12 Sandbox games like Arma 3 that you should try

It shares the essentials of what Arma 3 does: open world exploration, tactical combat and historical setting. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and a first-person view. The distance is in combat — its own ground is stealth mechanics.

It shares the essentials of what Arma 3 does: open world exploration, tactical combat and historical setting. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and multiplayer gameplay.

Shelved next to Arma 3 for good reason: a sandbox world, melee combat and single-player focus. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and a first-person view. The distance is in setting and game mode — its own ground is a space setting.

The thread back to Arma 3 runs through shooting mechanics, open world exploration and melee combat. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. They part company on genre and combat: this one brings adventure storytelling and stealth mechanics.

It resembles Arma 3 most in how it is built: shooting mechanics, open world exploration and melee combat. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is genre and progression: loot and gear systems, and adventure storytelling.

It resembles Arma 3 most in how it is built: third-person shooting, open world exploration and melee combat. To that it adds a third-person camera and single-player focus. They part company on visuals and genre: this one brings adventure storytelling and skill tree progression.

What it holds in common with Arma 3 is shape: shooting mechanics, open world exploration and melee combat. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and online features. The distance is in genre and progression — its own ground is adventure storytelling and stealth mechanics.

The thread back to Arma 3 runs through third-person shooting, open world exploration and melee combat. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and multiplayer gameplay. They part company on visuals and genre: this one brings adventure storytelling.

The common ground with Arma 3 is structural: shooting mechanics, open world exploration and melee combat. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings adventure storytelling and a sci-fi setting.

What carries over from Arma 3 is a sandbox world, melee combat and single-player focus. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a first-person view. Where the two diverge is visuals: 3D presentation.

The genre is the same as Arma 3’s, and with it a sandbox world, melee combat and multiplayer gameplay. Both also lean on exploration and discovery. The distance is in visuals and combat — its own ground is skill tree progression and 3D presentation.

What carries over from Arma 3 is open world exploration, melee combat and multiplayer gameplay. To that it adds exploration and discovery. They part company on combat: this one brings adventure storytelling and a casual, approachable feel.