Free Sandbox Games on Steam
Steam currently has 5,216 Sandbox games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free Sandbox game rankings were last updated on 4/21/2024.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best sandbox games on Steam
- Best sandbox Steam Deck games
- Best sandbox Steam games for Mac OS
- Best sandbox Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Unturned
You're a survivor in the zombie infested ruins of society, and must work with your friends and forge alliances to remain among the living.
Unturned holds the #1 spot for "best free Sandbox game on Steam" with a Player Score of 91. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 537,475 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 491,869 positive reviews and 45,606 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Unturned on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 7/7/2017 |
| Developer | Smartly Dressed Games |
| Publisher | Smartly Dressed Games |
| Steam App Id | 304930 |
2. tModLoader
Dig, Fight, and Build your way through the world of player-created mods on Terraria with tModLoader - this DLC makes modding Terraria a reality!
tModLoader has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 244,523 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 237,332 positive reviews and 7,191 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play tModLoader on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
3. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more.
The Sims™ 4 has achieved a Player Score of 87, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 134,336 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 117,676 positive reviews and 16,660 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play The Sims™ 4 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 6/18/2020 |
| Franchise | The Sims 4 EA |
| Developer | Maxis |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Steam App Id | 1222670 |
4. VRChat
Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat.
VRChat has achieved a Player Score of 74, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 215,573 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 160,875 positive reviews and 54,698 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 2/1/2017 |
| Developer | VRChat Inc. |
| Publisher | VRChat Inc. |
| Steam App Id | 438100 |
5. IdleOn - The Idle MMO
The RPG where all your characters keep grinding 24/7! Choose classes & skill trees as they level up, and spend their loot to gain more power... but don't be fooled by the simple graphics, IdleOn gets very complex!
IdleOn - The Idle MMO has achieved a Player Score of 77, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 16,374 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 12,822 positive reviews and 3,552 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play IdleOn - The Idle MMO on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 4/2/2021 |
| Developer | Lavaflame2 |
| Publisher | Lavaflame2 |
| Steam App Id | 1476970 |
6. Albion Online
Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion.
Albion Online has achieved a Player Score of 78, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 71,171 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 56,414 positive reviews and 14,757 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Albion Online on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 5/16/2018 |
| Developer | Sandbox Interactive GmbH |
| Publisher | Sandbox Interactive GmbH |
| Steam App Id | 761890 |
7. Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. Free to use for everyone, for any purpose.
Blender has achieved a Player Score of 95, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 56,619 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 54,749 positive reviews and 1,870 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Blender on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 4/24/2015 |
| Developer | Blender Foundation |
| Publisher | Blender Foundation |
| Steam App Id | 365670 |
8. Fallout Shelter
Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland.
Fallout Shelter has achieved a Player Score of 87, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 65,932 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 58,525 positive reviews and 7,407 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 3/29/2017 |
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Steam App Id | 588430 |
9. Crossout
Crossout - the post-apocalyptic MMO Action game! Craft your unique battle machines from dozens of interchangeable parts and destroy your enemies in explosive PvP online battles!
Crossout has achieved a Player Score of 75, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 59,519 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 45,043 positive reviews and 14,476 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Crossout on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 7/27/2017 |
| Developer | Targem Games |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 386180 |
10. Conqueror's Blade
Conqueror's Blade gives you a chance to be a true warlord. Commanding medieval troops in epic 15 vs. 15 siege battles, conquering cities with allies in the open world or fighting against players from all over the world – it's you who make the choice.
Conqueror's Blade has achieved a Player Score of 68, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 29,924 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 20,705 positive reviews and 9,219 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Conqueror's Blade on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 4/6/2020 |
| Developer | Booming Tech |
| Publisher | Poros Interactive |
| Steam App Id | 835570 |
More Free Sandbox Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Sandbox games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 42,158 | 7/7/2017 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 31,448 | 5/16/2020 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 26,824 | 6/18/2020 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 21,766 | 2/1/2017 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8,673 | 4/2/2021 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,871 | 5/16/2018 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 7,866 | 4/24/2015 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 5,136 | 3/29/2017 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,514 | 7/27/2017 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,353 | 4/6/2020 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,930 | 11/3/2021 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,035 | 9/1/2022 | 56 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,878 | 12/15/2010 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,711 | 2/14/2012 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,370 | 7/30/2022 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,365 | 1/26/2024 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,275 | 7/10/2012 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,178 | 9/2/2021 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,156 | 7/9/2015 | 79 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,077 | 8/2/2013 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 21). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 21). Unturned on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 23). tModLoader on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 27). The Sims™ 4 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 26). VRChat on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 25). IdleOn - The Idle MMO on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 26). Albion Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 27). Blender on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 9). Fallout Shelter on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 27). Crossout on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, April 26). Conqueror's Blade on Steam. Steam Store.