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10 Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass (April 2025)

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Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass

I don’t know about you, but I’m particularly fond of games that let you do whatever you want. You can stray off the beaten path and explore anything you find interesting. Even better, you can interact with the people you meet and the environment, too, manipulating it however you please. Sandbox games seldom have a set objective, leaving you to carve your own path. Whether building a city, exploring a fantasy world, gathering and crafting equipment, or waging war on unsuspecting neighbors, sandbox games are the most flexible games you’ll find in the industry. Find below the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

What is a Sandbox Game?

5 Best Easter Eggs in Hello Neighbor 2

A sandbox game lacks goals or objectives that set you on a linear path. Instead, you come up with your own goals and objectives. You choose how to proceed, with the game warping itself to your needs. Sandbox games are incredibly interactive, with limitless tools and resources to fulfill your goals.

Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass

While searching for worthwhile games to play on Xbox Game Pass, be sure to mark down these best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

10. Hello Neighbor 2

Hello Neighbor 2 - Announcement Trailer

It’s only in Hello Neighbor 2 that you can break into your neighbor’s house without any legal action. If anything, you’re encouraged to do so, and you’ll be doing your hometown, Raven Brooks, a huge favor. See, your neighbor has been hiding something sinister, and while you’ve tried to report it, no one seems to care.

The first game was hella fun. Now, the sequel returns, crafting an even more twisted mystery to uncover with friends.

9. No Man’s Sky

No Man's Sky Origins Trailer

In terms of the freedom to do whatever you want, no other game goes as big as No Man’s Sky. It gives you the entire galaxy at your disposal. There are so many unchartered planets out there, and it’s up to you to discover what they hold.

With each new planet discovery, you’ll spark a new adventure, whether it be taming the alien species you meet, gathering rare resources to power your factories, or building flourishing colonies. Engage in dogfights in space or trade with opposing colonies to cement your legacy among the stars.

8. Core Keeper

Core Keeper out now on Xbox X|S and Game Pass

Core Keeper is nearly just as good as Minecraft, at least in terms of mining and resource building, making it one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass. Most of your time will be spent spelunking in the underground caverns holding vast treasures.

Secrets abide in the caves, too, that you can uncover alongside seven other online players. But it’s not just resource mining and exploration. There’ll be fearsome Titans to defeat, too, with the help of the resources and equipment you craft.

7. Astroneer

Astroneer - Release Trailer

Another space adventure in the same breadth as No Man’s Sky is Astroneer. However, you’ll strictly be exploring the depths of space, discovering all sorts of harsh environments and rare discoveries.

With each exploration quest, you’re bound to uncover something exciting, whether it’s a mystery, potential terrain for building custom bases, or resources. Over time, you’ll unlock vehicles to cover more ground and create to the limits of your imagination.

6. Minecraft

Minecraft: Xbox One Edition Trailer

Minecraft has been around for decades now, with each new iteration adding more content and gameplay depth. As a result, having it at the top of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass is no surprise.

The amount of things you can do in the Minecraft universe has no bounds, whether it’s building wacky structures, exploring diverse biomes, or waging war in dungeon-crawling mode.

You can even try out the tower-defense strategy quest against invading enemy troops and test how far your cunning and tactical combat skills go.

5. Palworld

Palworld - Release Date Announcement Trailer

Pokemon fans will be familiar with Palworld’s mechanics. They’re both monster-hunting and taming games. However, Palworld’s gameplay is a little different. The creatures you capture, called Pals, become more than your buddies.

They become your warriors and resource gatherers, among more roles. You have to train them in the roles they thrive and keep them busy in their stations. Over time, you’ll build a thriving community of Pals with a strong attack and defense team at the ready.

4. DayZ

DayZ - Every Day is a New Story (Cinematic Trailer)

When a zombie apocalypse hits Earth, I imagine you’ll have to improvise to survive. Everyday rules and obligations won’t apply. You may even have to betray your closest friends. That’s the whole atmosphere DayZ creates, one of survival on instinct.

With just a few human survivors left and scarce resources, you’ll often be forced to make tough choices for your survival.

3. Terraria

Another Minecraft-like game you should check out is Terraria. At first glance, it can seem like a game that’s all about digging for resources. However, once you gather resources, it’s time to build weaponry, armor, cities, and more.

There’ll be enemy hordes soon encroaching on your base. So, you want to be ready with the most powerful firearms, spells, and defense strategies.

2. Trailmakers

Trailmakers Xbox Game Preview Launch Trailer

Trailmakers’ freedom to build their own vehicle alone propels it to the top of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass. This isn’t a basic automobile-building system, either. It’s incredibly in-depth, with multiple parts and designs you can tinker around with.

There are no limits to your creations as well, even building a car and plane in the same model. Provided your vehicle can conquer the challenges in the game’s open world, you’re good to go.

1. My Time At Sandrock

My Time at Sandrock – Launch Trailer

You arrive at Sandrock to find the town in shambles. But you have a builder in you. So, you get to work setting up production chains. My Time At Sandrock is an addicting game that keeps getting better the more you progress.

Even when you think you’ve constructed the best machines and trusty, well-oiled economic chains, new challenges and unexpected complications arise. Ultimately, though, Sandrock is depending on you to champion the town and its people to the bustling city it once was.

Evans I. Karanja is a freelance writer who loves to write about anything technology. He is always on the lookout for interesting topics, and enjoys writing about video games, cryptocurrency and blockchain and more. When not writing, he can be found playing video games or watching F1.

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