A sandbox game is a video game that integrates its gameplay witha degree of creativity to interactwith. Most sandbox games exist in an open-world space to allow the player to explore freely and set a goal for themselves in a world where there is usually a goal undetermined by the game itself, and in the hands of thefreedom of the player.
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There exist some games that exhibit traits of a sandbox game but lack the utmost freedom that can be found in an open world. These sandbox games do have a predetermined goal, but one that can wait while the player explores the open space, and the activities within such space.
6God of War
There’s a sprawling world with multiple realms to be explored in 2018’sGod of War. The game features a plethora of things to do, fromswinging the intricate Leviathan axeto exploring the many sidequests and secret areas that await the large open spaces of the game. Yet, it is not an open world.
What players can expect fromGod of War’s sandbox is one riveting activity. There are many ways that players can find an enrichment to the father and son relationship between Kratos and Atreus, as they grieve a deceased wife and mother. They can do this through boat trips, or by interacting in the many open area realms.God of Waris not an open-world game but provides players with a lot to do.
5Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
As much as fans of theStar Warsfranchise have desired an open-world game, they will have to wait a little longer, asStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderis more in line with a ‘souls-like’ sandbox game. Enemies like Stormtroopers and Purgetroopers will exist past the completion of certain areas and the campaign and will remain for players to test their new Force abilities and lightsaber combat.
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There’s a lot to love aboutStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderand theanticipation for what awaits the upcoming sequelis high. Players can expect a plethora of planets to explore, including iconic ones like Dathomir and Kashyyyk. There are tons to explore, and many ways to reconnect with the Force.
4Hitman
As a stealth video game,Hitmanhas a lot to offer fans seeking that thrilling kill. The game features many maps, with unique targets. What makes Hitman a sandbox game is the plethora of ways in whichplayers can choose to take out their targetsor to even take out unsuspecting further victims. There’s an abundance of exploration to be had in the way an assassination is performed.
Players can choose to explore the map and study the route and location of their target, or they can just enjoy throwing rubber ducks and shooting guns at anyone in their way to get to their target. There are more careful ways of execution, to make things appear an accident. HavingHitmanin a sandbox setting allows for intense freedom upon repeated gameplay.
3Dark Souls
In a world inhabited by all manners of evils,Dark Soulstakes players and places them into a dungeon exploration, with tension and fear around every corner and ceiling. It is impossible to escape the hardships ofDark Souls, unless, players bring every skill and experience they have into the game. The game is set in the fictional kingdom of Lordran, overrun with a curse.
Dark Soulssees players on the giant map of Lordran, with each location so intricately designed in ways in which the player can journey across without the need for fast travel. Every location links back with shortcuts to the HUB world of Firelink Shrine, and players can begin their journey in any direction, depending on how brave they are to do so. It’s a great sandbox, for testing the players’ skills with new weapons, builds, and magic.
2Deathloop
Waking on a mysterious island, Colt struggles to remember both who he is, and why he is here. The island of Blackreef holds many mysteries, and with each death, Colt gets closer and closer to discovering the truth about the island and its inhabitants. It’s a great game, with an even greater sandbox. Players have the utmost freedom on an island where each day is repeated for everyone but Colt.
As players embark on their journey throughDeathloop, they will encounter new powers, weapons, and fun ways to eliminate the 8 visionaries, andthe assassin Julianna. Colt must use his wits to figure out how to end the loop.Deathloopis great to replay, as the island may be big, but is not open-world. It is segmented off into individual sandbox levels, where players can come and go as they please to find new mysteries and gear.
1Gary’s Mod
There’s possibly no game that quite fits the sandbox genre thanGary’s Mod. The game is described as a physics sandbox, with no predefined aims or goals. The developers give the players ofGary’s Modevery tool that they need to have the fun that they want.Gary’s Modhas a great and active community, with many game modes to choose from. With RPs to Jailbreaks, there’s limitless creativity and fun.
Gary’s Modtruly allows players to embark on any experience they want. It’s the definition of a sandbox game. Players can encounter the game with their friends, or with random players across the internet, with unlimited creativity, and endless fun.
