Summary

  • Factorio is a factory optimization game that offers endless possibilities for players to set up and automate their operations.
  • Don't Starve Together combines survival gameplay with cooperative play, requiring players to manage resources and craft items to survive.
  • No Man's Sky has evolved from a troubled release to become one of the best space exploration games, featuring intricate crafting systems and a vast, explorable universe.

There is just something about crafting games that keeps pulling more and more players into the genre, which in turn makes more and more of such games. At this point, players can mine, craft, and build pretty much anything they could imagine in one game or another.

The-Forest-6-Best-Base-Locations
The Forest: Best Base Locations

The Forest is an amazing survival-horror game that has a lot of options for great base builds, but choosing the right location is important.

But among the myriad of titles, certain games have stood the test of time and simply refused to get pushed out by the competition. Some of them continue to receive regular updates to this day, and only continue to grow their dedicated fanbase. Regardless of the particular reason for their triumph, these crafting titans are standing tall and proud on their player-built pedestals.

8 Factorio

Metascore - 90

Factory
Factorio
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Simulation
Real-Time Strategy
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Released
August 14, 2020
Developer(s)
Wube Software
Platform(s)
PC, Switch
Genre(s)
Simulation, Real-Time Strategy

Factorio took the basic premise of factory optimization and went absolutely nuts with it. There are countless ways for players to set up their particular operations, from resourcing to production to shipment, from an empty field to a busy and fully-automated production line.

It is ridiculous just how easy it is to get lost in the manufacturing process for hours, building and perfecting every little detail. And no matter how much work has already gone into the map, hardcore players know: there is always room for improvement.

7 Don't Starve Together

Metascore - 83

Wilson, Willow, Wolfgang, and Wurt in Don't Starve Together
Don't Starve Together
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Released
April 21, 2016
Developer(s)
Klei Entertainment
Genre(s)
Survival, Adventure, Open-World, Crafting, Sandbox

The original solo survival game Don't Starve took the world by storm with its charming art style, deep lore, and incredible attention to cartoony details. With the basic idea being spelled out right there in the name, players eagerly explored the dangerous and unwelcoming world.

The addition of co-op in Don't Starve Together was the perfect match, as players began to gather resources together . With more helping hands came more mouths that needed feeding, and so the management of resources became even more important. Thankfully, the fantastic library of craftable items, mechanisms, and buildings is there to support players even during the harshest winter.

6 No Man's Sky

Metascore - 83

Starship
No Man's Sky
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Back when the game was initially released, it would probably be fair to say that no one was expecting to see No Man's Sky on any “good” game lists, ever. From unfulfilled promises to the myriad of bugs, the game was in a tough spot indeed.

However, the developers have diligently stuck to their vision and relentlessly continued to work and develop it. And now, it is easily one of the best space exploration games ever, with an intricate gathering and crafting system, incredible customization, and finally, the promised freedom that comes with a beautiful, boundless galaxy, fully explorable solo or with a friend.

5 Stardew Valley

Metascore - 89

Farm-2
Stardew Valley
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RPG
Simulation
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Released
February 26, 2016
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe
Platform(s)
PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch
Genre(s)
RPG, Simulation

Concerned Ape took the very best aspects of beloved farming simulators, added his own vision and knowledge, and made something truly unique. From the cozy art style, to great writing, to the wide variety of activities that the game offers, there's no other game quite like Stardew Valley.

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There is a lot to gather in the game and even more things to do with them. From building farm extensions to useful gadgets and containers to cooking over 70 different recipes. At the end of the day, players are free to entertain themselves in whatever fashion they prefer, with the added bonus of possible cooperative play to help with all these tasks.

4 Terraria

Metascore - 81

Wall of Flesh
Terraria
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Released
May 16, 2011
Developer(s)
Re-Logic
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure, Sandbox

At a glance, this game might appear to be a certain popular crafting game’s 2D clone, but nothing could be further from the truth. Terraria proudly stands on its own merits, from the deep weapon system to numerous difficult boss fights and so much more.

Combat is one of the main focuses in the game, and most of the important materials that the players find will, one way or another, be used to craft better gear, armor, and weapons to challenge bigger and scarier monsters, which can be tackled with a friend as well.

3 Raft

Steam reviews - Very Positive (254,244)

Island
Raft
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Released
June 20, 2022
Developer(s)
Redbeet Interactive
Platform(s)
PC
Genre(s)
Survival

How far could someone get if they found themselves in the middle of the ocean, with nothing but a shaky raft beneath them? Apparently, very far. From gathering the floating pieces of junk to make a method of collecting water to creating a sprawling floating fortress that navigates the dangerous ocean waters, Raft proves that there's always a way to survive, even on the open ocean.

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The game allows for a lot of creativity from players, giving them the necessary tools to build pretty much any structure as long as it remains above water. Balancing typical survival aspects with building and crafting, on top of a unique setting, makes this a great choice to pick up.

2 The Forest

Metascore - 83

Axe-1
The Forest
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Survival Horror
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Released
April 30, 2018
Developer(s)
Endnight Games
Platform(s)
PC, PS4
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

Despite the recent sequel, the original game still stands strong and even surpasses the new one in terms of Steam daily players. The Forest has a deep, twisted story and a haunting atmosphere like no other.

Besides the usual survival routine, players will need to be aware of their impact on their immediate surroundings due to the enemy’s incredible AI. The cannibals will notice chopped trees, odd buildings, and otherwise alien activity. After calling for the rest of the tribe, they will begin to hunt the unfortunate players. When this happens, it helps to have brought a friend along for backup.

1 Minecraft

Metascore - 82

Bisons, Bears
Minecraft
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Sandbox
Survival
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Released
November 18, 2011
Developer(s)
Mojang
Genre(s)
Sandbox, Survival

It would be a real challenge to find someone who hasn’t heard of this game. For years, the Minecraft scene has only continued to grow, with more and more content released every year. The game’s familiar formula has effortlessly proven itself over and over again.

With so many new biomes, creatures, and even mechanics, veteran players coming back might get a little disoriented at first but will quickly find that their beloved game is still there, only bigger and better. Minecraft continues to reign over any other mining and crafting game, and it might be a while before it is knocked off the pedestal.

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