A sandbox game is a video game that integrates its gameplay with a degree of creativity to interact with. Most sandbox games exist in an open-world space to allow the player to explore freely and set a goal for themselves in a world where there is usually a goal undetermined by the game itself, and in the hands of the freedom of the player.
There exist some games that exhibit traits of a sandbox game but lack the utmost freedom that can be found in an open world. These sandbox games do have a predetermined goal, but one that can wait while the player explores the open space, and the activities within such space.
6 God of War
There’s a sprawling world with multiple realms to be explored in 2018’s God of War. The game features a plethora of things to do, from swinging the intricate Leviathan axe to exploring the many sidequests and secret areas that await the large open spaces of the game. Yet, it is not an open world.
What players can expect from God of War’s sandbox is one riveting activity. There are many ways that players can find an enrichment to the father and son relationship between Kratos and Atreus, as they grieve a deceased wife and mother. They can do this through boat trips, or by interacting in the many open area realms. God of War is not an open-world game but provides players with a lot to do.
5 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
As much as fans of the Star Wars franchise have desired an open-world game, they will have to wait a little longer, as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is more in line with a ‘souls-like’ sandbox game. Enemies like Stormtroopers and Purgetroopers will exist past the completion of certain areas and the campaign and will remain for players to test their new Force abilities and lightsaber combat.
There’s a lot to love about Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and the anticipation for what awaits the upcoming sequel is high. Players can expect a plethora of planets to explore, including iconic ones like Dathomir and Kashyyyk. There are tons to explore, and many ways to reconnect with the Force.
4 Hitman
As a stealth video game, Hitman has a lot to offer fans seeking that thrilling kill. The game features many maps, with unique targets. What makes Hitman a sandbox game is the plethora of ways in which players can choose to take out their targets or to even take out unsuspecting further victims. There’s an abundance of exploration to be had in the way an assassination is performed.
Players can choose to explore the map and study the route and location of their target, or they can just enjoy throwing rubber ducks and shooting guns at anyone in their way to get to their target. There are more careful ways of execution, to make things appear an accident. Having Hitman in a sandbox setting allows for intense freedom upon repeated gameplay.
3 Dark Souls
In a world inhabited by all manners of evils, Dark Souls takes players and places them into a dungeon exploration, with tension and fear around every corner and ceiling. It is impossible to escape the hardships of Dark Souls, unless, players bring every skill and experience they have into the game. The game is set in the fictional kingdom of Lordran, overrun with a curse.
Dark Souls sees players on the giant map of Lordran, with each location so intricately designed in ways in which the player can journey across without the need for fast travel. Every location links back with shortcuts to the HUB world of Firelink Shrine, and players can begin their journey in any direction, depending on how brave they are to do so. It’s a great sandbox, for testing the players’ skills with new weapons, builds, and magic.
2 Deathloop
Waking on a mysterious island, Colt struggles to remember both who he is, and why he is here. The island of Blackreef holds many mysteries, and with each death, Colt gets closer and closer to discovering the truth about the island and its inhabitants. It’s a great game, with an even greater sandbox. Players have the utmost freedom on an island where each day is repeated for everyone but Colt.
As players embark on their journey through Deathloop, they will encounter new powers, weapons, and fun ways to eliminate the 8 visionaries, and the assassin Julianna. Colt must use his wits to figure out how to end the loop. Deathloop is great to replay, as the island may be big, but is not open-world. It is segmented off into individual sandbox levels, where players can come and go as they please to find new mysteries and gear.
1 Gary’s Mod
There’s possibly no game that quite fits the sandbox genre than Gary’s Mod. The game is described as a physics sandbox, with no predefined aims or goals. The developers give the players of Gary’s Mod every tool that they need to have the fun that they want. Gary’s Mod has a great and active community, with many game modes to choose from. With RPs to Jailbreaks, there’s limitless creativity and fun.
Gary’s Mod truly allows players to embark on any experience they want. It’s the definition of a sandbox game. Players can encounter the game with their friends, or with random players across the internet, with unlimited creativity, and endless fun.