Re-Logic's epic 2D sandbox game, Terraria, has become one of the biggest, most played indie games since its launch over a decade ago, selling tens of millions. This rich, expansive romp manages to be both familiar and unique; blending Metroidvania gameplay with retro-style action and Minecraft-like crafting in a 2D space

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15 Beginner Tips For Core Keeper

Core Keeper can be intimidating at the start. Here's everything beginners need to know to survive this endless cavern of mystery.

The charming pixel art brings a visual charm that draws in the player and refuses to let go. With this distinct blend of genres and endless versatility, it can be tough to find games that adhere to a similar style. Yet, there are plenty of choices that draw from some of Terraria's key elements. These are the best games like Terraria.

Updated on December 11, 2024, by Gerardo Molina: Games like Terraria are fun for players of all ages, as they offer multiple things to keep them entertained and hooked for hours on end. Whether it is resource gathering, exploration, crafting and mining, there's always something to do. And this gets even better when there's a goal to accomplish and a community to manage, as it increases the sense of responsibility and thus the sense of satisfaction once a task is successfully completed. Regardless of the setting, the characters, or the year of release, these games always have something to offer players and keep the genre popular for years to come.

26 Core Keeper

Up To 8 Players Can Work Together To Progress Through The Game

Core Keeper
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Survival
Sandbox
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Released
August 27, 2024
Developer(s)
Pugstorm
Genre(s)
Survival, Sandbox

Supporting up to 8 players, Core Keeper offers a fun experience where players will find themselves in an underground cave filled with technology that appears to be obsolete.

Fighting and digging in every direction are some of the key parts of this game, and thanks to the procedurally generated areas this title has to offer, there's never a shortage of fun or two experiences that are exactly alike. The survival mechanics feel great and challenging enough, but without taking away from the rest of the experience.

25 RimWorld

Exploration Is Critical For Survival

RimWorld
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Simulation
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Released
October 17, 2018
Developer(s)
Ludeon Studios
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, Xbox One
Genre(s)
Simulation

RimWorld puts players in a difficult situation, where they'll be stranded on procedurally generated planets in the farthest reaches of space. Similar to other games in this genre, players will have to figure out different ways to survive the hostile conditions of their current location and fight against the many dangers lurking in the shadows.

With the game's main goal being to escape the inhospitable planet, players' efforts should be mostly focused on either building a spaceship ot finding a broken-down one to use as transportation and survive the adventure.

24 Portal Knights

Slaying Monsters Is Really Fun

Portal Knights
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Action RPG
Sandbox
Adventure
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Released
May 18, 2017
Developer(s)
Keen Games
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Sandbox, Adventure

This 2017 title from Keen Games stresses social multiplayer gameplay with up to four players, giving a wide berth to play around with in its vibrant sandbox worlds. At the same time, there's much for solo knights to partake in too, as they can craft many items and weapons, slay monsters, and build complex structures.

Portal Knights largely parallels the mechanics and goals of Terraria, while adding a cuter vibe and a third dimension. The game feels quite Minecraft-esque as one might expect; though with sleeker visuals and a more user-friendly interface that's less overwhelming.

23 Minecraft Dungeons

An Interesting Take On Minecraft

Minecraft Dungeons
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Dungeon Crawler
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Released
May 26, 2020
Developer(s)
Mojang, Double Eleven
Genre(s)
Dungeon Crawler

Despite its namesake, there's little this dungeon-crawling spin-off has in common with Minecraft, let alone Re-Logic's game, from a purely mechanical standpoint. Yet, fans should appreciate the fusion of retro-style visuals, deep exploration, and the onslaught of combat Minecraft Dungeons brings.

The game stresses bartering, customization, and randomized factors — all of which balance the fun-but-repetitive fighting with some depth and freedom. While the core game was fairly scant, various DLC packs have augmented the experience since its release.

22 MoonQuest

Diverse Locations That Keep The Game Interesting

  • Platform(s): Windows, Linux, macOS
  • Released: July 13, 2018
  • Developer(s): Wizard Mode
  • Genre(s): Adventure Game, Platform Game

Wizard Mode truly embraces both retro and modern open-world sensibilities with MoonQuest. The game is a free-roaming sandbox romp that has players shooting for the moon. The gripping exploration, crafting, and questing are enhanced by charming pixel art and lush biome backdrops that include icy mountains and ancient ruins.

