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

Sandbox games, in many ways, allow players to express themselves through unbridled freedom. These games, either through their mechanics, or core elements of their design, allow the player free reign. This gives the worlds created within these games the feeling that they are shaped by the hands of the player. This rewards the player by showcasing their effects on the world around them. This makes these games great for those of us who are adventurous at heart. Here are the 5 Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass.

5. Astroneer

For those players who wish to delve into the far reaches of space, Astroneer fits the bill. This game manages not only to capture the unrestricted freedom of seeking out life amongst the stars but also does so with a sense of visual flair and variety that allows the game's landscapes to shine. Players are able to create their own footholds on these planets as well, due to the game's fantastic building system. Players can search through these worlds in search of resources and items that they can use along their journey.

This allows the player to get their bearings and learn more about each of the seven worlds the game has to offer. These worlds feature their own biomes and creatures, giving players the ability to find layers of depth on their own. Additionally, for fans of drop-in drop-out Co-Op, this game is a must-play. The game also features mechanics that greatly aid in this sense of adventure. With a grand sense of exploration and depth, Astroneer is magnificent. All around, Astroneer is one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

4. Sea of Thieves

Our next entry is one that is sure to appease the nautically-inclined players out there. Here, we have Sea of Thieves. The massive world and community built around this game is one of the most impressive in the Xbox Game Pass library. Players are able to hoist their sails and hit the high seas with several other players on large crews. Along the way, they will discover new locations, along with new treasures to seek out and add to their fame, or infamy. This gives the player's exploits throughout the game have a sense of weight to them that the player can feel.

The sandbox nature of this game comes in with its incredibly dense open world and how the player interacts with it. The goals that the player must follow are theirs to set. This gives the game a flexible sense of direction, allowing players to find their own fun in a way. All in all, Sea of Thieves brings one of the largest, most immersive worlds to life on our list of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

3. Valheim

The next entry on our list is one that made a vast impact on the gaming landscape as a whole. Valheim allows players to explore a vast and vibrant world where they must make tools and summon the powers of great gods in order to proceed. How the player chooses to tackle these goals is completely up to them. This sense of freedom ties in directly with the game's core loop, which sees the player slowly progressing in power. This sense of progression slowly gives the player a sense of reward as they traverse through the different environments on offer.

Along the way, players will be able to build their own grand halls, build seafaring ships, and much more. Each of the structures weapons and trophies the player creates or captures only adds to their legend. This sense of fantasy is also one of the best, more intangible elements the game has to offer. So, if you are looking for a magnificent sandbox title that brings out the best of what the sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass have to offer, give Valheim a try.

2. Trailmakers

Our next entry is one of the more adaptable titles on our list. Here, we have Trailmakers. This game brings with it not only a grand sense of scale but also adaptability. How the player traverses the world, and the world itself, all change to create scale and weight to each of the player's unique experiences. The ability to experience all of this alongside others is also marvelous to see as well. In total, the game features four different sandbox maps for the player to explore as well.

Each of these maps, in its own way, manages to showcase the sense of scale and freedom the game offers. Players can fly through the skies in search of great treasures, or delve deep into caverns and caves. This gives the player plenty of avenues for exploration and expression. For these reasons, we consider Trailmakers one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

1. No Man's Sky

The final entry on our list is No Man's Sky. This game upon its release, promised worlds of an unparalleled scale and breadth. What players received was a title that not only brings together many elements of sandbox games that make them great. But it also couples this with fantastic RPG elements to allow players a great amount of control over their character, and by extension their world. When coupled with the sense of scale the game offers, it truly feels like players are setting out on a grand space adventure of their own creation.

The vastness of space is constantly at the player's fingertips, and they can traverse the stars alongside other players. In doing so, they will discover worlds of rich lore, tons of resources and characters, and much more. No matter what you enjoy, there is plenty to love within No Man's Sky. In addition to this, the game has been wholeheartedly supported through massive updates to the player experience. This makes No Man's Sky one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass to date.

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.