Top Minecraft-Inspired Games to Explore in May 2025

Minecraft’s blocky brilliance has shaped gaming since its 2011 debut, spawning a wave of titles that echo its sandbox and survival charm. These games, often dubbed “clones,” take Minecraft’s core ideas—crafting, building, and surviving—and spin them into fresh experiences.

Pocket Craft: Survivor Mode

Mobile Survival in a Blocky World

Released in May 2014 by Bunbo Games, Pocket Craft: Survivor Mode brought Minecraft’s survival essence to iOS devices. Players gather resources and build shelters to fend off nightly zombie attacks. The game leans heavily on survival mechanics, sidelining the sandbox creativity Minecraft is known for, but its mobile accessibility made it a hit when it launched.

Available on iOS.

Minebuild: Worldcraft Survival

Android’s Sandbox Adventure

Launched in June 2015 by Pixelbox Studio, Minebuild: Worldcraft Survival is an Android title that mirrors Minecraft’s sandbox and crafting focus. Unlike many clones that prioritise combat, this game offers players freedom to build and explore. Despite arriving after Minecraft’s mobile debut, it gained traction for features that stood out on handheld devices.

Available on Android.

Total Miner

Voxel Building with RPG Flair

Total Miner, developed by SamplerState Games LLC, hit Microsoft Windows in December 2017 after an Xbox 360 debut. This voxel-based sandbox game blends Minecraft-style building with RPG elements like skill trees. Supporting up to 24 players in multiplayer, it offers a robust alternative for fans seeking a familiar yet distinct experience.

Available on Microsoft Windows.

FortressCraft Evolved!

Alien Worlds and Tower Defense

FortressCraft Evolved! by ProjectorGames, released in November 2015, mixes voxel worlds with tower defense and assembly-line mechanics. Players crash-land on an alien planet, starting with minimal tools to build and defend. Its massive landscapes and unique gameplay elements set it apart from traditional Minecraft clones while retaining survival charm.

Available on Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox 360, and macOS.

Cube World

Vibrant RPG Exploration

Picroma’s Cube World, fully released in 2019 after a 2013 alpha, transforms Minecraft’s blocky aesthetic into a vibrant RPG. With pixelated graphics, players explore castles and dungeons, focusing on combat over crafting. Its open-world freedom and character creation make it a compelling twist on Minecraft’s formula.

Available on Microsoft Windows.

Minetest

Create Your Own Voxel Games

Minetest, an open-source project by the Minetest Team since November 2010, is a voxel game engine that lets players design their own Minecraft-like experiences. Its simple graphics, popularised by Minecraft’s rise, helped it thrive among indie developers. The flexibility to craft unique games sets it apart.

Available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, and Android.

CastleMiner Z

Zombie-Infested Block Worlds

Developed by Digital DNA and released in November 2011, CastleMiner Z is a sequel in the CastleMiner series. Players explore block-based terrains, surviving against zombie hordes. The ability to choose terrain types and its focus on horror-infused survival give it high replayability compared to other clones.

Available on Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360.

Cube Life: Island Survival

Stranded on a Blocky Island

Cube Life: Island Survival, released by Cypronia in June 2015, strands players on a blocky island where they face cannibals and bosses. Originally a Wii U title, it’s now available across multiple platforms, offering survival, creative, and multiplayer modes. Its distinct survival focus differentiates it from Minecraft’s broader scope.

Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Wii U.

LEGO Worlds

Build with LEGO Bricks

LEGO Worlds, developed by Traveller’s Tales and released in June 2015, swaps Minecraft’s blocks for LEGO bricks in a procedurally generated world. Players collect gold bricks across planets, completing quests to become master builders. Its single-character focus and sandbox gameplay offer a fresh spin on the LEGO franchise.

Available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Starbound

Sci-Fi Survival in 2D

Starbound, released by Chucklefish in July 2016, is a 2D sci-fi sandbox often likened to “Terraria in space.” With procedurally generated planets, quests, and a strong modding community, it blends Minecraft’s survival and exploration with a galactic twist. Players enjoy its free-roaming freedom and unique setting.

Available on PC and Xbox One.

Terraria

2D Sandbox Mastery

Terraria, developed by Re-Logic and released in May 2011, is a 2D sandbox that rivals Minecraft’s popularity. Blending action, adventure, and intricate crafting, it offers a vibrant world that evolves with updates. Its mix of Minecraft’s sandbox style with classic 2D gameplay makes it a must-play for genre fans.

Available on PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, 3DS, and Stadia.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

RPG Meets Sandbox

Dragon Quest Builders 2, released by Square Enix and Omega Force in July 2019, merges the Dragon Quest RPG series with Minecraft’s sandbox style. Players engage in hack-and-slash combat and build in a vibrant world. Its accessible yet deep gameplay makes it a standout, blending traditional RPG elements with block-based creativity.

Available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.