Sandbox games allow players to immerse themselves in worlds of complete creative freedom where they can choose what to do, and how they want to do it. The inclusion of VR in a sandbox game makes the experience even more immersive andallows further explorationand freedom, not to mention some even more exciting gameplay.
Whether it’s socializing with friends in custom environments, training some sword skills in a sandbox battleground, or building a dream house in a virtual world, sandbox VR games let players achieve whatever they want. They allow for some of the most fun and interesting experiences from all gaming, and these games are some of the very best out there.
VRChatis a looser game in terms of sandbox definition, but it still features many sandbox features. Players can equip their virtual reality headsets and explorespecially created virtual worldswhich are used to interact and socialize with other people from all around the world.
Minigames can be created and played, and custom environments can be added and crafted. It’s one of the best games in terms of actual socializing and there are so many amazing people to meet and interact with. The sandbox elements toVRChatcome more in the exploration than anything else. There’s no overall goal to achieve, so the emphasis is purely on exploring player-created worlds and interacting with other gamers.
These two titles are developed by Stress Level Zero, and whilst they include an overall campaign, the real focus behind the titles is on the physics-based gameplay. Yes, they’re shooters, and yes, it’s technically a campaign, butBoneworksand its sequelBonelabfeature some of thebest physics-based gameplayin any VR title. And when there’s some incredible physics in a game, it always means creative exploration and sandbox elements.
Each level in both games is designed in a non-linear manner so that users can experiment with the best solutions to reach the end, giving them complete creative freedom over the whole process. It’s super fun to experiment with the best routes, and the best items and weapons to use in order to achieve an objective, and it’s the perfect type of game for an excellent sandbox VR experience.
Into the Radiusis asingle-player survival shooter, exclusively for VR headsets. It’s an interesting game with some incredible physics mechanics, and the enemies and world will make players scratch their hands trying to figure out just what is going on. There’s a lot of exploration to be done in this title, and it’s an interesting world to become immersed in and explore, as players unravel the intriguing story.
The gunplay is sharp and realistic, and the graphics are pretty stunning. If someone is looking for a true sandbox survival experience, developed exclusively with VR in mind, thenInto the Radiusis definitely the one to check out. Uncovering the mysteries of this dystopian, strange world will prove an excitingly unique experience.
For all the swordplay lovers out there,Battle Talent, allows players to explore a sandbox roguelite environment wielding amedieval bladed weaponof their choice. Launching upBattle Talentmeans stepping into a procedurally generated virtual reality dungeon where there are over 80 enemy varieties, over 100 weapons to choose from as well as 60 perks to unlock and upgrade. For those who want a proper dungeon simulator, this is the game to get.
Battle Talentfeatures some really smooth and satisfying combat that truly makes players feel like a knight wielding a hefty sword. The enemies are unique, and the procedurally generated landscapes never get old. It’s VR hack n' slash melee combat at its finest, with some impressive gore mechanics as an added bonus. Go slay some goblins.
One can’t mention sandbox withoutmentioningGarry’s Mod. If players haven’t heard of this game by now they may as well have been sleeping under a rock.GModis one of the all-time great sandbox titles that allows players to create games, environments, models, and characters all in one package.
Some of the best fan-made titles have spawned fromGModincluding classics likeProp HuntandTrouble in Terrorist Town, which have become staple game modes by this point. It’s extremely fun to launch upGModand just experiment with the fantastic physics engine, and create something unique. However, this is made 10x more immersive, and entertaining, when launching the game up in VR.
One of the greatest redemption stories in gaming,No Man’s Skyhas changed a lotsince it first came out, and one of the biggest additions has been the implementation of VR.No Man’s Skyin VR allows players to truly explore a huge open world universe, where they can fly a spaceship from planet to planet, mine for materials, fight against space pirates, or just patrol the galaxy.
It’s a true sandbox experience as there is a whole unique universe to explore, with an exponential amount of undiscovered planets to name and crazy lifeforms to discover. Players can also build their own bases and team up with other players to do whatever they want! It’s the best VR title for sci-fi fans, and it only gets better with each added update.
One of the best survival horror, sandbox video games in recent years can also be played in VR, and well, that just makes it even more terrifying. As the survivor of a plane crash, players are tasked withsurviving on an islandin a luscious forest environment, however, it’s not just trees that surround the player inThe Forest.
Gamers have to craft weapons, build a base, and fight back against the cannibalistic, cult-like creatures that stalk players across their travels. Playing this title in VR is one of the most horrifying ways to experience a game, but that’s exactly what makes it so great. For fans of horror and sandbox together, this is an incredible VR experience.
Another title that has received much acclaim, and mostly become a household VR title isBlade and Sorcery,a medieval-fantasysandbox where players can wield classic weapons andcast exciting spells. It’s an amazing experience, especially for fans of the fantasy genre, andBlade and Sorceryhas mastered the feel of VR combat.
Players can jump into an arena and just experiment with different weapons and spells, hacking enemies down or blasting them with magic. Or, for a more exploration-focused sandbox experience, gamers can also jump into the dungeon game mode where players take on a semi-procedurally generated dungeon crawl with a variety of enemies and pathways to explore. It’s one of the best fantasy VR titles out there, and it’s a great sandbox experience.
A somewhat niche sandbox VR title,Rolling Lineis asandbox simulation gameabout railway modeling. It’s a game specifically designed for those who share the hobby of model railways, as players can create their own virtual model railways and share them with other passionate gamers across the globe.
It’s a cool, nifty title that gives the player lots of creative freedom, and it’s certainly recommended for anyone who loves to create specific aesthetics. WhilstRolling Lineis indeed a niche entry, its low-poly, cute, and simple creation tools can be enjoyed by all gamers to create a relaxing (and super satisfying) model railway track!
Of courseMinecrafthad to be mentioned as it’s essentially the grandfather of sandbox games at this point, and the implementation of VR allows players to experience a complete, fully destructible, andcraftable environmentfrom the palms of their, well, headset. Not much needs to be said aboutMinecraftother than the fact that it’s one of the best sandbox games ever made.
PlayingMinecraftin VR is a dream come true for many gamers as it allows for a more immersive experience, and enhances many of the building and survival mechanics featured in the game. It feels like quite a different game playing it in VR, so it’s also a good way to bring life to it.