Core keeper rings
Core Keeper: Best Rings, Ranked

Core Keeper players looking to make use of some remarkable buffs are likely to enjoy what these rings have to offer.

Procedurally generated regions keep gamers on their toes, and a slew of unique characters beckons them to embark on multiple journeys. Gamers can play as a magic Elemental who can attune to ore, a Spartan laced with golden armor, a whimsical alien Moonman, and several others.

21 Aegis Defenders

Gorgeous Art Style

  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, macOS, SteamOS, Classic Mac OS
  • Released: May 27, 2015
  • Developer(s): GUTS Department
  • Genre(s): Platform Game, Tower Defense

Resembling the Blizzard hidden gem Lost Vikings with tower-defense gameplay, Aegis Defenders is a uniquely fun genre-bender that works surprisingly well. Gamers take charge as the 'Ruinhunters' Bart and his granddaughter Clu as they seek to keep a deadly super-weapon out of the hands of an evil empire.

Each colorful 2D stage has gamers shift between the two avatars with separate abilities taking out foes and solving puzzles to progress. This often leads to climactic showdowns, which shift into particularly fun tower-defense survival in 2D form, as waves of creatures pursue. Terraria fans should enjoy the 16-bit retro vibe, but also the light survival elements and item-building to help stave off foes.

20 Stardew Valley

Farming And Crafting Are Key Elements Of The Game

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

Often considered the next Harvest Moon rife with even more features — Stardew Valley quickly became a hit after its 2016 release. ConcernedApe's cute-yet-expansive sim RPG is chock-full of appealing gameplay of all sorts. Players can focus on farming, crafting, management, and relationship-building in sim fashion, which is especially fun with other players.

Core Keeper Early Scenes Core Adventurer Base
Core Keeper: Best Necklaces, Ranked

From the Atlantean Worm Necklace to the Heart Berry Necklace, Core Keeper offers a fantastic selection of necklaces to seek out.

Though Stardew Valley also brings more traditional gameplay components through cave journeying and fighting monsters or taking on quests. This marriage of modern sim features and retro RPG mechanics rounds out the experience and offers something for everyone.

19 Oxygen Not Included

A Deep-space Story With Lots Of Challenges

Oxygen Not Included
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Simulation
Survival
Management
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Released
May 18, 2017
Developer(s)
Klei Entertainment
Platform(s)
PC
Genre(s)
Simulation, Survival, Management

Players will find it easy to get lost in this interstellar odyssey; a survival sim that pits three colonists on an asteroid. A hostile space rock will need to be civilized and cultivated, as players must learn to make do and craft an on-the-fly space colony. Oxygen Not Included resembles the underground plundering or Re-Logic's game in question, though decorates it with a vibrant and cute animated style.

While simple on some levels, the game keeps players guessing with its procedurally generated maps and multiple tasks to manage at once. As the name hints, players will also need to be careful not to lose precious oxygen, bringing a distinctly tricky element to the gameplay.

18 Cube Life: Survival Island

A Great Game That Was Overshadowed By Minecraft

  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, macOS, Wii U, Android
  • Released: June 4, 2015
  • Developer(s): Cypronia
  • Genre(s): Adventure Game, Indie Game

Starting out as an overt Minecraft clone on the Wii U, this obscure alternative has recently resurfaced on Switch. While overshadowed by Mojang's game, which finally has a home on Nintendo's console, Cube Life is at least distinct in a few areas. It certainly has some familiar Minecraft staples, from its passive creative mode to its blocky graphics.

Yet, this title adheres a bit more closely to traditional gameplay structures, with its set (not randomized) island setting, and an actual story mode. Its more forgiving gameplay also makes Cube Life a suitable introductory game for those hesitant to dive into the grind of Minecraft or Terraria. Its premise of hunkering down on an island should also draw fans of Re-Logic's survival romp.

17 Raft

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

Take the survival and management traits of Minecraft or Terraria and shift the setting to the open sea — and this hidden gem for PC is the result. Like Re-Logic's romp, Raft has players using their wits, and a slew of items, to survive the vulnerable, hostile conditions surrounding them, either alone or with a friend.

As one might guess with an ocean locale, the game takes a more minimal approach. Still, there's plenty to occupy oneself with while performing tasks on the life raft, and ample shark attacks to stave off in the meantime.