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Best Building Games like Roblox & Minecraft 2023
If you love Minecraft and want to know what to play next, or have heard about building games and are wondering what they're all about, check out our review below.

Table of Contents
Best Building Game Overall
You may not need us to tell you how good Minecraft is, but if you're wondering if the hype is justified, it is. The infinite world of Minecraft has a lot to offer beginners and experienced players alike.
Why we chose Minecraft:
- The app is $6.99, and most beginners won't want or need to make any in-app purchases.
- This massive open-world sandbox game is popular for a reason. You can build anything you can imagine, and play continues to be satisfying over time because the more resources you collect, the more you can do.
- You can play in two modes: survival mode, where you must find and collect your own resources (and ward off monsters at night), or creative, where you have access to any resources you want and no predators. Creative mode is best if you just want to design things, while survival mode is more of a game.
- You can play socially in Minecraft as well, and share your worlds with friends.
- While there’s plenty to do in the basic game, you can also purchase skins, worlds, and mini-games from the Minecraft Marketplace.
If you're curious about Minecraft, the low-cost app version is a great way to check the game out.
Read Minecraft's Full ReviewBest for Beginners
An adorable and fun building game perfect for new players.
Why we chose The Blockheads:
- Free app with in-app purchases.
- This 2-D game is similar to Minecraft but simpler. Move your Blockhead to the left or right to explore the world, dig for resources, build, craft, and even ride donkeys.
- Controls are easy to use.
- In-depth tutorial helps beginners understand how to play right away.
- With soothing music, attractive graphics, and low frustration levels, Blockheads is a relaxing game to play.
- While you can buy crystals to make actions take less time, Blockheads doesn’t pressure you to spend money. In fact, when you start to spend even the crystals that you’ve earned in gameplay, you get an “are you sure?” pop-up that tells you how you can do whatever you’re trying to do without spending crystals.
Of all the free games I tested, Blockheads was the easiest to play without making any in-app purchases, so it's a great value.
Read The Blockheads's Full ReviewBest for Kids and Social
Though it's been around since 2006, Roblox has seen massive growth recently, especially among younger people.
Why we chose Roblox:
- Free app with an in-game economy of Robux.
- An incredibly popular game platform where users can choose from a huge library of games created by other users.
- The app features a wide variety of games. You can choose from simulators, quest games, and more. There are lots of Roblox versions of other games as well, so you may find some favorites on the platform.
- Roblox is particularly popular with young people who socialize with friends in the game. Many of the games are really just virtual worlds to hang out in -- not a bad alternative to Zoom.
- Users can create their own games, so there is room for creativity here.
- With so many games, it can be difficult to navigate at first, and quality runs the gamut.
With tons of games to play and people to play with, you're likely to find something you enjoy in Roblox.
Read Roblox's Full ReviewBest Combat
Terraria has been around as long as Minecraft, and boasts a loyal fanbase and a rich world to play in.
Why we chose Terraria:
- App is $4.99, but there are no in-app purchases.
- With its 2D layout and 8-bit graphics, Terraria feels a little bit like early Mario Brothers games, and navigating the world is a pleasure.
- Like Minecraft, monsters come out at night, but they are more numerous and aggressive. Terraria is more combat-oriented.
- While there's no tutorial, there is a guide character who can provide useful information on gameplay and crafting recipes. The inventory is also clearly labeled so you know what all your items can do.
- Controls are smooth and easy to learn.
With a reasonable flat rate and no in-game purchases, Terraria is likely to end up costing less than many free games.
Read Terraria's Full ReviewEverything We Recommend
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Our PickExplore infinite worlds and build everything from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles. Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off dangerous mobs. Create, explore and survive alone or with friends on mobile devices or Windows 10.
EXPAND YOUR GAME:
Marketplace - Discover the latest community creations in the marketplace! Get unique maps, skins, and texture packs from your favorite creators.
Slash commands - Tweak how the game plays: you can give items away, summon mobs, change the time of day, and more.
Add-Ons - Customize your experience even further with free Add-Ons! If you're more tech-inclined, you can modify data-driven behaviors in the game to create new resource packs.
MULTIPLAYER
Realms - Play with up to 10 friends cross-platform, anytime, anywhere on Realms, your own private server that we host for you. Try a free 30-day trial in-app.
Multiplayer - Play with up to 4 friends with a free Xbox Live account online.
Servers - Join free massive multiplayer servers and play with thousands of others! Discover gigantic community-run worlds, compete in unique mini-games and socialize in lobbies full of new friends!
