7 Best Games to Play if You Like Minecraft

Minecraft is legendary in the world of crafting games because the experience of getting lost in a survival world is sensational. Released in 2011, Mojang’s pixelated video game is still going strong on the charts. It’s giving titles like Fortnite, which was released in 2017, a run for its money.

But back to the point, which games can rival Minecraft? Well, you’ll be surprised at the number of alternatives that have popped up over the years following Minecraft’s huge success. This is a listicle about those alternatives, for players who prefer another survival game.

Also Read: 7 Best New Games of July 2023

Top 7 Minecraft Alternatives

You’ll find the top 7 Minecraft alternatives below which we picked based on factors such as:

• Type: Only games with deep and detailed crafting systems are on our list.
• Positive and Real Player Reviews: We made sure we weren’t the only ones enjoying the game. That would be weird, wouldn’t it?
• Top-tier Crafting System: It’s not a Minecraft alternative if you’re not crafting shelter or hunting for food.
• High-Quality Visuals: Even Minecraft is available in 4K despite its pixelated art style. So, a Minecraft-esque game gunning for more realism must be detailed with shadows, depth of field, effects quality, lighting quality, and a few others.

#7: Junk Jack | Supported Platforms: PC Only

Junk Jack is a 2D pixelated video game from Pixbits with an ever-changing sandbox that urges players to explore, craft, and eliminate enemies using traps and other ingenious killing strategies. The game is set in a hostile realm, where you’ll pay with your life if you wander too far from your home. Luckily, players won’t just be dropped into the world to figure things out by themselves. 

Instead, there’s a lengthy tutorial that teaches players about the nuances of the game. Also, the crafting system is simple enough because there are recipes available for players to follow. All you have to do is gather the necessary items and ingredients, and you can use the recipe to craft different in-game gear. 

#6: Stardew Valley | Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC

We haven’t seen a player who doesn’t like Stardew Valley, but the pixel art style is up to personal taste. It’s a video game with a strong storyline and a huge focus on friendship-building skills, farming, and crafting. It doesn’t offer ever-changing biomes, but a lot of detail and attention went into the premade maps, which are smaller than what you’re used to seeing in Minecraft.

But the NPCs in the smaller maps of Stardew Valley are realistic, offering a deeper experience than most would-be gamers might be expecting from the video game. You’ll be able to interact, romance, and even marry a lot of the NPCs in Stardew Valley. 

#5: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Supported Platforms: Switch Only

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was renowned for its unique crafting system. Now, the sequel is out with a better crafting system than its predecessor. Tears of the Kingdom is perfect for players who are interested in a game that doesn’t only focus on crafting. But don’t get us folks at Player.me wrong because Tears of the Kingdom’s crafting system sets the bar even higher for crafting games.

For one, Link can combine different items and gear to create vehicles, weapons, and many other constructs. Without this new crafting system, players won’t even be able to access some locations in Tears of the Kingdom. Sure, you won’t be able to build massive strongholds like in Minecraft, but the level of creative freedom is wild and rewarding. 

#4: Starbound | Supported Platforms: PC Only

Developed by Chucklefish in 2016, Starbound raises the standards for what a 2D game can accomplish. The video game is popular because of its crafting system, which is as diverse as it is deep. Also, the collection of weapons and items available to players to choose from is extensive and with them, players can create winning strategies.

Part of Starbound’s allure is that its many biomes are constantly being sliced and diced to create random new maps. So, no matter the number of times you play the game, it stays fresh. You get your own spaceship which you can use to explore the universe. On your way through different solar systems, the experimental nature of Starbound shines, urging players to explore and conquer. The game is currently available on Steam for $5.99. 

#3: Fortnite | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Android, iOS, and Switch

Fortnite also encourages players to craft to win the game. Combined with its free-to-play model and battle royale mode, Epic Games’ title is accessible. Android players won’t find the game on Google Play Store, but they can download it from the official Epic Games website. Your ability to win matches in Fortnite depends on how fast and intuitive your crafting skills are. 

Would-be players can look forward to an excellent range of items, gear, and weapons to combine and have fun with. What’s more? There are daily challenges and live events to keep the storyline and experience fresh. But the highlight is the freedom to craft your heart’s desires.

#2: Terraria | Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch

Terraria is a deceptively simple video game that was released by Re-Logic in 2011. It’s a 2D game that sets the bar for Metriodvanian games with its plethora of missions and side quests. Terraria’s world is massive, giving players the chance to explore different unique biomes. Along the way, you’ll meet distinctive enemies and then craft weapons and gear to plunder their loot.

This is as close to Minecraft as you get in a 2D video game, but there’s more. You won’t only be able to build massive strongholds, but you’ll also get the chance to slay devils, beasts, and aliens across the underworld and other realms in the game. Part of the reason why Terraria still offers a fresh experience more than a decade later is because of the regular updates.

#1: Subnautica | Supported Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation Only

Subnautica’s story is unique, putting you into the shoes of a futuristic survivor who has been stranded on an ocean planet. The world is teeming with monsters huge and small, and it’s up to players to craft and adapt if they want to survive. Missions are simple; Explore to gather resources so you can build bases, submarines, and tools to conquer the ocean world.

Subnautica also has an interesting plot, unlike its pixelated rival, Minecraft. To experience the storyline, players have to explore the water planet, 4546B. Luckily, players can enjoy Subnautica in VR mode to really immerse themselves in the survival video game. 

Our Final Say

Our listicle is proof that games in the Survival genre don’t have to be pixelated and blocky to be successful. Instead, a great crafting system is just necessary for players to have creative freedom over their in-game activities and actions. Luckily for players, these games offer some of the best building and crafting experiences in video games. On the side, you’ll also get to meet some really interesting villains and game characters as well as explore unique biomes.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the Rarest Game?

There’s no other game that’s rarer than Gamma Attack for the Atari 2600 because only a handful of these games were made. If Mother Luck ever smiles on you and you come across one — Keep it safe. A cartridge costs between $20,000 to $50,000; A figure that’ll only grow with time.

Which Game Is More Popular Than Minecraft?

Fortnite is hands-down the more popular game when compared to Minecraft, because of a few facts such as:

• It has a much higher viewership than Minecraft.
• It rakes in more money than Minecraft. 
• Search engines like Google and Bing have ranked Fortnite as the more popular title.
• Its track record has been consistent, and the game isn’t plagued with slow updates.

What’s a Game Like Minecraft but More Realistic?

A game like Minecraft is tough to beat but The Forest managed to do just that. Its crafting system is extremely close to the one in Minecraft but instead of being pixelated, it’s realistic. But The Forest’s theme is darker than Minecraft’s setting. The presence of cannibals and mutants doesn’t exactly make The Forest more kid-friendly than Minecraft.