5 Best Sandbox Games of 2022

There’s nothing quite as compelling as a Sandbox game. Unlike other games that restrict your gameplay, Sandbox games throw you into the deep sea without a helping hand to guide you through. So from the get-go, every choice and quest you take on is entirely up to you. 

From the recent popularity of Sandbox games, especially open-world games that offer you free-form explorative gameplay, it’s clear that these types of games are a worthwhile sport. However, the sprawling number of Sandbox games makes it harder for players to pick the best ones. This is why we’re ranking the five best Sandbox games of 2022. So, whether you’re a newcomer or are curious about the best Sandbox games to play right now, this article is for you. 

Let’s dive right in, shall we?

5. Minecraft

Without Minecraft, who knows whether Sandbox games would be popular right now. So it’s only fitting to give a well-deserved accolade where it’s due.

Minecraft was first released in 2011. Since then, players have had the wildest times with either one of its five video games, books, merchandise, and events. For first-timers, Minecraft offers an infinite open-world concept where you’re free to do whatever you want. Players can craft resources and build homes. You could even get ambitious and build cities, spaceships, or gigantic fortresses. It’s all entirely up to you. 

Further, the franchise has a worldwide community support network where you could get tips on expansions of the latest community creations. Alternatively, you could utilize the community to play with others in the thousands, discovering their creations and massive community-run worlds. 

There really are plenty of options to choose from, depending on how you’d like to mold the game. And once you’ve made something you’re proud of, you could always share your map or house creations with the community. 

Ultimately, Minecraft is a tool for you to curate unique experiences however you’d like – a Sandbox aspect that makes it all the more compelling to try out. It also helps that the game incorporates excellent graphics and simple logic that anyone can pick up on with ease.

4. The Sims 4

The Sims is another excellent option if you’re into life simulation games and social experiments. The free-form gameplay The Sims offers is grand, which makes it one of the more famous simulators out there.

Anyone can pick up on this game. Whether it’s for you or your kids, the mechanics and resource tools are simple enough to explore. Once you’re all set with the ‘Sims’ you select, the real fun begins. You’ll experience spontaneous stories, dreams coming true – ve it career or relationship goals – form special friendships, marry if you please, and build a family to your liking. There are no limits to the core aspect of the game, which is life simulation and giving players free-form room to perform social experiments in whichever way they’d like.

While there are four main line titles so far, The Sims 4 bypasses them by incorporating vetter visuals. However, The Sims 3 offers more content and features to explore. Either way, The Sims series is a must-try life simulator game. With its compelling concept to create virtual Sims, build a home for them, and boost their social and career goals, there seems to be no better way to dive into free-form social experiments than to try this out.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Switching gears to action-adventure games, Rockstar games received critical acclaim for developing Red Dead Redemption 2. The game incorporates every fascinating aspect of Sandbox games with its sprawling industrial open-world environments. The graphics are intensely beautiful, with detailed depictions of the Wild West. Players have the freedom to venture into the wilderness, crafting resources, or simply explore the snowy mountain views and woodlands at will.

There’s also a detailed story that can incentivize players looking for a game offering a sense of direction. However, you’re free to complete the missions and side quests at your own pace. Given, newcomers may take some time to get used to loads of content and mechanics of the game. With time though, exploring the game’s hidden features and detailed story missions flows perfectly to fill in your spare time.

In case the shootouts, heists, and hunting get boring, which is highly unlikely, you could always jump into the multiplayer mode playing Red Dead Online with other players or Red Dead Redemption 2 roleplay playing with other like-minded gunslingers.

2. Genshin Impact

Alternatively, you could get your hands on Genshin Impact’s anime-style action-packed RPG game. Players get access to the immersive open fantasy world of Teyvat. Here, you’re free to engage in unique combat styles incorporating elemental powers. You can switch characters in-game or upgrade them. You can also craft resources in a mystical world and build furniture and houses to your liking.

Furthermore, the game receives constant updates of new characters and content, so there’s always an engaging reason to dive in. So if you’re an anime fan and a diehard massively multiplayer RPG game, this game is well worth the try. Oh, and did we mention the game is also free-to-play?

1. Grand Theft Auto V

At the top of our ranking is Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V for its action-packed content and limitless possibilities for a fun time. At its core, Grand Theft Auto games offer players a sprawling city filled with many ways to cause chaos. Over the years, players enjoy pushing the city to its limits, but even with a pile of bodies and the wildest police chase downs, GTA still blooms with limitless potential.

The newest Grand Theft Auto V title offers immense new updates, missions, heists, and rewards to explore. So you’re free to roam around Los Santos, engaging in intense shootouts, drive chase downs, or content-specific activities like scuba diving and stock trading. It’s all entirely up to your taste and what you’re in the mood for.

That’s it for now. Are there games you can’t wait to try out? Do let us know how your experience is in the comments below or head over to our socials here. 

Looking for more content? You could always check these out.

Grand Theft Auto VI to Feature Sibling Protagonists, According to Leak

Apex Legends: 5 Best Seasons So Far