The 22 Best Sandbox MMORPGs In 2023

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 the best sandbox MMORPGs.

Do you love the idea of being able to explore a huge world, complete with towns, dungeons, and monsters? Are you looking for an MMO that offers endless possibilities?

If so, then you should check out the best sandbox MMORPGs! These games offer unparalleled freedom, letting you do whatever you want. Whether you want to fight monsters, build a town, or just explore the world, these games have something for everyone!

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

22. Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen

• Developer: Visionary Realms
• Released: NA – In Development
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Everquest, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes

Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen has been in development for a number of years, but recently it seems like a lot of progress has been made on the old-school inspired MMORPG and it looks like we might be getting close to an alpha soon.

Pantheon was designed by Brad Mcquaid, the legendary designer behind the original Everquest and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. It looks like Pantheon will cater to the same player base, who enjoy tough PvE focused MMOs that rely on community and cooperation between players.

Once Pantheon is released it will likely earn a place higher on our list of sandbox MMOs.

21. Ashes of Creation

• Developer: Intrepid Studios
• Released: NA – In Development
• Platform: PC
• For fans of World of Warcraft, Everquest

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.

Once it is released it will likely earn a spot higher up on our list.

20. Screeps

• Developer: Screeps
• Released: 2016
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Programming

Screeps has one-of-a-kind gameplay. This is a strategy sandbox MMO game for programmers.

Players oversee a colony. They are in charge of securing resources by harvest or trade, training units, and conquering territories.

All these actions are performed with JavaScript and it’s the player’s job to write these scripts.

Your colony is just one of the many that exist in the same space. Interaction with other players is inevitable so you need to have scripts for that as well.

In addition to JavaScript, the game supports other programming languages such as C#, Rust, and Swift. The developers are working to add more.

19. Boundless

• Developer: Wonderstruck
• Released: 2018
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Voxel Games, Minecraft

Boundless is a sandbox MMO with voxel-based graphics.

The gameplay proposes a space adventure that gives players the chance to discover and colonize planets. Each world has a unique environment. Some planets are rich in resources, others make great hunting grounds, while some worlds are perfect for building massive structures.

Players may even establish a farm on alien land and see what grows from the exotic soil.

The character system works in the same way. Players have the freedom to choose from becoming hunters, craftsmen, fighters, or politicians.

The crafting gives players all the tools they need to create items and transform the world.

18. Mystera Legacy

• Developer: JVH
• Released: 2016
• Platform: Browser, Android
• For fans of Retro Games

Mystera Legacy is a sandbox MMORPG with cute 2D graphics. It’s a game that can be played in a web browser or on an Android device.

The world is built and run by the players. They create game structures such as houses, shops, and farms. You can harvest the produce from your farm and use it in the kitchen to make food.

Mystera Legacy has a skill-based leveling system that allows characters to become stronger.

PvE features include dungeons with monsters that drop unique items.

PvP is not missing either. Players are encouraged to join tribes and enjoy the game together.

17. 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.

16. 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.

15. Embers Adrift

• Developer: Stormhaven Studios
• Released: 2022
• Platform: PC, Mac
• For fans of Everquest, Asheron’s Call

In Embers Adrift (formerly Saga of Lucimia), sandbox means that there are no quest hubs, no mini-map and no hand holding.

The whole point of the game is exploring the world and overcoming challenges with your party.

Quests in Embers Adrift aren’t just menial tasks buut will send you out on adventures in the world.

14. Elite Dangerous

• Developer: Frontier Development
• Released: 2014
• Platform: PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox
• For fans of Sci-fi MMOs

Elite Dangerous might not technically be an MMO but it is an fantastic multiplayer space simulation sandbox.

The year is 3301 and the galaxy is not a welcoming place. The open-world is a recreation of our very own Milky Way. You can explore maps based on real stars, planets, and even black holes.

Players’ actions have the power to shape the world. They customize their space ships to better suit activities such as mining, fighting, smuggling, and exploring.

Play as you wish thanks to the game’s Solo Mode and the Open Play MMO feature.

13. 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.

12. 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 its 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 that 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.

11. 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.

10. 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.

9. 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.

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 or theme park game, but has elements of both. 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. Gloria Victis

• Developer: Black Eye Games
• Released: 2023
• Platform: PC
• For fans of Medieval Games

Gloria Victis is a sandbox MMO with a strong focus on realism set in a medieval low-fantasy world.

Players can become knights, archers, merchants or crafters. The action combat is focused on PVP with massive sieges and tournaments.

Gloria Victis will move from early access to full launch in February of 2023.

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!