Terraria is a great example of how beloved certain games can become if the developer treats them with utmost love and respect. The game could've been written off as a 2D Minecraft, but the game did a ton to separate itself from this attached identity.
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From Starbound's alien terraforming to WorldBox's god-sim chaos, these 2D sandbox games are ideal for players craving creative control.
As things stand, Terraria stands on its own as one of the greatest 2D survival games of all time. If players want to check out other titles in the same vein that take place in a 3D landscape, then these games will be right up their alley.
Minecraft
The Most Obvious Recommendation Here
Minecraft
- Released
- November 18, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
Minecraft is very much the 3D Terraria that fans want, if they haven't played this legendary game already. The sheer amount of gameplay loops in this title is mind-boggling and keeps fans coming back for more.
Crafting items to become stronger and eventually take out the Ender Dragon is just one of the many ways people can approach a playthrough in Minecraft. Players can also remove enemies to focus solely on the creative side of things or join other servers and see the many ways that players have let their creativity shine in this title.
Dragon Quest Builders 2
An ARPG With A Huge Focus On Constructing Things
Dragon Quest Builders 2
- Released
- July 12, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Adventure
No one expected the Dragon Quest franchise to delve into the realm of survival gameplay, but that's precisely what made Dragon Quest Builders and its sequel so special. The ARPG gameplay lets players fight against iconic Dragon Quest foes while also acquiring materials to engage with base-building mechanics.
This will be right up the alley of Terraria fans who want to enjoy an equal level of crafting and action in their video games. Dragon Quest Builders 2 refines the formula of the first game and is perfect for JRPG fans who want to enjoy a great role-playing experience with a twist.
Valheim
Fans Can't Wait For The 1.0 Release To Blow Their Minds
Valheim
- Released
- February 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- r
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
Valheim is poised to break new ground in the survival genre, something it has already done in Early Access. The simple act of cooking food becomes something that can make or break a run in Valheim and is a huge part of what makes it so special.
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Players who love Terraria's boundless content but want to enjoy a relatively new take on the genre will have a great time with Valheim. The 1.0 release of this title will prove to be groundbreaking in the survival genre, and the fact that this game is a passion project made by just five people just hammers in the comparisons to Terraria and its reputation as a labor of love.
Palworld
One Of The Biggest Survival Games Around, With A Focus On Collecting Monsters
Palworld
- Released
- January 19, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Violence
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Shooter, Survival
There's no denying that Palworld tried to cater to the Pokemon market, but that should take nothing away from the incredible survival gameplay on display here. Beating down Pals using weapons and making them work on the player's plot is very entertaining, despite the messed-up connotations.
The Pokemon legal battles just served to keep this title in the limelight, and fans can't wait for the upcoming Palfarm update to knock their socks off. Once the title's gameplay is polished to a T, Palworld has the potential to be one of the better survival games players can get their hands on.
7 Days To Die
Players Who Want A More Mature And Hardcore Take On Terraria's Formula Will Love This Game
7 Days to Die
- Released
- June 28, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Players looking for a more hardcore take on Terraria's gameplay loop will have a blast with 7 Days to Die. This zombie survival game is not for the faint of heart, especially since the undead assault at the end of every week is bound to frustrate them over and over again.
This makes it important for players to spend a few playthroughs learning the game's mechanics before they can even think of surviving the weekly zombie assault. Succeeding in this task is very satisfying, although players have to start preparing once again for next week's attack that will be even more ferocious than the last.
V Rising
A Vampire ARPG With Resource-Collecting And Base-Building Mechanics
V Rising
- Released
- May 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Fans are starved for good video games featuring vampires, which is why they love V Rising so much. Taking part in regular ARPG gameplay is fun and all, but what makes this game even more captivating is when players have to design their castle.
This ensures that the Terraria itch will be scratched by this compelling action-survival game. The dark fantasy twist ensures that fans tired of Terraria's charming pixel art will find this title to be a breath of fresh air.
No Man's Sky
Perfect For Terraria Fans Who Want To Enjoy Games With An Interstellar Twist
No Man's Sky
- Released
- August 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
No Man's Sky was pretty barebones at launch, but Hello Games made it a point to load up this game with as much content as possible while addressing fan complaints. This has turned the modern version of No Man's Sky into a must-play title for fans of sci-fi games that place a huge focus on exploration.
Terraria fans who want to enjoy a completely different setting will love their spacefaring adventures in No Man's Sky. The various free expansions have ensured that crafting feels more impactful and detailed than ever before, ensuring that players will always have something or the other to invest their resources in as they make progress in this title.
The Alters
Compelling Survival Gameplay Held Up By An Excellent Story
The Alters
- Released
- June 13, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Survival, Strategy, Management
The Alters is one of the greatest modern survival games ever made, which comes jam-packed with a riveting story and tantalizing gameplay. Players control Jan Dolski and must form his Alters to run a base on an alien planet, acquiring valuable Rapidium in the process.
The survival gameplay has shades of Death Stranding, while Terraria fans will love the meticulous task of building their base and connected resource points. All of this comes packed with an excellent sci-fi story that is surprisingly philosophical and serves as yet another highlight of a wonderful experience.
Terraria
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 76%