The 16 Best Sandbox MMORPGs In 2025

Tired of MMOs that send you on a predefined journey with no possibility of experiencing personal adventures and comprehensive crafting? Then you might be looking for a sandbox MMO.

Among the various subgenres of MMOs, sandbox games stand out for their emphasis on player freedom, creativity, and emergent gameplay. Unlike theme park MMOs, which guide players through a series of structured quests and activities, sandbox MMOs give players the tools to shape the world around them, create their own stories, and forge their own paths.

We have prepared an inclusive MMO list with titles each having a unique take on the sandbox genre.

In Development

Let’s start a game that hasn’t been released yet.

ArcheAge Chronicles

• Developer: XLGames
• Expected Release: 2025
• Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• Suitable for: Players interested in expansive, player-driven environments

The ArcheAge universe is set to expand with the upcoming release of ArcheAge Chronicles. This new title aims to build on the foundations of the original game, which many see as the greatest sandbox MMO of all time while introducing fresh elements to appeal to a broader audience.

Set approximately 50 years after the events of the original ArcheAge, Chronicles shifts its focus to the untold stories of Auroria’s settlers. While the first game centered on preventing a large-scale catastrophe, this new chapter explores the lives, struggles, and aspirations of those who ventured into Auroria during its discovery.

Chronicles will have faster-paced combat than the original. Lifestyle content, housing, and trading systems all return, but with added depth and customization options. Players can personalize their homes extensively, with the ability to share living spaces with others for a more collaborative experience.

Crafting and trade remain central to gameplay, with familiar mechanics such as wagon-based trade runs and regional markets also returns.

Released

Next up, let’s look at some games that are available to play now.

16. Pax Dei

• Developer: Mainframe Industries
• Released: 2024 (Early Access)
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Medieval Games, Building

Pax Dei was heavily promoted as an MMO, but after it was released into early access players are arguing whether it is mostly a survival game or if it indeed is an MMO.

Parts of Pax Dei are amazing and the graphics are truly stunning, but the gameplay can feel very unrewarding and incredibly grindy, even for sandbox fans. The game is still in early access and is making improvements so it might move higher on our list if the developers manage to improve upon the game.

Pax Dei was designed to be a social sandbox, where players could form communities, build settlements, and shape the world through their actions. The building system, for example, is intuitive and flexible, allowing players to create everything from small homes to sprawling villages. The game also encourages cooperation, with players needing to work together to establish economies, defend against threats, and explore the world.

15. Ashes of Creation

• Developer: Intrepid Studios
• Released: Currently in Alpha
• Platform: PC
• For fans of ArcheAge

Ashes of Creation might be the most anticipated unreleased MMORPG at the moment with everyone from casual WoW players to the old-school MMORPG crowd awaiting the title.

Ashes of Creations promises a an dynamic open world that can be shaped by the actions of the players.

Players are free to explore the world, become traders or even wage war and participate in politics.

Ashes of Creation is also one of the most visually stunning MMORPG, and the first major MMO to be made in Unreal Engine 5.

14. Trove

• Developer: Trion Worlds
• Released: 2015
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• For fans of Voxel Games

Trove is a voxel adventure MMO that has robust sandbox gameplay.

The world is made of destructible blocks. If you don’t like the looks of something, just take it down, and reshape the blocks according to your vision. You can build yourself a nice castle or design a dungeon and invite other adventurers to test it.

Items are player-crafted as well. The character system features amusing classes such as dinosaur tamers and headless knights.

Combat skills are equally funny. For example, you can throw ice cream at your enemies. Trove has a funky game world with diverse locations such as the Neon City and the Habanero Seas.

13. Mortal Online 2

• Developer: Star Vault
• Released: 2021
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Mortal Online 1, PvP MMOs

Mortal Online 2 is a true sandbox MMO, but it is also a harsh unforgiving hardcore PvP full-loot MMO, which might put some players off.

The game’s main appeal is trying to survive in the world of Nave, a world filled with not only monsters but other players that are after your loot.

The world is huge and there is plenty to explore. There is also a complex crafting system and you can even build houses and forts.

12. Wurm Online

• Developer: Code Club AB
• Released: 2006
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Survival Games, Minecraft, Old-School MMOs

Wurm Online is a 2006 indie MMORPG that has become a staple of the sandbox genre.

It’s a game that puts players in charge. They can reshape the world as they see fit. If something is in your way, just remove it, and build whatever structure you have in mind.

The game supports free PvP and PvE. Players can organize themselves in kingdoms and wage war on each other. If you prefer crafting and exploration, the PvE servers will be more to your liking.

Wurm Online is a slow-paced game. It takes a while to get into it but it’s worth it if you are looking for a solid sandbox experience.

11. Everquest / Project 1999

• Developer: Daybreak Games
• Released: 1999
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Old-school MMOs

Everquest is the game that paved the way for industry giants like World of Warcraft. Back in 1999 the game was truly groundbreaking.

Over 20 years later and it’s still going strong. The live version of the game has seen a lot of changes over the years, but the Project 1999 private server lets players experience the game with just the first couple of expansions, which have a more sandboxy feel than the current version.

Everquest is set in a classic high-fantasy world where players can go on adventures and battle savage orcs, spooky undead creatures, and slumbering dragons.

10. Black Desert Online

• Developer: Pearl Abyss
• Released: 2014
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Android, iOS
• For fans of Korean MMOs

Pearl Abyss brings us one of the best-looking sandbox MMORPGs. Black Desert features an immersive open-world that invites adventurers to explore it.

