10 Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass (2024)

If you’re the type of gamer who prefers forging your own path, sandbox games are the perfect fit for you. They give you absolute freedom to do whatever you like, whether it’s coming up with your own objectives or roaming about an open-world environment as you please. On Xbox Game Pass, you’ll find too many options, which we’ve narrowed down to the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass below.

What is a Sandbox Game?

A sandbox game is any game that is free-form in its gameplay. It gives players the freedom to explore the environment however they want, set their own goals, and beat the game on their own terms. You’ll interact with people and the environment and build and create whatever you like. Ultimately, how small or big your playthrough gets is entirely dependent on your creativity.

Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass offers quite a decent bunch of sandbox games. But these best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass ought to come first in your search for games to play.

10. Hello Neighbor 2

Embark on a new stealth horror thriller in Hello Neighbor 2. It puts you behind the lens of a journalist called Quentin. You suspect your neighbor of funny business but can’t exactly report him without evidence. So, you do the only sane thing and investigate him on your own. But Mr Peterson, your neighbor, could be very dangerous. Rumors have it that he locks people in his basement. In any case, you brave the rumors and break into his house, crossing your fingers that you find evidence that sticks.

9. No Man’s Sky

There’s probably no other game as vast in depth and ground to cover as No Man’s Sky. It gives you entire galaxies, and you are free to do whatever you want. Within those galaxies, you discover all kinds of planets. Some have strange, alien species that may be hostile. So, you have to go to them prepared. But there are also planets ripe for research and development. Build thriving colonies and conquer space, all in one game.

8. Core Keeper

Core Keeper takes place in a cavern. You’ve mysteriously woken up here and now, and you have to mine for survival. Feel free to invite your friends with the game hosting up to eight players. You can mine together and discover exciting secrets together. Whether relics or resources you need to survive, Core Keeper is thriving with lots of discoveries to make. With the resources, you can craft better tools and expand your base into a thriving economy.

7. Astroneer

Another space-themed exploration game you can consider is Astroneer. It tackles survival and crafting with style. The time period is set in the 25th century, which brings exciting technology. Humans have finally made it to space, but upon landing, you discover space isn’t all that welcoming. There are harsh realities to contend with, even as you delve deeper into building bases and creating the tools you need.

6. Minecraft

Perhaps the most popular sandbox is Minecraft. It’s the OG that made free-form gameplay the giant sub-genre it is. You simply never run out of things to do in the game. There’s always a new land to conquer, more challenging species to defeat, better tools to craft, and more. You can build and craft structures that are as simple or as complex as you want, and all the resources you need will be at your disposal.

5. Palworld

The spotlight of Palworld shines on monster collection and taming. The monsters are called Pals and are wide-ranging in personality and size. But the gameplay goes beyond to include training your Pals to build bases, craft weapons, and even go on raids.

4. DayZ

All the information you need going into DayZ is that a zombie apocalypse is underway. What you do next is entirely up to you, whether it’s teaming up with other survivors or betraying them for your own good. The community playing this game is so huge you’ll definitely find friends. Survive together or rely on your own instincts. The choice is yours.

3. Terraria

Terraria follows in the footsteps of Minecraft, where you can conquer the world at your own pace and in your own time. However, most of your resources will require digging underground to mine valuable minerals and use them to craft new weapons. When you’ve built a strong community, you can head out and fight for even more resources. Thanks to the wealth of things to do and the multitude of resources you can find, you can easily clock hundreds of hours here stress-free.

2. Trailmakers

Trailmakers is a vehicle simulator where you build and customize the automobile of your dreams. You can throw logic out of the window, as combining a plane and a boat here is totally acceptable. The idea is to come up with the best creations that can withstand your exploration across an alien planet. Various dangers will strike, and you must be ready with the best attack and defense. Or a sports car perhaps will be better as you’re chased down by your friends. Just be careful to add features for durability and adaptability. To close, Trailmakers is, without a doubt, one of the best sandbox games on Xbox Game Pass.

1. My Time At Sandrock

My Time at Sandrock takes place in an arid desert. Still, there are lots of ways to get your hands dirty. You can gather resources, farm, and even craft new supplies. However, resources are scarce. So, you have to make pretty tough decisions. As the builder of  Sandrock town, it’s your responsibility to restore its former thriving status. Fortunately, you have other NPCs with which to collaborate. Plus, they keep you busy with tasks to take care of, among other missions. But ultimately, the game is a sandbox where you’re free to veer off of the beaten path and fulfil your heart’s deepest desires. In conclusion, My Time At Sandrock is a sandbox title that those with Xbox Game Pass simply can't pass up.

So, what's your take on our picks for the Best Sandbox Games on Xbox Game Pass? Do you agree with our picks? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.