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Planet Centauri

18 Games like Planet Centauri that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentHow this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Planet Centauri is hard to replace: few games combine sandbox freedom, sandbox world and combat magic in quite the same way. We compared Planet Centauri against over 6,700 titles across 18 gameplay attributes and found 18 genuine alternatives — not generic genre suggestions. Terraria, Stardew Valley and Starbound lead the list, with Terraria reaching a 87/100 similarity score. Every game here is ranked by how closely it replicates what makes Planet Centauri special.

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GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox
Tags
MultiplayerSolo
Year 2024Dev Permadeath
Stores

Quick answer

The closest game to Planet Centauri is Terraria — scoring 87/100 on our similarity scale. Stardew Valley and Starbound follow close behind.

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Top games similar to Planet Centauri

18 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Planet Centauri. Each one has been evaluated across 18 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.

#1Terraria
Terraria
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloMultiplayerCo-opMagicSandbox WorldOpen WorldFantasyCraftingExploration2DPixel Art
Steam👍 97%· 1.5MRAWG👍 80%· 2.5KMC81IGDB81· 13OC79· 33
Year 2011Dev Engine Software · 505 GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, deep RPG systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, dark, oppressive atmosphere and strong narrative focus, while skipping loot and gear systems

A 2D sandbox that is far more combat-driven than its look suggests: progression runs through boss fights, and each one unlocks a tier of materials. Building is deep but optional. It explains almost nothing — crafting chains, boss summons and biome requirements are opaque enough that most players keep a wiki open throughout.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: setting.

It predates Planet Centauri by 13 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100Game mode88World85Progression77Combat65
#2Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
MultiplayerSoloCo-opSandbox WorldOpen WorldFantasyCraftingExplorationPixel Art2D
Steam👍 98%· 1.0MRAWG👍 88%· 2.5KMC89IGDB91· 13OC90· 76
Year 2016Dev ChucklefishPlaytime ~13hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, deep RPG systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, visual novel storytelling and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping precision platforming

A farming sim that is really a schedule-management game: every in-game day forces a choice between crops, mining, fishing and the villagers, and the calendar never gives you enough hours. The first year is the hook. Fishing is the wall most players hit — the minigame is fiddly and unforgiving early, and several quests gate behind it.

It predates Planet Centauri by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting100World100Visuals84Progression69
Starbound
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
MultiplayerCo-opSoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldCraftingExploration2DPixel Art
Steam👍 90%· 123KRAWG👍 73%· 852MC81IGDB87· 5OC85· 19
Year 2016Dev ChucklefishPlaytime ~17hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, deep RPG systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual, vibe relaxing and strong narrative focus, while skipping combat magic

A 2D space sandbox with a stronger sense of place than most: hand-written quests, distinct alien races and villages that feel authored rather than generated. Building is flexible. The combat is thin — most encounters resolve by mashing one weapon — and the mid-game settles into repeating the same planet-scan-and-loot loop.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: combat and setting.

It predates Planet Centauri by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100World84Game mode83Progression76Combat0
Minecraft
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloMultiplayerCo-opSandbox WorldOpen WorldFantasyExplorationCraftingPixel Art
OC90· 44
Year 2016Dev Mojang StudiosOn Xbox · PS4 · Linux

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, turn-based strategy and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping deep RPG systems

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: visuals.

It predates Planet Centauri by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Progression74Setting72Game mode62Visuals44
Scrap Mechanic
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
MultiplayerCo-opSoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldExplorationCraftingEarly Access
Steam👍 92%· 117KRAWG👍 70%· 124
Year 2016Dev Axolot GamesPlaytime ~6hOn PC

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, melee combat and online features, while skipping deep RPG systems

A building sandbox where the physics are the point: vehicles you assemble actually flex, tip and fall apart under load, and getting a working machine is a genuine engineering problem. Creative mode is the strong half. The survival campaign has been in early access for years and remains unfinished, with long gaps between updates.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: combat and visuals.

It predates Planet Centauri by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Game mode89Progression67Combat0Visuals0
Space Engineers
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloMultiplayerCo-opSandbox WorldOpen WorldExplorationCraftingEarly Access
Steam👍 89%· 134KRAWG👍 58%· 269MC68IGDB80· 1OC80· 5
Year 2013Dev Keen Software HousePlaytime ~5hOn PC · Xbox

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, combat tactical and melee combat, while skipping deep RPG systems

A voxel engineering sandbox with real physics: ships flex, break apart along stress lines and drift, and building something that survives its own thrust is the actual game. Deeply satisfying when it clicks. It is heavy on performance and light on direction — large builds tank the framerate, and there is essentially no guidance on what to do.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: combat and setting.

It predates Planet Centauri by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100World100Progression75Combat0Setting0
No Man's Sky
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloMultiplayerCo-opOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationCrafting
Steam👍 85%· 407KRAWG👍 67%· 1.6KMC75IGDB74· 38OC71· 149
Year 2016Dev Hello GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, shooter and first-person shooting, while skipping deep RPG systems

Years of free updates turned it into a genuinely broad survival-exploration game: base building, freighters, settlements, multiplayer. The scale is unmatched. The core loop is still the criticism — planets are procedurally varied rather than designed, so after twenty of them the discoveries start to rhyme, and the inventory management never stops being fiddly.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: combat and setting.

