5 Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass (July 2024)

Sandbox games, by their very nature, allow players an unparalleled sense of freedom. These games loosen the reins on the player and allow them to go forth as they wish. With massive playgrounds for players to explore, as well as interesting mechanics to explore them with, these games are great. There are many different takes on the genre, with each title adding to it in its own way. Today, we are here to bring you our picks for the 5 Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass.

5. Palworld

Today, the first entry on our list of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass is Palworld. There are few feelings as magical as the first opening steps into a brave new game world. This is a feeling that Palworld manages to replicate multiple times throughout its runtime. The game gives the player the tools not only to affect the game world around them but also stellar creatures to accompany them. Whether you are someone who simply wants to engage with the game's creature-battling mechanics or you wish to delve into the game's dungeons, the choice is yours.

This sense of player agency can be felt throughout each of the game's core features. Players are able to craft items, tend to their crops, and much more with the help of their Pals. In addition to this, the game features raid content for players who seek more of a challenge. Simply put, no matter how you choose to play the game, each playstyle is valid and varied. All in all, Palworld beautifully brings the creature-capture genre into the massive world of sandbox games, making it one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

4. DayZ

We are taking quite a turn with our next entry. What DayZ lacks in vibrant visuals certainly makes up for in realistic mechanics and a nonlinear narrative. Players are placed into a shared open world through the game's servers and told to create their own stories. This often comes down to harrowing tales of survival in this grim and challenging title. However, players are also able to form alliances and rivalries with one another, making the game have this intangible human element that gives each of the player's actions weight.

In addition to this, mechanically, the game is rich, featuring many aspects that some survival games simply lay by the wayside. This makes DayZ one of the premier survival sandbox titles on the market. The game's sense of immersive atmosphere is palpable from beginning to end, regardless of if you are a beginner or a veteran player. Also, with a steady stream of updates, it appears this sandbox title hasn't been going anywhere for quite some time. In short, DayZ is one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

3. Terraria

For the next entry on our list, here we have Terraria. This game made quite the name for itself based on the unparalleled freedom that it afforded the player. In this game, players are able to accomplish tasks however they wish, in whatever order they wish. The only limit to the player is what they choose to accomplish. In addition to this, the game has a deep sense of community, allowing players to learn more about the game easily. Mechanically, Terraria is rich, featuring many systems with which the player can interact.

Whether you are someone who wishes to seek their fortune through looting or possibly as a shopkeeper, the choice is yours. This freedom of choice is at the heart of what makes this title so near and dear to many players' hearts. Also, the game's intuitive nature makes it very simple for newer players to delve into it. This makes for a rewarding experience from beginning to end, wherever you decide that end might be. All around, Terraria is one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

2. Trailmakers

The next entry on our list is Trailmakers. This title allows players to explore vast worlds using a plethora of player-created vehicles. This not only ties directly in with the game's sense of freedom but also rewards the player for constructing these items. The player can choose to play the game alone or with friends, which only enhances this sense of freedom as well, which is marvelous. One of the core aspects of the game that makes it stand out is the weapon and vehicle variety found within the game. Essentially, whatever the player can dream up can be created within the game's confines.

The game's building mechanics are surprisingly simple for a title that boasts in-depth building. This is by design, however, and it makes it so that anyone can simply jump in and have a great time. For players who are a bit more competitive behind the wheel, you can race your creations as well. Whether you are someone who simply loves to create for the sake of creating or you wish to show off to your friends, this game is great. To close, Trailmakers is, without a doubt, one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

1. My Time At Sandrock

Today, the final entry on our list is My Time At Sandrock. My Time At Sandrock takes the torch put forth by My Time At Portia and runs with it beautifully. Players are able to explore the world of Sandrock to their heart's content. In doing so, you are able to customize your home, meet a variety of interesting characters, undergo quests, and much more. This is a great way for players to determine their own adventures. Whether you are someone who strictly wishes to play through the game's fantastic narrative or you wish to stake out on your own, the choices you make shape your world.

The game features in-depth building and crafting mechanics for the player to enjoy. This means that the player has a significant impact on the world around them, which is fabulous as it allows the player to soak in the world at their own pace. Each of the game's quests, characters, and romance options has also been incredibly fleshed out. In conclusion, My Time At Sandrock is a sandbox title that those with Xbox Game Pass simply can't pass up.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass? Do you agree with our picks? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.