9 Sandbox games like Elite Dangerous that you should try

If Elite Dangerous worked for you because of open world exploration, melee combat and a space setting, the same is here. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. The distance is in tone and game mode — its own ground is strong narrative focus.

What it holds in common with Elite Dangerous is shape: deep RPG systems, a sandbox world and single-player focus. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and a third-person camera. They part company on visuals: this one brings third-person shooting and PvP competition.

Its point of contact with Elite Dangerous is deep RPG systems, a sandbox world and melee combat. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and co-op play. Where the two diverge is setting and visuals: a mythological setting and crafting mechanics.

The genre is the same as Elite Dangerous’s, and with it open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. The distance is in tone and game mode — its own ground is strong narrative focus and stealth mechanics.

Shelved next to Elite Dangerous for good reason: open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a first-person view. Where the two diverge is tone and game mode: strong narrative focus and ranged combat.

What brings it close to Elite Dangerous is open world exploration, melee combat and multiplayer gameplay, and the two track each other on genre, combat and game mode. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a first-person view. Where the two diverge is setting and progression: horror setting and base building.

The common ground with Elite Dangerous is structural: deep RPG systems, open world exploration and melee combat. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and co-op play. The distance is in setting and progression — its own ground is fantasy world and base building.

Its point of contact with Elite Dangerous is deep RPG systems, open world exploration and melee combat. The common ground extends to a sci-fi setting and multiplayer gameplay. Where the two diverge is setting and visuals: fantasy world and offline play.

The genre is the same as Elite Dangerous’s, and with it 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 magic-based combat and fantasy world.