93
iRank78
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldSpaceSci-FiBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 80%· 28KIGDB74· 7OC77· 60
Year 2018Dev Haemimont Games · Paradox InteractiveOn PS4 · Linux · PC
21 Sandbox games like The Universim that you should try
Games like The Universim · Find similar →
More about this game →Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentHow this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.
We filtered the 32 games similar to The Universim down to the 21 that fit the “Sandbox” category. Surviving Mars, Oxygen Not Included and Jurassic World Evolution 2 top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to The Universim.
iRank71/ 100
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Within the “Sandbox” category, the closest game to The Universim is Surviving Mars — scoring 93/100 on our similarity scale. Oxygen Not Included and Jurassic World Evolution 2 follow close behind.
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The best sandbox games like The Universim
21 similar games foundUpdated May 2026
Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to The Universim. Each one has been evaluated across 14 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.
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldSci-FiSpaceBase BuildingManagementExploration
Steam👍 97%· 140KRAWG👍 85%· 379MC86
Year 2017Dev Klei EntertainmentPlaytime ~7hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom
≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, punishing difficulty and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping vibe casual
In the space-colony simulation game Oxygen Not Included you’ll find that scarcities of oxygen, warmth and sustenance are constant threats to your colony's survival.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone and visuals.
Genre100Setting100Progression91Game mode87World74Tone0
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldSci-FiManagementBase BuildingExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 90%· 46KIGDB72· 5OC79· 81
Year 2021Dev Frontier DevelopmentsOn Xbox · PS4 · PC
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Stands apart with dark, oppressive atmosphere, strong narrative focus and melee combat, while skipping vibe casual
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone.
Genre100Progression100Visuals100Game mode86World79Setting51
StrategyColony Sim
SoloCasualOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 90%· 43KIGDB71· 4OC76· 28
Year 2019Dev Hop Frog · Humble BundleOn PS4 · Linux · Android
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom
≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, deep RPG systems and puzzle design, while skipping procedural generation
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: setting and visuals.
Genre100World79Progression78Game mode70Tone60Visuals47
75
iRank81
StrategyColony Sim
SoloCasualSandbox WorldSci-FiBase BuildingManagement
Steam👍 88%· 81KIGDB68· 9
Year 2015Dev Bethesda Game Studios · Bethesda SoftworksOn PS4 · Android · PC
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom
≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping open world exploration
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: visuals and setting.
It predates The Universim by 9 years, with what that implies technically.
Genre100Tone100Game mode85Progression83World46Setting34
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldProceduralSci-FiExplorationBase BuildingManagement
Steam👍 83%· 26KRAWG👍 69%· 85IGDB84· 5OC80· 77
Year 2024Dev Ironwood Studio · Kepler InteractivePlaytime ~5hOn PC · PS
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom
≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, horror tension and racing gameplay, while skipping vibe casual
Pacific Drive is a run-based, first-person driving survival game. Your car is your only companion as you navigate a surreal and anomaly-filled reimagining of the Pacific Northwest.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone and visuals.
Genre100Game mode100World84Progression81Setting29Tone0
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldSci-FiBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 98%· 229KRAWG👍 87%· 808MC83IGDB86· 2OC82· 14
Year 2020Dev Wube SoftwarePlaytime ~20hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Same family of colony sims: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Where it differs: brings multiplayer gameplay, co op and crafting mechanics, while skipping vibe casual
Factorio is an isometric space real-time strategy developed by Wube Software. ###Story An astronaut is stranded on the surface of a distant unknown planet, that is full with low life forms and fossil fuels. His main objective now is to survive and build a rocket to leave the planet.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: game mode and setting.
Genre100Progression86World78Visuals70Setting49Game mode34
StrategyColony Sim
SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldSci-FiBase BuildingExplorationManagement
Steam👍 97%· 270KRAWG👍 89%· 355IGDB95· 2OC91· 26
Year 2024Dev Coffee Stain StudiosPlaytime ~12hOn PC
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, multiplayer gameplay and co op, while skipping vibe casual
FICSIT - AN INTRODUCTION Welcome to FICSIT Incorporated! A company specialised in the research, development and application of new technology and science, anything to find short-term solutions to long-term problems!
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: visuals and game mode.
