Despite its humble indie project origins, Minecraft has been one of the biggest gaming trends of the modern era. Since its release in November 2011, players around the globe have been captivated by its combination of exciting survival gameplay and expansive building mechanisms.
As Minecraft fans are all too aware, this franchise is one that you can spend hundreds of hours playing. However, the gaming landscape in 2023 is one filled with rich and diverse gaming experiences. So, if you’re looking to branch out into exploring a different type of digital game, here are the best alternatives for Minecraft players.
Roblox
Roblox, an immensely popular online sandbox, offers endless creative possibilities, allowing you to bring virtually any idea to life. From constructing towering skyscrapers that you can demolish in a spectacular display to hosting performances and entertainment events, the game’s unique editing tools mean you can create (and dismantle) anything you can imagine.
Like Minecraft, Roblox places a strong emphasis on community and collaboration, as virtually everything in the world is created by the players themselves. If you’re looking for a more social building experience than Minecraft, this is a game that’s definitely worth trying out.
Fallout 4
While it may not seem evident at first glance, Fallout 4, an open-world RPG from Bethesda, actually shares some striking similarities with Minecraft. For instance, the game’s ‘Settlement’ system allows you to scavenge structures for resources and construct impressive bases – much like the classic gameplay of Minecraft.
Of course, the game is more than just this one mechanism; there are all sorts of features to take advantage of, as well as the compelling gameplay itself.
Online Slots
For adult Minecraft players, online slots games can be an exciting alternative. Verticals like online slots have increased in popularity with traditional video gamers over the years due to their high-quality gameplay, graphics and audio.
There’s also a wide choice of different slots titles to choose from, with varying RTPs and paylines. Sweet Bonanza, for example, features an RTP of 95.5% and has a total of 20 paylines. It’s also one of a number of titles on the renowned PokerStars Casino platform.
Stardew Valley
Minecraft may be known for its impressive construction options, but sometimes we’re looking for a slower-paced building game. Stardew Valley takes a different approach to the builder concept, resulting in a game that is focused on the joys of farm ownership and community building. In addition to cultivating crops and livestock, players can interact with a cast of fictional characters, form relationships, and even pursue romantic interests.
Stardew Valley clearly draws inspiration from Minecraft, but it also weaves in the gorgeous design elements of games like Animal Crossing, as well as JRPG functionality.
Lego Worlds
It’s well-known in gaming circles that the creators of Minecraft took inspiration from the Lego franchise when developing the game. In turn, Lego Worlds has been compared to Minecraft. Despite this chicken-and-egg situation, Lego Worlds is an excellent alternative game for Minecraft players, mainly because it allows players to engage in large-scale construction, using powerful crafting tools to build incredible structures.
The game also features a campaign mode as well as classic Lego-style gameplay. It’s narrated by British comedian Peter Serafinowicz, which adds another level of charm and whimsy to the game.
No Man’s Sky
Minecraft may have popularised procedural generation in gaming, but No Man’s Sky blasts it into the stratosphere. Instead of exploring a single world, in No Man’s Sky, players can explore 18 quintillion planets, each with its own unique features, survival challenges, and crafting opportunities.
During the game’s initial launch in 2018, it struggled to live up to player expectations, but, since then, it’s undergone several updates that have added some serious redevelopment.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
If you enjoy exploring, gathering items, and battling in Minecraft, then you’ll likely find Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild to be equally as engaging. Released in 2017, this game incorporates open-world RPG elements from games like Skyrim with the unmistakable Legend of Zelda style.
Breath of the Wild provides players with a genuine sense of freedom and awe as they guide Link through the desolate lands of Hyrule. Although this isn’t a builder game, it still offers a wide range of activities, including crafting, combat and flexible gameplay mechanics.
