We’ve got several free games like Minecraft to share with you today. The sandbox building title is certainly one of the best we’ve seen come from an independent developer and the gameplay is highly addictive. So if the €19.95 ($27 or Rs 1,693) price tag is a bit of a turnoff, which shouldn’t be the case here, or you’re looking for some good alternatives that offer a similar experience, then we’ve got a list of choices that won’t cost you a dime.
While all of the titles listed below share the core gameplay with the one in question, some of them take things to a new level by offering a few more features which haven’t been implemented by Mojang. Also, you can expect to find something for different platforms.
1. WorldCraft:
We’re starting off this compilation with a mobile title. WorldCraft is an Android exclusive developed by Solverlabs. It gains its inspiration from the Mojang-made release and features various similar features. For starters, the single player mode allows you to get creative by designing your own world with different structures and attributes. There’s also the survival option where you have to protect yourself from monsters and other creatures that come out at night. Multiplayer, on the other hand, only permits creative gameplay. You and your friends can get together and create a world of your own or explore places designed by others online.
2. Gnomescroll:
Gnomescroll is one of the most enjoyable free games available out there, albeit playing it is quite a bit of a challenge. The title is essentially multiplayer and it features survival elements where you have to avoid being killed by exploding creatures and laser shooting robots. The setting is in space and you spawn in various planetary environments. There’s a bit of FPS in here as well, as the title allows you to shoot lasers at enemies. To build stuff and craft items, you’ll have to gather resources by digging into the ground. There’s an in-game currency system too, which allow you to purchase items. Gnomescroll can be played on Windows, Apple and Linux and the download size is just below 15MB.
3. Terasology:
Terasology may look exactly like the indie sandbox game in question, but it isn’t the same. In fact, the developer has created this game as a tribute to the original. Additionally, it also draws influence from other releases like Dwarf Fortress and Dungeon Keeper. Here, you’ll find yourself in an infinite blog world where you can create and discover. So far there’s only single player support, but multiplayer will be added in the future. Terasology is a bit more sophisticated and it features better textures compared to the title from Mojang. Also, you can expect to find unusual items in here like a rail gun and gooey creatures.
4. Lunacraft:
While WorldCraft was Android exclusive, our next addition to the roster is designed for iOS. Lunacraft as its name suggests, puts you on a new alien moon each time you load it up. Your objectives are to explore and colonize the place by creating a base as well as different technologies which are obtainable through clues left by enemy astronauts. You’ll encounter helpful aliens as well, and will be able to take snapshots of your creations by unlocking the in-game Camera tool. The terrain is endless and you can defend yourself from enemies by shooting them with a pistol.
5. Minetest:
Minetest is yet another title which highly resembles the sandbox building game from Mojang. The mechanics here are pretty much the same – You set foot on an infinite voxel world where you can dig, build and craft stuff by gathering resources and materials. There’s also the Simplistic Modding API which allows anyone to create add-ons and customize the title with new textures and features. Minetest is being developed as open source software and it’s lightweight. The developer notes that it will even be playable on old laptops with Intel 945GM graphics. This release is compatible with Windows, Linux, OS X and FreeBSD with multi-language support.
6. Brick-Force:
When in comes to uniqueness, Brick-Force definitely takes the cake on this compilation. While other titles primarily focus on replicating the same experience at no cost, this one blends in FPS and sandbox building under a single roof. It allows you to create custom maps and also share them with others. Built on the Unity 3D engine, you can either download the game as standalone or play it through your browser. However, you will need to create an account to access the title. There are multiple match types available. They include Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch, Solo Deathmatch, Defusion as well as Build and Destroy.
7. Manic Digger:
Manic Digger is a simple alternative to the title in question. It basically started off as a third-party client for the classic version of the latter and has now been made open source. Featuring both, single player and multiplayer, you can build different kinds of structures using the default blocks provided. The skins and textures are fully customizable and there’s a monster editor as well. The most enjoyable element here is the ability to create railway tracks and ride them across the map.
Conclusion:
Well, that bring us to the end of this compilation. These free games like Minecraft try their best to mimic the features and capabilities found the in sandbox building title. Some of them have even gone the distance to incorporate unique elements, while others have stripped down the attributes to just basic.