Amazing graphics, atmospheric soundtrack, and no loading screens make Black Desert an explorer’s dream come true.

Thanks to the action combat, PvE and PvP activities are fun and engaging. Working with your guild buddies will get you far. Competing against other groups is also rewarding.

However, not all the content is based on combat. Players can also play instruments, decorate their homes, and grow crops on their farms.

9. Project Gorgon

• Developer: Elder Game
• Released: 2018 (Early Access)
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Everquest, Ultima Online, Asheron’s Call

Project Gorgon is an fantasy MMORPG inspired by Old-school MMOs such Everquest and Asheron’s Call. The game has actually been designed by Eric Heimburg and Sandra Powers who worked on the Asheron’s Call games along with several other MMOs.

Project Gorgon’s main appeal is the classless progression system that allows players to build unique character through the use of skills.

Gorgon also has a fantastic and dedicated community of players.

8. New World

• Developer: Amazon Games
• Released: 2021
• Platform: PC
• For fans of both Sandbox and Theme Park MMOs

New World was released back in 2021 but lost much of its initial momentum due to bugs. In 2022 Amazon spent much time fixing the game and managed to turn the trend and turn New World into a thriving MMO.

New World is neither a pure sandbox nor a theme park game but has elements of both. This is a good game for players who enjoy sandbox gameplay but still want some guidance on their journey.

There is a lot of freedom in the game when it comes to exploration, leveling, and crafting, and as a player, you feel that Aeternum is open and full of adventure.

7. Fractured

• Developer: Dynamight Studios
• Released: 2022
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Runescape, Ultima Online

Fractured is the sandbox isometric MMORPG where you don’t have to wait for levels in order to access the most fun part of the content.

The unique progression system is based on reputation and skills.

This is not a theme-park MMO where you follow a preset adventure. Join a group of players and establish a city where you are the law. Grow the city into an economic or military empire and be prepared to defend it against incursions from other players. Or maybe it’s you that’s leading a raid on other players’ settlements.

6. ArcheAge

• Developer: XLGames
• Released: 2013
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Korean MMOs

Archeage is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG that’s perfect for those who are into building and crafting. The game offers you the skills and tools to create anything from simple items to castles.

Not all resources are at hand so you might have to secure shipments of goods from the other side of the world. Just be aware that some players like to play pirates and they will probably attack your ship.

Massive PvP wars and open battlefields are part of Archeage. Settling down and unlocking a zone’s full potential is another way of playing the game.

ArcheAge was shut down in 2024, but can still be played on some very good private servers.

5. Ultima Online

• Developer: Origin Systems
• Released: 1997
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Old-School MMOs

Ultima Online is another classic Sandbox MMO that offers players a massive world to explore. In this game, you can be anything you want to be, from a farmer to a warrior.

The isometric graphics might be a bit dated but Ultima Online is still getting plenty of updates and has a dedicated following.

You can also build your own house, or join up with others to form a guild.

There are many different ways to play the game, so you can find a style that suits you. Whether you want to PvE or PvP.

4. Runescape / Old-School Runescape

• Developer: Jagex
• Released: 2001
• Platform: PC, Android, iOS
• For fans of Old-School MMOs

Whether you pick the newer Runescape 3 or the classic Old-School Runescape, you are guaranteed quality sandbox gameplay.

From intricate crafting, to a player-driven economy, a vast world to explore and engaging PvE and PvP content. Runescape and OSRS has it all.

Runescape also has one of the best classless skill-based progression systems in any MMO.

3. EVE Online

• Developer: CCP Games
• Released: 2003
• Platform: PC, Mac
• For fans of Sci-fi MMOs

EVE Online is that game everyone praises but tells you to stay away from it. That’s because the learning curve is steep and the player base is not the friendliest.

EVE Online is a space MMO that puts you in the seat of a ship pilot and throws you into a massive universe featuring more than 7,000 solar systems.

The ship customization options are generous, to say the least. More than 350 ships, each with its customization, are available.

You can mine, you can battle other players, you can go against computer-controlled enemies, and you can explore. Whether you find it fun or not, depends on your preferences.

2. Albion Online

• Developer: Sandbox Interactive
• Released: 2017
• Platform: PC, Android, iOS
• For fans of Runescape, Ultima Online

This is an isometric MMORPG that takes place in a fantasy universe. Players will discover an open world that presents a multitude of opportunities. From the character system to the content, Albion Online screams sandbox.

There are no classes in this game. Your playstyle depends on your equipment and tools. Craftable items range from simple tools to buildings.

Albion Online doesn’t have a main quest line or side adventures. It has a task system but you won’t find chain story scenarios like in World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV.

It’s up to you if you play as a PvPer, farmer, or monster hunter.

1. SWG Legends / SWGEmu

• Developer: Daybreak Games
• Released: 2003
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Star Wars

SWG Legends and SWGEmu are Star Wars Galaxies private servers. The official game ran from 2003 until 2011. These private servers are legal because it doesn’t use the original game’s code.

Players have the chance to create their adventure in the Star Wars universe. The game features an open world that’s under players’ control.

The community is in charge of running the cities and the economy. Crafting is a major component because some of the best items are player-crafted.

A Star Wars MMO wouldn’t be complete without spaceships. Iconic vessels, such as the X-Wing, and a complex ship customization system are part of the game.

In the end all these games offer endless possibilities, and there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring! What is your favorite sandbox game? Let us know in the comments!