It predates Planet Centauri by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100World81Progression77Combat0Setting0
Loddlenaut
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationCraftingPixel Art
Steam👍 98%· 5.7KOC81· 13
Year 2023Dev Moon Lagoon · Secret ModePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Its own twist: vibe relaxing, cozy, relaxing feel and vibe casual, while skipping deep RPG systems

Loddlenaut is an ocean cleanup adventure set on a vibrant alien planet. Play as an interstellar custodian who is tasked with cleaning up the pollution left behind by spacefaring mega-corporation.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: setting and game mode.

Genre100World100Progression77Visuals44Game mode29Setting0
#9Unturned
Unturned
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloMultiplayerCo-opOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationCraftingLoot
Steam👍 91%· 563KRAWG👍 29%· 1.1K
Year 2014Dev 505 GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Its own twist: shooter, roguelike runs and first-person shooting, while skipping deep RPG systems

Unturned is a low-poly survival game providing single or multiplayer experience. The main action takes place on 6 different maps (Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Washington, Germany and Russia) flooded with zombies. The story begins in the random location of the chosen map and lasts till the death.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: combat and setting.

It predates Planet Centauri by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Progression90Game mode77Combat0Setting0
Potion Craft
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloSandbox WorldFantasyCrafting2D
Steam👍 93%· 43KIGDB70· 1OC83· 11
Year 2022Dev niceplay games · tinyBuildOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, deep RPG systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, puzzle design and vibe relaxing, while skipping precision platforming

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: setting and game mode.

Genre100World69Visuals56Progression49Game mode35Setting32
Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloSandbox WorldCrafting2DRelaxing
Steam👍 93%· 43KRAWG👍 72%· 190OC77· 8
Year 2022Dev niceplay games · tinyBuildPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Xbox

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, deep RPG systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, puzzle design and vibe relaxing, while skipping precision platforming

Potion Craft is an alchemist simulator where you physically interact with your tools and ingredients to brew potions. You're in full control of the whole shop: invent new recipes, attract customers and experiment to your heart's content. Just remember: the whole town is counting on you.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: setting and game mode.

Genre100World68Visuals54Progression49Game mode35Setting0
Don't Starve
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloMultiplayerSandbox WorldOpen WorldExplorationCrafting2D
Year 2022Dev FrayzzLoveOn PC

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, survival mechanics and sandbox world

≠ Stands apart with horror tension, roguelike runs and punishing difficulty, while skipping deep RPG systems

Don’t Starve is an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic. Enter a strange and unexplored world full of strange creatures, dangers, and surprises. Gather resources to craft items and structures that match your survival style.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: setting and visuals.

Genre100World99Progression66Game mode58Visuals42Setting0
Cooking Simulator
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloCo-opSandbox WorldCraftingCasual
Steam👍 85%· 19KOC70· 7
Year 2019Dev Big Cheese Studio · Forever Entertainment S.A.On PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, sandbox world and single-player focus

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, vibe casual and vibe relaxing, while skipping deep RPG systems

A physics kitchen where every ingredient is an object you grab, cut and throw, which makes cooking chaotic in a way that is either the joke or the frustration depending on the day. Career mode adds pressure. Controls are deliberately unwieldy, and the difficulty comes from fighting the interface rather than from the cooking itself.

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: visuals and progression.

Genre100Game mode72World66Progression41Visuals0
Poly Bridge
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloSandbox WorldCrafting2DHardcore
Steam👍 91%· 19KIGDB75· 2OC66· 12
Year 2016Dev Dry CactusOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, sandbox world and single-player focus

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, puzzle design and punishing difficulty, while skipping deep RPG systems

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: setting and game mode.

It predates Planet Centauri by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World69Visuals55Progression49Game mode34Setting0
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloSandbox WorldCraftingIsometricThird Person
IGDB78· 2
Year 2017Dev Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development · NintendoOn Android · iOS

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, sandbox world and single-player focus

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, visual isometric and visual third person, while skipping deep RPG systems

Where it drifts furthest from Planet Centauri: visuals and game mode.

Genre100World68Progression49Game mode33Visuals0

Complete list of Planet Centauri alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Planet Centauri, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Planet Centauri?
The closest game to Planet Centauri is Terraria, scoring 87/100 on our similarity scale. They share 16 gameplay attributes, including sandbox freedom, deep RPG systems and adventure storytelling. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Planet Centauri?
The three closest games to Planet Centauri are: 1. Terraria (87/100, 16 shared attributes) 2. Stardew Valley (81/100, 13 shared attributes) 3. Starbound (76/100, 14 shared attributes). All share Planet Centauri's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 18 candidates across 18 dimensions.
Is Stardew Valley similar to Planet Centauri?
Yes, very much so — Stardew Valley scores 81/100 similarity to Planet Centauri. They share 13 attributes, including sandbox freedom and deep RPG systems. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Sandbox games are similar to Planet Centauri?
The best Sandbox games similar to Planet Centauri are Terraria, Stardew Valley, Starbound and Minecraft. All share the Sandbox genre alongside other key Planet Centauri attributes like sandbox freedom, deep RPG systems and adventure storytelling.
How is similarity to Planet Centauri calculated?
We compare Planet Centauri against every game in our catalog using 18 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Planet Centauri experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.
Are there free games similar to Planet Centauri?
Yes — Unturned is free and scores well on similarity to Planet Centauri. It's a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.