crafting fan, and its list of in-game goals will be instantly recognizable, but that doesn't make this slick-looking sequel any less fun. Survivalcraft 2 thrives on its focus on tenacious survival. Players are left on a deserted piece of rock to fend for themselves, with factors like stamina and food underscoring the gameplay with a healthy dose of tension. It's important to have your eyes closed, or else you're likely to pass out. To put it simply, this game is essentially Minecraft: hardcore mode.
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