6 Sandbox games like Gridworld that you should try

Games like Gridworld · Find similar →

Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

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We filtered the 42 games similar to Gridworld down to the 6 that fit the “Sandbox” category. Staxel, The Guild 3 and The Long Dark top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Gridworld.

iRank86/ 100

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GenreSurvivalSubgenreCo-op PvE Survival

The best sandbox games like Gridworld

6 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Gridworld. Each one has been evaluated across 11 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.

#1StaxelClosest overall match

iRank58

GenreSurvivalSubgenreCo-op PvE Survival

SoloCozyRelaxingSandbox WorldOpen WorldPixel Art

Steam👍 79%· 4.8KRAWG👍 29%· 45IGDB56· 3OC58· 11

Year 2019Dev Plukit · Humble BundlePlaytime ~3hOn PC

✓ Same family of PvE survival games: survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and vibe casual, while skipping resource management

Staxel is getting ready for steamGet notified when Staxel comes out on Steam by clicking the Add to your wishlist button above About the GameStaxel is a sandbox farming game that is currently in development.

Where it drifts furthest from Gridworld: progression and game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Gridworld.

Released 4 years after Gridworld.

Genre100World100Tone87Visuals73Game mode24Progression0

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Steam GOG

#2The Guild 3Closest on progression

iRank55

GenreSurvivalSubgenreCo-op PvE Survival

SoloCozyOpen WorldSandbox WorldManagement

Steam👍 61%· 7.9KRAWG👍 45%· 22

Year 2022Dev Purple Lamp Studios · THQ NordicPlaytime ~3hOn PC

✓ Both are PvE survival games — sharing survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, setting medieval and historical setting, while skipping vibe relaxing

We find ourselves in middle Europe of the year 1400. The dark middle ages, once dominated through nobles and clergy, ends and a new era begins: the age of the free cities of trading and of the free mind! In The Guild 3 you create a family dynasty which can last for centuries.

Where it drifts furthest from Gridworld: visuals and game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Gridworld.

Released 7 years after Gridworld.

Genre100World100Progression86Tone69Game mode35Visuals0

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Steam GOG Epic

#3The Long DarkClosest on game mode

iRank82

GenreSurvivalSubgenreCo-op PvE Survival

SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldNarrativePost-Apocalyptic

Steam👍 89%· 122KRAWG👍 78%· 881MC76IGDB82· 5OC77· 53

Year 2014Dev Hinterland StudioPlaytime ~5hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of PvE survival games: survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, shooter and first-person shooting, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

The Long Dark is a game about surviving in the unforgiving conditions of frozen North Canadian taiga. The Arctic wilderness may be breathtakingly beautiful, thanks to the game’s artful visual style, but it is also deadly.

Where it drifts furthest from Gridworld: tone and progression.

Genre100Game mode100World100Tone0Progression0Visuals0

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Steam GOG Epic

#4Raft

iRank85

GenreSurvivalSubgenreCo-op PvE Survival

SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldMultiplayerCo-op

Steam👍 93%· 372KRAWG👍 77%· 448IGDB80· 1

Year 2022Dev Redbeet Interactive · Axolot GamesPlaytime ~8hOn PC

✓ Both are PvE survival games — sharing survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, multiplayer gameplay and co op, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

By yourself or with friends, your mission is to survive an epic oceanic adventure across a perilous sea! Gather debris to survive, expand your raft and be wary of the dangers of the ocean!

Where it drifts furthest from Gridworld: progression and visuals.

Released 7 years after Gridworld.

Genre100World100Game mode27Progression0Visuals0

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Steam

#5Castaway Paradise - live among the animals

iRank70

GenreSurvivalSubgenreCo-op PvE Survival

SoloCozySandbox World2DCo-op

Steam👍 70%· 581

Year 2014Dev Stolen Couch GamesPlaytime ~6hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are PvE survival games — sharing survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and vibe casual, while skipping vibe relaxing

Featured DLCThe Summer is magic!!! About the GameYour adventure starts when you get stranded on a tropical island. This is your island, your adventure! Do whatever you like! It's the ultimate Sandbox sim! Do you like Animal Crossing or Harvest Moon? Castaway Paradise is the game for you!

Where it drifts furthest from Gridworld: progression and game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Gridworld.

Genre100World82Tone47Visuals43Game mode23Progression0