Progression
Best Sandbox Games
Player-directed goals with no fixed endpoint
48 games ranked by sandbox intensity
Europa Universalis IV
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMethodicalMulti-hour deep dives
Crusader Kings II
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMulti-hour deep divesDiplomacy
Hearts of Iron IV
WindowsmacOSLinux
DiplomacyMap scaleSandboxOpen worldMethodical
Hearts of Iron III
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMethodicalMulti-hour deep dives
Stellaris
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technology
Victoria 3
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMulti-hour deep dives
Imperator: Rome
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleOpen worldSandboxDialogue choices
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalTurn-based combatTerritory control
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
A Total War Saga: TROY
WindowsmacOS
Fantasy mythologyMap scaleSandboxMMO socialMethodical
A Total War Saga: THRONES OF BRITANNIA
WindowsmacOSLinux
SandboxCity/empire buildingMethodicalResource managementReal-time combat
Terra Invicta
Windows
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldResource managementTech/research trees
Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Windows
Map scaleSandboxExplorationBase managementResource management
Steel Division 2
Windows
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalReal-time combatTerritory control
Old World
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Galactic Civilizations IV
Windows
Map scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technologySpreadsheet territory
Galactic Civilizations III
Windows
Map scaleSandboxSci-fi technologySpreadsheet territoryTech/research trees
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition
Windows
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryResource managementTech/research trees
ENDLESS™ Space 2
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleOpen worldSandboxMethodicalResource management
ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationSandboxMethodicalResource management
ENDLESS™ Legend
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationOpen worldSandboxMethodical
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Windows
Map scaleTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxOpen world
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes
Windows
City/empire buildingTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxSolo contemplative
Sorcerer King: Rivals
Windows
Map scaleSandboxDialogue choicesSpreadsheet territoryTech/research trees
Oriental Empires
Windows
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Distant Worlds: Universe
Windows
Map scaleSandboxResource managementTech/research treesSpreadsheet territory
Factorio
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxOpen worldPixel artCity/empire building
Satisfactory
Windows
Automation designOpen worldSandboxExplorationResource management
Dyson Sphere Program
Windows
Automation designOpen worldSandboxCity/empire buildingResource management
Opus Magnum
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxPuzzle solvingResource managementMethodical
shapez
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxOpen worldPuzzle solvingResource management
shapez 2
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designPuzzle solvingSandboxResource managementMethodical
Mindustry
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxPixel artResource managementBase management
Infinifactory
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxPuzzle solvingBase managementResource management
EXAPUNKS
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxPuzzle solvingResource managementMethodical
SHENZHEN I/O
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxPuzzle solvingResource managementMethodical
Last Call BBS
WindowsmacOSLinux
Puzzle solvingAutomation designSandboxLocal multiplayerPixel art
Big Pharma
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxResource managementMethodicalSupply chain design
Production Line : Car factory simulation
Windows
Automation designSandboxCity/empire buildingResource managementEconomic depth
Autonauts
Windows
Automation designCity/empire buildingSandboxPuzzle solvingResource management
Techtonica
Windows
Automation designSandboxCity/empire buildingExplorationResource management
Plan B: Terraform
Windows
Automation designSandboxBase managementMinimalistResource management
Voxel Tycoon
WindowsmacOSLinux
SandboxVoxelAutomation designCity/empire buildingPixel art
Hydroneer
Windows
Automation designSandboxOpen worldResource managementMethodical
FOUNDRY
Windows
Automation designSandboxOpen worldVoxelResource management
RimWorld
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldBase managementResource management
Oxygen Not Included
WindowsmacOSLinux
Base managementSandboxExplorationOpen worldResource management