Everyone can express their creativity in Minecraft however they want. No matter how weird your idea is, you can build it in Minecraft; if you want to build a statue of Santa Claus with a sword while riding a pink dragon with dark sunglasses, you can. The vast choices of colors the game has to offer is simply incredible.

However, even though Minecraft is for everyone, everyone cannot get Minecraft. Perhaps some players have other financial commitments that they cannot buy the game, or maybe their gadget or mobile platform is not up to spec. That should not hinder anyone’s creative endeavors, though.

As such, we explore some of the free alternatives to Minecraft where you can build, craft, and survive.

Roblox

Release Date: September 1, 2006
Developer: Roblox Corporation
Publisher: Roblox Corporation
Genre: First-person shooter, simulation, sandbox
Platforms: Fire OS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Android, iOS, Macintosh OS

The most famous out of this selection, Roblox has entertained a lot of people of all ages. Its Lego-like aesthetic is close to Minecraft’s uniqueness, and it empowers its players’ imagination to limitless possibilities. Roblox offers everyone the chance to make their own games with their engine, and everyone can play the games others have made.

Why is Roblox a free alternative to Minecraft?

Much like Minecraft, you can create amazing structures in Roblox. The game even takes it a step further as you can make a game within it using its engine. However, if you are only interested in building and not making games, you can still do it in Roblox. If you want the survival aspect of Minecraft, games within Roblox also offer the same experience.

Trove

Release Date: July 9, 2015
Developer: Trion Worlds
Publisher: Trion Worlds
Genre: MMORPG, Sandbox, Adventure
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Macintosh OS

Have you played Minecraft and wondered, “what would it be like if this were an MMORPG?” Trove can answer that question easily. Set out on adventures with your friends, delve in dungeons, and build your home in this game. You can even make worlds and gigantic structures on a large scale, like Minecraft.

Why is Trove a free alternative to Minecraft?

Trove’s blocky appearance is no stranger to Minecraft fans, so people looking for the game’s free alternatives would not be surprised by how Trove looks. Like Minecraft, you can build structures and worlds. Another thing that Trove has similar to Minecraft is the crafting, fishing, survival, and exploration elements. Trove even takes it a step further by having unique elements like classes.

Pixel Worlds: MMO Sandbox

Release Date: January 3, 2017
Developer: Kukouri Mobile Entertainment
Publisher: Kukouri Mobile Entertainment
Genre: MMORPG, Sandbox, Adventure
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS, Macintosh OS

If Minecraft’s 3D aspect does not fit you yet you still want to build, explore, and create, you can try out Pixel Worlds: MMO Sandbox. This 2D game has many features to offer. You can also make new friends within the game as you build the structures of your dreams. You can even customize your character to accessories like hats, masks, shields, wings, and more.

Why is Pixel Worlds: MMO Sandbox a free alternative to Minecraft?

The game has a ton of similarities with Minecraft; you can generate worlds, make large structures, craft new items, farm various crops and plants, and much more. It even has a parkour aspect, like how Minecraft has maps full of them. There are dungeons you can go into as well as other dimensions like the Nether.

Premium Alternatives to Minecraft

Free games are great and all, but sometimes, you want a full-fledged game without all the microtransactions bothering you. If you can go the extra mile and spend a few bucks on a game, and you are looking for something like Minecraft, then I have great suggestions that I am sure many gamers agree.

Subnautica

Release Date: January 23, 2018
Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Genre: Action-adventure, survival
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

One moment, you are in space on a large spaceship, and the next thing you know, you are crashing towards a planet full of water. Welcome to Subnautica, where you need to survive in an aquatic world by collecting its resources to build structures that can help you escape the planet. The deeper you go, the more dangerous the threats become. Here is a friendly guide for beginners of the game.

Why is Subnautica a premium alternative to Minecraft?

The essence of Minecraft and Subnautica are similar: you need to craft stuff to survive. To craft stuff, you need to gather resources through mining, killing animals, and more. If you are feeling creative instead, Subnautica also offers that freedom to its players. Despite their different aesthetic, they both have similar gameplay in a sense.

Stardew Valley

Release Date: February 26, 2016
Developer: Eric Barone, Sickhead Games, ConcernedApe
Publisher: Eric Barone, Chucklefish, Fangamer, 505 Games, ConcernedApe
Genre: RPG, indie, adventure, life simulation
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Linux, PlayStation Vita

Do you love the calming aura of Minecraft? While you are building your house as the sun sets, a familiar and nostalgic rhythm starts to play which reminds you of your childhood days. Stardew Valley is a game that can satisfy your need for tranquility. Here, you can farm different kinds of crops, slay beasts in the mines, strengthen relationships with various NPCs, and more.

Why is Stardew Valley a premium alternative to Minecraft?

Stardew Valley’s greatest elements, farming and fishing, are also elements within Minecraft. In Minecraft, you can breed livestock for food, wool, milk, and other stuff, same as Stardew Valley. You can also farm in Minecraft. If you want the peaceful vibe of the blocky game without worrying of creepers crawling behind you while you till the land, Stardew Valley is for you.