Uncovering the Best Starbound Alternatives for Your Next Adventure
Starbound, an indie game by Chucklefish Ltd., has captivated players with its 2D, procedurally generated universe, offering endless exploration for weapons, armor, and unique items. Since its beta testing launch on December 4, 2013, for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux, it has garnered a loyal following. However, for those seeking new horizons or slightly different gameplay experiences, a wealth of Starbound alternative options are available to embark on your next grand adventure.
Top Starbound Alternatives
If you're looking to dig into new worlds, craft epic gear, or simply explore vast, unknown territories, these alternatives offer similar core mechanics and unique twists that might just be your next favorite game.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a definitive sandbox mining and crafting game where you can create and explore infinite 3D voxel worlds. As a Starbound alternative, it offers unparalleled freedom in building and exploration, with extensive moddability, multiplayer options, and procedurally generated environments across numerous platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, and more. Its focus on creative building and survival makes it an excellent choice for fans of Starbound's crafting and exploration elements.
Terraria
Often dubbed the '2D Minecraft,' Terraria is an action-packed adventure game where you dig, fight, explore, and build. This commercial title is a fantastic Starbound alternative due to its similar 2D exploration and crafting mechanics. Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more, Terraria features extensive crafting, moddability, open-world exploration, multiplayer, and procedurally generated worlds, providing a rich experience akin to Starbound.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is an action-adventure survival video game developed by Hello Games, focusing on exploration and survival within a procedurally generated infinite universe. While 3D, its core loop of discovering new planets, gathering resources, and upgrading equipment makes it a compelling Starbound alternative. It's available on Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox, offering a vast open world and procedurally generated content for endless discovery.
The Blockheads
The Blockheads is a free-to-play 2D sandbox game for Android and iOS devices. Similar to Starbound, it involves survival, crafting, and building in a block-based world. Players must gather resources, build shelters, and explore. Its accessibility on mobile platforms and focus on survival and construction makes it a great Starbound alternative for on-the-go gaming.
Epic Inventor
Heavily inspired by Terraria, Epic Inventor is a free and open-source game available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. This 2D side-scrolling adventure features crafting, combat, and exploration in a similar vein to Starbound. Its open-source nature and free availability make it an attractive Starbound alternative for players looking for a budget-friendly option with familiar gameplay mechanics.
Craft The World
Craft The World uniquely blends sandbox strategy with elements from Dungeon Keeper, Terraria, and Dwarf Fortress. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, and Steam, this game involves managing a tribe of dwarves as they explore, gather resources, and build a fortress. Its focus on crafting, resource management, and exploration makes it an intriguing Starbound alternative for those who enjoy a strategic layer to their sandbox experience.
MinecraftVote
MinecraftVote is a free web-based platform designed to help players find Minecraft servers, categorized and ordered by public vote. While not a game itself, it serves as a valuable resource for finding multiplayer experiences within the Minecraft ecosystem, which is a significant Starbound alternative. For those seeking community-driven sandbox gameplay, this site helps connect players to endless server possibilities.
TerraGenesis
TerraGenesis is a freemium planet-building simulator rooted in real science, available on Android and iOS devices. While it diverges from Starbound's 2D action-adventure, its core mechanics of space exploration and terraforming new worlds offer a unique kind of sandbox experience focused on creation and discovery. This makes it an interesting Starbound alternative for players who enjoy scientific simulation and building on a grand scale.
Lamecraft
Lamecraft is an open-source Minecraft clone specifically designed for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). For players seeking a portable and free Starbound alternative that mirrors the voxel-based crafting and exploration, Lamecraft offers a nostalgic and accessible option, especially for those with older handheld consoles.
SwordCraft
SwordCraft is a free 2D building game for Android and iOS, drawing inspiration from Minecraft, Junk Jack, Blockheads, and Terraria. It offers a retro sandbox RPG experience with blocks, crafting, and multiplayer features. As a mobile-friendly Starbound alternative, it delivers similar elements of exploration and construction in a convenient format.
Whether you're looking for more in-depth crafting, vast exploration, or a different artistic style, these Starbound alternatives provide a rich array of experiences. Explore their unique features and platforms to find the perfect fit for your next gaming adventure!