10 Narrative games like Starbound that you should try

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We filtered the 16 games similar to Starbound down to the 10 that fit the “Narrative” category. Stardew Valley, Loddlenaut and Potion Craft top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Starbound.

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GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

The best narrative games like Starbound

10 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Starbound. Each one has been evaluated across 22 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.

#1Stardew Valley

iRank92

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

MultiplayerSoloCo-opRelaxingNarrativeCasualSandbox WorldOpen WorldCraftingExplorationPixel 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

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloRelaxingCasualNarrativeOpen WorldSandbox WorldSci-FiExplorationCraftingPixel 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: cozy, relaxing feel, visual 3d and visual third person, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloRelaxingCasualNarrativeSandbox WorldCrafting2D

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 cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping precision platforming

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Steam GOG Epic

#4Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator

iRank83

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloRelaxingCasualNarrativeSandbox WorldCrafting2D

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 cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping precision platforming

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Steam GOG

#5PowerWash Simulator

iRank85

GenreSandboxSubgenreLife Sandbox

SoloMultiplayerCo-opOnlineCasualRelaxingNarrativeSandbox WorldOpen World

Steam👍 96%· 58KRAWG👍 80%· 156IGDB77· 4OC77· 54

Year 2022Dev FuturLabPlaytime ~11hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Shared with Starbound: sandbox freedom, vibe casual and vibe relaxing

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, cozy, relaxing feel and visual first person, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloMultiplayerCo-opOnlineMeleeCasualNarrativeOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationCrafting

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

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Steam Xbox PS

#7Kitchen Simulator 2015

iRank40

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloMeleeCasualNarrativeSandbox WorldExplorationCrafting

Steam👍 40%· 329

Year 2015Dev WhackAKey GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and vibe casual

≠ Where it differs: brings deep simulation, horror tension and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping deep RPG systems

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloMultiplayerCo-opMeleeNarrativeOpen WorldSandbox WorldProceduralSpaceSci-FiExplorationCrafting

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

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloMultiplayerCo-opOnlineMeleeNarrativeSandbox WorldOpen WorldProceduralSci-FiCraftingExploration2DPixel 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 combat magic, while skipping vibe casual

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Steam GOG Xbox

#10Poly Bridge

iRank81

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloNarrativeSandbox WorldCrafting2D

Steam👍 91%· 19KIGDB75· 2OC66· 12

Year 2016Dev Dry CactusOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, strong narrative focus and sandbox world

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

Details →

Steam Nintendo

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