Free Sandbox Games on Steam
Steam currently has 5,347 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 5/24/2024.
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 539,005 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 493,243 positive reviews and 45,762 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. 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 #2 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 136,815 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 119,837 positive reviews and 16,978 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 |
3. 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 #3 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 217,087 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 162,385 positive reviews and 54,702 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 |
4. 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 #4 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 249,240 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 241,897 positive reviews and 7,343 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).
5. 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 #5 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 72,526 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 57,437 positive reviews and 15,089 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 |
6. IdleOn - The Idle RPG
The RPG where all your characters grind for you! Choose classes as they level up, and spend their loot to gain more power... but don't let the simple graphics fool you, IdleOn gets more complex as you progress!
IdleOn - The Idle RPG has achieved a Player Score of 77, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 16,584 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 12,987 positive reviews and 3,597 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 RPG on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 4/2/2021 |
| Developer | Lavaflame2 |
| Publisher | Lavaflame2 |
| Steam App Id | 1476970 |
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 57,707 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 55,783 positive reviews and 1,924 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. 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 #8 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 59,836 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 45,253 positive reviews and 14,583 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 |
9. EVE Online
EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox.
EVE Online has achieved a Player Score of 73, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 33,736 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 25,003 positive reviews and 8,733 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play EVE Online on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
10. 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 #10 spot for the best free Sandbox games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 67,769 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 60,122 positive reviews and 7,647 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 |
More Free Sandbox Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Sandbox games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 60,616 | 7/7/2017 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 31,281 | 6/18/2020 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 30,611 | 2/1/2017 | 74 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 24,487 | 5/16/2020 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 14,624 | 5/16/2018 | 78 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 8,259 | 4/2/2021 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 6,266 | 4/24/2015 | 95 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 4,128 | 7/27/2017 | 75 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,841 | 12/16/2010 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,783 | 3/29/2017 | 87 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 3,047 | 11/3/2021 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,247 | 9/2/2021 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,155 | 2/14/2012 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,770 | 9/1/2022 | 56 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,436 | 8/2/2013 | 85 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,276 | 7/10/2012 | 91 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,081 | 6/14/2023 | 55 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,001 | 7/9/2015 | 79 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 904 | 12/13/2012 | 77 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 902 | 11/30/2021 | 82 | 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, May 24). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 24). Unturned on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 24). The Sims™ 4 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 24). VRChat on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 23). tModLoader on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 15). Albion Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 25). IdleOn - The Idle RPG on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 25). Blender on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 24). Crossout on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 22). EVE Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, May 24). Fallout Shelter on Steam. Steam Store.