Sandbox games are becoming increasingly popular. These games feature an open world where a person can wander around at will or complete missions throughout the game. If you’re looking for more of these games to entertain you for days or weeks, here are the top 10 sandbox games for PCs.
Note: All of the games listed below, with the exception of Minecraft, can be found on Steam.
- Far Cry
These games have been around for quite a while but have just recently gained steam. Far Cry 3 and 4 are some of the best games of the last few years, with Far Cry 3 having one of the best villains and monologues in gaming. While you have the option to follow the story missions, you can also hunt, search for treasure, or liberate trapped peoples. Far Cry 3 costs $29.99, and 4 is $49.99. - Batman: Arkham
Batman: Arkham is probably one of the best series for the Dark Knight. Rocksteady has done an amazing job capturing the story and portrays Batman in a way that everyone can enjoy. You can explore various parts of Arkham in this series. The first game, Arkham Asylum, allows you to explore the place where only the worst criminals go, while, in Arkham City, you can explore the city without boundaries. Batman: Arkham Asylum runs $19.99, Origins is $19.99, City costs $19.99, and Knight is $49.99 on Steam. - Fallout 4
Bethesda is one of the best sandbox creators out there. It creates some of the largest maps of any game available, and storylines that everyone can enjoy. The Fallout series has won awards in the past, and this game is no exception. Play a survivor in a war-torn, nuclear post-apocalypse where the only way to survive is to kill. Fallout 4 is $59.99. - Just Cause 3
Just Cause allows you to explore land, sea, and sky. You can unleash all sorts of chaos in this game with huge guns, planes, rockets, and more. The tagline is “set the world on fire.” There are over 1,000 square kilometers you can explore. The goal is to take back your homeland as you play Rico Rodriguez. If you’re a fan of Far Cry, you’re sure to love this game. Just Cause 3 is $59.99 on Steam. - Borderlands
Borderlands is the whacky, fun open world game where you can do anything, kill anyone, and show Pandora who’s boss. The comedy in the game is unparalleled, and there are over one hundred million different guns to shoot. To get the full story, you should start with Borderlands 1 for $19.99, then move to Borderlands 2 at $19.99, and finally move to Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel at $39.99. - Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto, or GTA, is one of the most controversial of all sandbox games—of all games, period! This series has grown from its boxy, small open world platform to a huge map with countless cars, guns, outfits, and storylines. Rockstar knows how to do sandbox games. There are no loading screens in this series, so you can play without pausing. You can purchase it for $59.99. - The Forest
While this game is still in development mode, it’s definitely worth the few dollars it costs. This survival sandbox game is one of the most difficult out there. You play the lone survivor of a jet crash, and you must build to live. The native population hasn’t taken too kindly to your existence and will attempt to exterminate you. Build and explore to the fullest extent. Purchasing this game now for $14.99 will ensure you get the full game as it develops. - Minecraft
It’s impossible to not have heard of Minecraft. For those of you who haven’t, this game allows you to create the world around you. You can interact with everything from the ground below you to the clouds in the sky. In this game, you build and mine while avoiding the frightening creatures of the night and underground. This game is available at minecraft.net for $26.95 - Ark: Survival Evolved
Survival is putting it lightly. Ark is the story of a man or woman who has been stranded on a mysterious island. There, you have to hunt, harvest, craft items, and build shelters to survive. All the while, prehistoric animals attempt to kill you, but you don’t have to be alone. You can train dinosaurs of your own and climb to the top of the food chain. Ark: Survival Evolved is $29.99. - The Witcher
The Witcher is an award-winning series. It’s story-driven but allows you to explore the world around you. You play a man, Geralt of Rivia, who hunts monsters. Each game from the trilogy features a different enticing story. In Witcher 3, it’s your job to find a child from an ancient prophecy. Not only has The Witcher won Game of the Year, it’s also won Best Gaming Moment, Best Visual Design, and Best Storytelling from the Golden Joystick Awards. You can find Witcher 1 for $9.99, 2 for $19.99, and 3 for $59.99 on Steam.
