The sandbox PC games might seem like they’re more of the same, but trust us, the new ones are absolutely golden. Whether you’re curious about the genre or a seasoned veteran of the genre, today we’ve got some real bangers for you. So, sit back, relax, and prepare for recent bombshell titles that’ll blow your mind. Here we go!
Which New Sandbox PC Games Are Worth Checking Out?
To be clear, we’re absolutely not going for the old guard of PC sandbox games that are staples of the genre. No, our intention is to introduce to y’all new experiences that don’t retread old ground. So, with that said, you can count out the big names right away.
That means no Minecraft, no Unturned, and definitely not Fortnite. Sorry, not sorry, but that’s how it be for today’s list. Now, let’s see which ones make the cut.
5.) Sons Of The Forest
We’re kicking off the party of new awesometacular sandbox PC games with last year’s big hit, Sons Of The Forest. If you enjoyed what its prequel ‘ The Forest’ offered, well, this time around, the scares and ambiance are even more amped up. Sons Of The Forest prides itself on the nonlinearity of its story structure and level design integration.
Basically, you can tackle the story missions at your own pace. Feel like exploring and getting the lay of the land? Well, that’s what’s encouraged in Sons Of The Forest. Not only will you benefit from venturing out, but you’ll also learn the lurking threats within the forest. You’ll also need to gather up as much crafting material as possible if you wanna survive the hellish demons you’ll face.
Sons Of The Forest easily borders the territory of the spookiest games around. There’s just so much atmosphere, which is new for PC sandbox games. If you haven’t yet given it a go, you gotta course correct right away, fellas. Sons Of The Forest is undeniably one of the most fun experiences that blend genres masterfully. We can’t get enough of it.
4.) ARK: Survival Ascended
We’re moving onto the next entry on our list of new top-tier PC sandbox games, and we’ve got a big one, folks. Emphasis on the big, as the game we’re talking about, is ARK: Survival Ascended, and it’s got dinosaurs. This is a ground-up remake of its previous iteration, ARK: Survivor Evolved. There are major noticeable differences in the remake.
For one thing, the new version’s visuals are drop-dead gorgeous; that Unreal Engine 5 rendering is a visual feast. As you explore the dense island, you’ll notice the luscious greenery and water effects, which are just mesmerizingly beautiful. The sunshine both illuminates its beauty but also makes visible the reptilian threats in ARK: Survival Ascended.
You gotta figure out survival tactics by pushing yourself against these major threats. Through crafting, finding people to create a tribe with, and dividing up tasks, you’ll discover there are lots of ways to conquer. The sandbox nature of ARK: Survival Ascended gives a lot of freedom in the new iteration of what was already one of the finest PC games ever.
3.) Stardew Valley
Okay, so we might be stretching the rules here about this particular PC sandbox title since it’s not from the new breed of games. However, before y’all grab your pitchforks, hear us out, yeah? So, Stardew Valley is a thing that the fandom quickly latched onto, and you know what? The praise is well-deserved. Stardew Valley reinvigorated the farming sim genre from the Harvest Moon games.
This game was definitely ahead of its time, introducing life sim elements before they were mainstream. In Stardew Valley, you pick from the different types of dilapidated farms in addition to character creation. The type of farm you select will determine your gameplay theme, perks, and downsides. It’s a memorable journey of labor of love as you work to bring the farm to glory.
You also got to venture out into randomized caverns in search of rare resources. Learning to hunt, cook, fish, and even defend yourself made the game beyond epic. The sandbox element in Stardew Valley was new, and it was a very rare quality in PC games back then. Just the social factor alone, where you interact and form friendships with the NPCs in Stardew Valley, was a game-changer.
2.) The Sims 4 – One of the Very Best New PC Sandbox Games
For the runner-up spot on our list of cool sandbox games on PC, we’re going with the ultimate life-sim fantasy, The Sims 4. Oh boy, where do you even begin with this one. Yes, it’s old, too, but shush! Also, The Sims 4 is probably the most time we’ve ever spent in a character creation menu of a game. Hey, we’re perfectionists over here, don’t judge!
The Sims 4 allows players to do a deeper level of customization of their Sims than ever before. You get to tweak aspects of their personality down to the most minute details, like how they’ll behave under certain conditions. Playing out their lives before your very eyes is such a wholesome and joyful experience that’s hard to put into words. You just gotta try it to understand.
You have a lot of control over your Sims lives. This includes their hobbies, managing their living space, their needs, and even their socialization. You can even go so far as to make your Sims be of a different species in The Sims 4. Yeah, new games like The Sims 4 on PC are far off from the traditional sandbox style, but that’s what makes them unique.
1.) Project Zomboid
Last but certainly not least, we’re capping off our list of new PC sandbox games with a personal favorite, Project Zomboid. So, bit of a trivia for y’all; we love our zombie games. But you can only do so much within that setting before it feels repetitive, right? Wrong! Cause Project Zomboid just flipped the effing script upon release, and it is mind-bogglingly superb.
Look just ignore the fact that it’s a 2013 game, alright? The people are still playing it to this day. and we’re among the player base, too. It tells you the developers did an excellent job of getting people hooked. So, what’s Project Zomboid about? It’s about a gritty survival take within the zombie apocalypse. To that end, you need to scavenge empty buildings and loot whatever supplies you get.
Also, in Project Zomboid, you gotta fortify your resting place for the night cause there’s a zombie night raid. The dread and intensity of the horde closing in on you is a chilling experience that’s handled masterfully in Project Zomboid. With skill sets and perks that enhance the survival aspect, Project Zomboid is without question the king among new PC sandbox games.
Final Thoughts On the Best New Sandbox PC Games Worth Checking Out
Phew~ now that was fun, wasn’t it? And whaddya know, our list of new PC sandbox is now complete, too. That’s just fan-freakin-tastic. So, then, what’s the verdict, folks? Think we did a great job with our selection? Or are we missing some other games that could have nabbed a spot on our list? Either way. fire your comments below; we really look forward to the feedback from y’all.
If you’re in the mood for some more sandbox-style gaming, don’t worry. We’ve got suggestions for days for you. Take a gander at our top base-building games for some titles that fall within the same ballpark. Alrighty, that’s gonna do it for now but check back soon for more lists. So, until next time, take care, everyone, and stay safe. Happy gaming!
