The best game like Terraria is Minecraft — the sandbox that shares Terraria’s mine-craft-build-survive loop, just in 3D. Starbound is the closest 2D match, taking Terraria’s formula across a galaxy of planets, while Core Keeper and Forager put their own spin on gathering and crafting.
Here are the best games like Terraria — sandbox crafting games about digging, building, fighting bosses and progressing — and which one suits you.
Best games like Terraria
Eight sandbox crafting games that deliver Terraria’s loop of digging, building, boss fights and progression.
| Game | Platforms | Why it’s like Terraria |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | PC, PS, Xbox, Switch, mobile | The mine-craft-build-survive loop, in 3D |
| Starbound | PC | Terraria’s 2D formula spread across a galaxy of planets |
| Core Keeper | PC, PS, Xbox, Switch | Top-down digging, crafting and bosses with 8-player co-op |
| Forager | PC, PS, Xbox, Switch | An addictive gather-craft-build-expand loop |
| Necesse | PC | A top-down take that keeps Terraria’s crafting and bosses |
| Dig or Die | PC | 2D crafting and base defence on a hostile planet |
| Stardew Valley | PC, PS, Xbox, Switch, mobile | The same digging, crafting and upgrading, with farming |
| Valheim | PC, Xbox | 3D survival crafting with deep base-building and bosses |
How we picked them
Terraria’s magic is the loop: dig for resources, craft better gear, build a base, beat a boss, and unlock the next tier. We prioritised games that keep that progression-driven crafting at the centre. Minecraft tops the list as the genre’s defining sandbox, just in 3D, while Starbound is the closest 2D sibling. Core Keeper, Forager and Necesse rework the loop from a top-down view, and Valheim is the pick if you want to carry that crafting-and-boss rhythm into a 3D survival world.
The top picks explained
Four games that best fill the Terraria-shaped hole.
#1
Closest 2D
Best co-op
Most moreish
More sandbox and survival picks? See our games like Minecraft, best survival games and best indie games guides.
Which one to play
Pick based on what you loved about Terraria.
| You loved… | Play |
|---|---|
| The build-and-survive loop | Minecraft or Valheim |
| 2D exploration and bosses | Starbound |
| Top-down digging with friends | Core Keeper |
| A fast gather-and-craft hit | Forager |
