While the world continues to be under the reins of the pandemic, the only legit form of entertainment has to be video games. No matter whether you play on PC, Console, or mobile, Gamers get to choose from a wide range of games spanning across various genres. With that being said, sandbox simulation games have been seeing a rise in players which is pretty good. So, if you are someone that has been playing Astroneer for a while, you might want to check out other sandbox games like Astroneer that you can play on PC.
If you have heard about Astroneer or have no idea about the game, then no worry. Astroneer is a fun sandbox simulation game that takes place in the 25th century right in outer space. You get to build different kinds of bases whether you want in on the ground or have it right up in space. The best part about Astroneer is that you can play around with a ton of friends online. So, if you have completed Astroneer or simply what to know what would be the next game to play on your list, here are the best games similar to Astroneer to play on PC.
PC Games like Astroneer
1. Hydroneer
While Astroneer is all about the 25th century and outer space, Hydroneer takes it all on the ground itself. You get to mine out various kinds of materials. Build different bases as well as use big construction trucks and rights that come in super handy. The game has a ton of terrain that you can explore and dig up to get various materials such as gold. The game is super simple and easy to understand what you need to do. The only drawback is that the online multiplayer is missing. Apart from that, a fun and enjoyable game.
- Release Date: 8 May 2020
- Developer: Foulball Hangover
- Store: Steam
2. Subnautica
Well, weโve so far seen a sandbox game take place in future space and one on land. Now, itโs time for some underwater fun. Yes, just as the gameโs title tells you what’s in store. Subnautica is the second game on our list of games like Astroneer. You are dropped into the middle of the ocean that has an underwater world with various kinds of aliens. As you come out of your life pod, you will have to begin looking for various kinds of necessary items such as food, water, and as well as tools you need for the exploration. Various creatures come out at night and will be right after you. So, get ready for some fun underwater thrills.
- Release Date: 23 Jan 2018
- Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Store: Steam
3. Satisfactory
Since this is a list about open-world sandbox games, it only makes more sense to put Satisfactory in the games like Astroneer list as well. You begin by building up small-scale factories that can be used to produce different kinds of materials. Once you have set them all up, you can then automate the process and the product will all take place on its own. From manufacturing different metals and even nuclear matter you have it all. With that being said, you can even go ahead and play with your friends, thanks to the online co-op mode. You can even explore your factory-filled world with the help of a few vehicles that you can drive around in.
- Release Date: 8 June 2020
- Developer: Coffee Stain Studios
- Store: Steam
4. Factorio
While Satisfactory has a more modern approach alongside it being a 3D game, Factorio is all about the old-school top-down 2D gameplay. Itโs like playing one of those games that were released back in the early 2000s. You start the game by building up factories where you will be producing different kinds of raw materials. While you are out and about building your factories, you will also have to keep in mind the people who will not like you making use of all the natural resources. The game gets interesting with the inclusion of multiplayer modes that lets you collab and build with friends as well as take part in different challenges. The game even lets you create your maps. There is a demo of the game you can try before you make up your mind about purchasing the game.
- Release Date: 14 August 2020
- Developer: Wube Software LTD
- Store: Steam
5. Timberborn
While a lot of these games involve your role by playing as a human being, what would happen if the humans just became extinct? Well, in Timberborn, the beavers have taken over the world, and they have been tasked to build and construct everything for their world. Be it bridges, houses, factories, and even dams. You will also have to deal with mother nature during the wet and dry spells alongside taking care of the water flow of the rivers. While you may put the beavers to work you also need to fulfill their needs such as food, rest as well as create an environment where they can enjoy and survive altogether.
- Release Date: 16 September 2021
- Developer: Mechanistry
- Store: Steam
6. Stationeers
Here is a fun survival sandbox game similar to Astroneer that takes place in space. You have access to all the raw materials and need to start your agricultural farms, and factories to distribute the finished goods. The game brings in the realism effect concerning temperatures, gas mixtures, waters, fired, and even pressures. This isnโt a gem where you would simply click and look at things that happen. The game requires that you understand what you are doing, how you plan to manage, and above all take care of everything that you have created without messing things up. The best part of the game is you can enjoy it online with your friends or even have a LAN party.
- Release Date: 13 December 2017
- Developer: RocketWerkz
- Store: Steam
7. The Forest
Enough of building factories and all the materials to deal with. Here is The Forest. A game where you are the only person to live after a jet crash. You begin by making a small camp for yourself to keep you safe from the calamities of nature as well as wild animals that can attack you as and when they please. You will also need to craft and build tools and weapons to be able to hunt as well as to build different items. While it might feel that you are the only person in the forest, think again! There are different enemies and even mutants who will always be ready to attack you, hence the need for various weapons.
- Release Date: 30 April 2018
- Developer: Endnight Games LTD
- Store: Steam
8. Rust
Here is a sandbox survival game like Astroneer that takes place on an unknown island. You will have to figure out different means and ways to survive and keep yourself safe from the wild. Rust lets you build small storage facilities for your resources or even camps and bases that can be used to defend the land that you are on. There will also be the need to build weapons as you fight against various other players in the online mode. Similarly, you can also team up with your friends to have some fun building various structures and even drive around different vehicles. There are also guns available for you to fight around with.
- Release Date: 8 February 2018
- Developer: Facepunch Studios
- Store: Steam
9. Raft
Raft is a fun adventure sandbox game that puts you right in the middle of the sea. You start with yourself on a small raft, and you aim to collect different materials to build various structures, store food materials, and above all ensure that the sharks do not come at you destroying your raft. In the case of resource collecting, you will have to pick up things that are floating by your raft. You miss the item, itโs gone. We said you could build structures. Sure, but youโll have to be building all of it right on your raft- a floating house if you can call it. You can also venture underwater and look for some more resources. The game gets even more fun when you have a group of friends that you can play with within the online multiplayer modes. No matter what you do or what you build, you will need to survive through all of it.
- Release Date: 23 May 2018
- Developer: Redbeet Interactive
- Store: Steam
10 Empyrion- Galactic Survival
The final game on this list of sandbox games like Astroneer, we have a space survival game called Empyrion- Galactic Survival. It takes place in the space where you will be building different kidneys of space stations along with spaceships and even settlements. While you be out and about in the solar system building and constructing various items, you need to keep in mind that you also need to survive. With that being said, food and oxygen are the important resources you will need, but they are scarce. Apart from the aliens, you will also find different wildlife that can and will attack you at times. You can go on hunting adventures if you like with your friends in multiplayer online modes.
- Release Date: 5 August 2020
- Developer: Eleon Game Studios
- Store: Steam
Conclusion
And this is the end of the list of sandbox survival games like Astroneer that can be played on Steam. While Astroneer is still receiving new updates and content, it will surely be taking a long time for an Astroneer 2 game, that is, if there is a sequel even planned out for the game. So, in the meantime, feel free to play these other survival sandbox games on PC. If you know of a game similar to Astroneer, feel free to let us know in the comments below.
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