23 Sandbox games like Crusader Kings II that you should try

It shares the essentials of what Crusader Kings II does: deep simulation, a sandbox world and a medieval setting. Both also lean on single-player focus and an isometric view. What it adds of its own: real-time strategy and cozy, relaxing feel.

Shelved next to Crusader Kings II for good reason: deep simulation, a sandbox world and fantasy world. To that it adds an isometric view and free-to-play access. They part company on setting and world: this one brings open world exploration.

On paper it is what Crusader Kings II is — deep simulation, a sandbox world and single-player focus — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings post-apocalyptic world and 2D presentation.

It comes from the same genre as Crusader Kings II and shares deep simulation, a sandbox world and fantasy world. Both also lean on single-player focus and an isometric view. The distance is in visuals and game mode — its own ground is a top-down view.

Same family as Crusader Kings II: turn-based strategy, a sandbox world and fantasy world. To that it adds single-player focus and an isometric view. They part company on visuals and game mode: this one brings procedural generation and horror setting.

The genre is the same as Crusader Kings II’s, and with it deep simulation, a sandbox world and fantasy world. To that it adds an isometric view and single-player focus. They part company on setting and game mode: this one brings procedural generation.

Shelved next to Crusader Kings II for good reason: deep simulation and a sandbox world. The distance is in setting and visuals — its own ground is an anime aesthetic and 2D presentation.

The common ground with Crusader Kings II is structural: deep simulation, a sandbox world and historical setting. To that it adds an isometric view and single-player focus. They part company on genre: this one brings real-time strategy.

What it holds in common with Crusader Kings II is shape: turn-based strategy, a sandbox world and historical setting. Both also lean on single-player focus and an isometric view. The distance is in genre and setting — its own ground is real-time strategy.

Held in common with Crusader Kings II: deep simulation, a sandbox world and a medieval setting. Both also lean on single-player focus. The distance is in genre and world — its own ground is real-time strategy and open world exploration.

The common ground with Crusader Kings II is structural: turn-based strategy, a sandbox world and historical setting. The common ground extends to single-player focus. Where the two diverge is genre and setting: real-time strategy.

It resembles Crusader Kings II most in how it is built: deep simulation, a sandbox world and historical setting. The common ground extends to single-player focus and an isometric view. Where the two diverge is genre: real-time strategy.

Its point of contact with Crusader Kings II is deep simulation, a sandbox world and a medieval setting. To that it adds single-player focus and an isometric view. They part company on genre: this one brings real-time strategy.

With Crusader Kings II it shares deep simulation, a sandbox world and a medieval setting. Both also lean on single-player focus and an isometric view. The distance is in genre — its own ground is real-time strategy.

With Crusader Kings II it shares deep simulation, a sandbox world and historical setting. Both also lean on single-player focus and an isometric view. The distance is in genre — its own ground is real-time strategy.