Genre100Progression83World80Setting51Game mode34Visuals0
StrategyRTS
SoloProceduralSandbox WorldSci-FiSpaceBase BuildingManagement
Steam👍 44%· 1.1K
Year 2013Dev Simon Roth · Machine StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Shared with The Universim: deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom
≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, crafting mechanics and early access, while skipping vibe casual
About This Game Maia is a strange and hostile alien world, toxic to humans, yet lush with new life. Your mission is to colonise this poison eden, survive it's dangers and establish humanity's first foothold in the stars.
On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against mostly positive for The Universim.
It predates The Universim by 11 years, with what that implies technically.
Game mode100Setting100Progression86World82Genre50
#10Songs of Syx
46
iRank95
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloCasualSandbox WorldOpen WorldBase BuildingExplorationManagementIsometric
Steam👍 95%· 8.2K
Year 2020Dev Jake the Dev · Jakob de LavalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Like The Universim, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Stands apart with turn-based strategy, combat tactical and fantasy world, while skipping procedural generation
Inspired by Nordic mythology and fused with nostalgia from the ’80s-’90s, Songs of Syx aims to deliver a unique city-builder experience on an epic scale. You start off as a colony-sim, and tend to your minions, micromanage your assets and try to stay off your neighbor’s radar.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: setting and visuals.
Game mode100Tone100Progression100World80Genre50Visuals34
StrategyTower Defense
SoloCasualOpen WorldSandbox WorldProceduralBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 78%· 1.1KRAWG👍 18%· 56
Year 2011Dev Power of 2 · Tripwire InteractivePlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ If you enjoyed The Universim, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Stands apart with tower defense planning, precision platforming and strong narrative focus, while skipping setting space
Dwarfs!? is a two-dimensional RTS developed by Power Of Two. ###Gameplay The players control a mining colony of dwarves, who dig for treasures. The players have to mine the resources and to protect the colony from environmental hazards, such as water and lava and different enemies.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: setting and visuals.
It predates The Universim by 13 years, with what that implies technically.
Game mode100World100Progression90Tone75Genre50Visuals29
StrategyCity Builder
SoloCasualSandbox WorldOpen WorldProceduralBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 96%· 15K
Year 2020Dev Tobias Springer · PrismatikaOn PC · iOS · Android
✓ Like The Universim, it's known for sandbox freedom, deep simulation and vibe casual
≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, crafting mechanics and visual 2d, while skipping survival mechanics
Do you like automation games? Then you are in the right place! shapez is a relaxed game in which you have to build factories for the automated production of geometric shapes. As the level increases, the shapes become more and more complex, and you have to spread out on the infinite map.
Game mode100Tone100World100Progression84Visuals77Genre50
StrategyCity Builder
SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldSpaceSci-FiBase BuildingExplorationManagement
Steam👍 98%· 91KRAWG👍 85%· 84
Year 2021Dev Youthcat Studio · Gamera GamePlaytime ~8hOn PC
✓ Like The Universim, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and open world exploration
≠ Stands apart with visual 3d, visual third person and early access, while skipping survival mechanics
Dyson Sphere Program is a sci-fi simulation game with space, adventure, exploration and factory automation elements where you can build your own galactic industrial empire from scratch. In the distant future, the power of science and technology has ushered a new age to the human race.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: visuals.
Game mode100Setting100Progression100World79Genre50Visuals0
#14Townscaper
39
iRank86
StrategyCity Builder
SoloCasualSandbox WorldProceduralOpen WorldBase BuildingExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 95%· 21KIGDB80· 1OC73· 16
Year 2020Dev Oskar Stålberg · Raw FuryOn Xbox · Android · PC
✓ Shared with The Universim: sandbox freedom, deep simulation and vibe casual
≠ Its own twist: vibe relaxing, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping survival mechanics
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone.
Game mode100World100Visuals100Progression80Genre50Tone38
StrategyCity Builder
SoloCasualSandbox WorldProceduralSpaceManagementBase Building
Steam👍 97%· 14K
Dev tobspr Games · Gamera GamesPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Shared with The Universim: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and vibe casual
≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, vibe relaxing and crafting mechanics, while skipping survival mechanics
Dive into a factory-building game where the focus is on just that — building huge factories! Construct sprawling multi-level factories and min-max your layouts without limits. Shapez 2 is tailor-made for enthusiasts who crave the thrill of optimizing production lines and perfecting automation.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: visuals.
Game mode100World84Setting83Progression75Tone67Genre50
Complete list of sandbox games like The Universim
The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with The Universim, 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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