As someone who's always chasing that sense of absolute freedom in games, sandbox titles are where I truly feel at home. There's just something about stepping into a virtual world where you set the pace, make your own rules, and let your creativity run wild. In the past year, I've tried out a lot of new sandbox games on both mobile and PC, and honestly, it's been a blast. Today, I want to share my personal picks for the top 5 new sandbox games that completely blew me away with the kind of creative freedom they offer.

• TerraScape

  TerraScape was the first sandbox game this year that completely pulled me in. At its core, it's a builder's paradise: you get this massive, living world with no storyline limits or deadlines. I started out just laying down the basics—rivers, hills, forests—but quickly realized the game lets you mess with every element of nature. One night I spent hours experimenting with waterfalls and made a network of floating islands just because I could. The visuals have a soft, hand-painted look, which makes creating landscapes even more satisfying.

  What I appreciate most about TerraScape is how much it rewards experimentation. Instead of strict goals, it nudges you to play, combine tools, and figure things out. I've seen players build huge cities, wild amusement parks, even massive volcanoes. There's this relaxing, almost meditative vibe to it—you can work on a giant project or just mess around shaping the land. The controls are smooth and user-friendly, so you never feel overwhelmed, even when your world gets gigantic.

• Core Keeper

  Core Keeper is an underground sandbox adventure where digging, crafting, and exploration go hand in hand. I remember my first session: I set out with just a basic pickaxe, not knowing what to expect, and ended up discovering glowing caverns and rare treasures. The map feels endless, and there's always some new secret just below the surface. As I explored deeper, I started building up my base, organizing farms, and setting up power networks with friends online.

  The best part about Core Keeper is the creativity you can bring into your underground empire. I've crafted automated crop systems, designed cozy living spaces, and even set up traps for monsters that wander too close. The crafting and upgrading options are deep, and the multiplayer adds a whole new layer—working together to clear out new sections or showing off your latest contraptions is genuinely rewarding. It's a game that constantly surprises me and pushes me to try new ideas.

• My Time at Sandrock

  My Time at Sandrock is a breath of fresh air for anyone who loves combining sandbox building with story-driven adventures. Here, you take over a workshop in a dusty desert town, and every day brings something new. I found myself fixing machines, planting crops, and taking on quirky tasks for the townsfolk. The story unfolds at your pace, which means there's no rush—just pure, laid-back fun as you rebuild the town.

  The freedom in Sandrock is what makes it stand out. From decorating your house and designing furniture to mastering crafting recipes, the game puts you in charge of your experience. I loved meeting the local characters and seeing how my choices affected the world. Sometimes I'd spend hours just farming or exploring the outskirts, other times I'd be lost in upgrading my workshop. It's the perfect mix of chill, creativity, and satisfying progress.

• Teardown

  Teardown is probably the most fun I've ever had wrecking things in a sandbox game. The game drops you in fully destructible environments and encourages you to get creative with your demolition. Whether it's breaking into a safe or escaping after a heist, every mission is a puzzle—and every solution can be completely different. I've toppled buildings with vehicles, blown holes in walls, and even set elaborate chains of explosions just to see what happens.

  What really hooks me with Teardown is the freedom to improvise. The physics are incredible, so every action feels realistic—sometimes hilariously so. You can plan out your moves or just let chaos reign, and the modding community means there's always something new to try. It's a pure sandbox in the best sense: no right or wrong way to play, just endless ways to create (and destroy) whatever you can imagine.

• Disney Dreamlight Valley

  Disney Dreamlight Valley surprised me by how much sandbox freedom it offers behind the cute visuals. At first, I expected a simple, casual game, but soon realized there's so much to do. You can design your own town, decorate every corner, and rearrange buildings whenever you want. I spent days perfecting gardens, moving houses, and collecting furniture, making my dream Disney world come to life.

  Beyond just decorating, what I love is the chance to interact with famous Disney characters in everyday activities. There's fishing with Goofy, gardening with WALL-E, and endless quests that you can approach in any order. The game never pushes you to rush; you can set your own goals and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It's perfect for players who love to personalize and take things slow, with plenty of freedom to get creative at your own pace.