9 Sandbox games like Elite Dangerous that you should try

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We filtered the 50 games similar to Elite Dangerous down to the 9 that fit the “Sandbox” category. Starfield, Once Human and Niffelheim top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Elite Dangerous.

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GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreFirst-Person ARPG

The best sandbox games like Elite Dangerous

9 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Elite Dangerous. Each one has been evaluated across 19 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Starfield

iRank71

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreFirst-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldSpaceSci-FiExplorationFirst PersonThird Person

Steam👍 57%· 173KIGDB85· 9OC84· 221

Year 2023Dev Bethesda Game Studios · Bethesda SoftworksOn Xbox · PC · PS5

✓ Fits the first-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and shooter

≠ Stands apart with action RPG combat, first-person shooting and strong narrative focus, while skipping punishing difficulty

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMultiplayerCo-opOnlineSandbox WorldOpen WorldExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 78%· 173KIGDB85· 2OC74· 16

Year 2024Dev Starry StudioOn Xbox · Android · PC

✓ If you enjoyed Elite Dangerous, expect deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and deep simulation

≠ Stands apart with third-person shooting, survival mechanics and turn-based strategy, while skipping punishing difficulty

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPG

Co-opSoloMultiplayerOnlineMeleeSandbox WorldOpen WorldExploration

Steam👍 71%· 2.3KRAWG👍 38%· 44IGDB74· 3OC65· 14

Year 2018Dev Ellada GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Elite Dangerous, expect deep RPG systems, sandbox freedom and deep simulation

≠ Where it differs: brings action RPG combat, survival mechanics and precision platforming, while skipping shooter

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreFirst-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldSci-FiExplorationFirst PersonThird Person

Steam👍 81%· 22KIGDB89· 10

Year 2008Dev Bethesda Game Studios · Bethesda SoftworksOn PlayStation 3 · PC

✓ Fits the first-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, shooter and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with action RPG combat, survival mechanics and first-person shooting, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreFirst-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldSci-FiExplorationFirst PersonThird Person

Steam👍 86%· 938KRAWG👍 83%· 3.0KMC73IGDB75· 21OC76· 226

Year 2020Dev CD Projekt Red · CD PROJEKT REDPlaytime ~29hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of first-person Action RPGs: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and shooter

≠ Its own twist: action RPG combat, first-person shooting and strong narrative focus, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreFirst-Person ARPG

MultiplayerSoloCo-opOnlineMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationFirst PersonThird Person

Steam👍 90%· 94KIGDB78· 5OC82· 58

Year 2022Dev Obsidian Entertainment · Xbox Game StudiosOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Same family of first-person Action RPGs: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, horror tension and horror setting, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMultiplayerCo-opOnlineMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 86%· 101KOC77· 20

Year 2024Dev Keen GamesOn Xbox · PC · PS5

✓ Shared with Elite Dangerous: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: action RPG combat, survival mechanics and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

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Steam

#8LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2

iRank80

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

MultiplayerSoloCo-opMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldSci-FiExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 86%· 9.9KIGDB74· 13OC73· 91

Year 2017Dev Traveller's Tales · WB GamesOn PS4 · PC · Mac

✓ Shared with Elite Dangerous: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings action RPG combat, puzzle design and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#9The Elder Scrolls: Arena

iRank83

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreFirst-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeSandbox WorldOpen WorldExplorationFirst Person

Steam👍 80%· 2.5KIGDB88· 2

Year 1994Dev Bethesda SoftworksOn PC

✓ Both are first-person Action RPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Stands apart with procedural generation, combat magic and ranged combat, while skipping deep simulation

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Steam GOG

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