SUPPORT: https:///www.minecraft.net/help
LEARN MORE: https:///www.minecraft.net/Cost$7.49$6.99In-App Purchases$0.99 - $49.99 per item$0.99 - $9.99 per item -
Runner Up"On an iPhone or iPad, the 2-D, side-scrolling block-based sandbox is a winning formula, and The Blockheads is the most well-executed, true-to-Minecraft game I've had the pleasure to experience on iOS." - TouchArcade (5 Stars) "The Blockheads takes the Minecraft experience and shrinks it down in a way that just works on a touchscreen. There are shades of Lemmings here too, and they blend together to make a sweet game about discovery, exploration, and creation." - Pocket Gamer (Gold Award) ***** Night is falling and your blockhead is freezing. You haven't yet made shelter and your campfire has gone out. All you have is a spade, some wood and a few sticks. You have only minutes before exhaustion hits. Do you create a bed, dig a cave or refuel your fire? What will you do? The Blockheads is a huge exploration, creation and survival game where the possibilities are endless! Play offline in single player, or easily create and join online worlds to play with friends and family, or explore thousands of unique worlds created and hosted by other players. Start with almost nothing and explore, craft, build and trade your way to steam trains, electric elevators, and even jet packs, titanium swords and carbon fiber armor. - Explore an infinite number of worlds filled with oceans, caves, deserts, mountains, forests and floating sky islands - Build massive structures with the materials you find - Trade with other players in an ever changing global economy - Battle other blockheads in PVP worlds - Lay rail and create jumps for speedy rail hand cars or create a rail network for easy transport by train - Create an array of solar panels to power your oil refinery, and craft carbon fiber and fuel for your jetpack to explore the skies - With content always being added, The Blockheads is continuously evolving, and there is more to come Warp your first blockhead through the portal and get exploring now in The Blockheads!CostFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $24.99 per item
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Also GroovyRoblox is the ultimate virtual universe that lets you create, share experiences with friends, and be anything you can imagine. Join millions of people and discover an infinite variety of immersive experiences created by a global community!
Already have an account? Log in with your existing Roblox account and explore the infinite metaverse of Roblox.
MILLIONS OF EXPERIENCES
In the mood for an epic adventure? Want to compete against rivals worldwide? Or do you just want to hang out and chat with your friends online? A growing library of experiences created by the community means there’s always something new and exciting for you every day.
EXPLORE TOGETHER ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
Take the fun on the go. Roblox features full cross-platform support, meaning you can join your friends and millions of other people on their computers, mobile devices, Xbox One, or VR headsets.
BE ANYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE
Be creative and show off your unique style! Customize your avatar with tons of hats, shirts, faces, gear, and more. With an ever-expanding catalog of items, there’s no limit to the looks you can create.
CHAT WITH FRIENDS
Hang out with friends around the world using chat features, private messages, and groups!
CREATE YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES: https://www.roblox.com/develop
SUPPORT: https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us
CONTACT: https://corp.roblox.com/contact/
PRIVACY POLICY: https://www.roblox.com/info/privacy
PARENT’S GUIDE: https://corp.roblox.com/parents/
TERMS OF USE: https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846
PLEASE NOTE: A network connection is required to join. Roblox works best over Wi-Fi.CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.50 - $199.99 per item$0.99 - $9.99 per itemDIG! FIGHT! EXPLORE! BUILD! Join the community of millions of Terrarians!
TERRARIA MOBILE REBUILT FROM THE GROUND UP – NEW AND IMPROVED 1.4.4 UPDATE INCLUDING LABOR OF LOVE CONTENT!
"This is the full version of Terraria, built from the ground up... If you loved it on PC or consoles, you’ll love it here.” - Slide To Play
The very world is at your fingertips as you fight for survival, fortune, and glory. Delve deep into cavernous expanses, seek out ever-greater foes to test your mettle in combat, or construct your own city - In the World of Terraria, the choice is yours!
We recommend at least 2GB of RAM and a device from 2014 or newer. We support devices running Android 5.0 with 1GB of RAM and compatible graphics, but these devices may experience reduced performance.
• MULTIPLAYER – Play with up to 7 friends on Local Wifi or Online via device-device Wifi hosted games or through the Mobile Terraria Dedicated Server for PC (available for free on Terraria.org)
• TERRARIA REIMAGINED FOR MOBILE – Fully customizable controls and User Interface provide a level of polish and capability not previously possible!
• Gamepad support – including fully-remappable buttons - Play with your Bluetooth connected gamepad where supported.
• Full array of World sizes – Small/Medium/Large...the same size as on Terraria for PC! Now includes random world name generator and the ability to use World Seeds (including some hidden easter egg worlds)
• Over 400 enemies to combat, defeat, and plunder for loot
• Over 20 Biomes and Mini-Biomes to explore, both above and underground – from lush forests to barren deserts to dungeons, the underworld, and even the terrifying Corruption await!
• Updated crafting with multiple added item options
• Over 20 NPCs to discover, each providing their own benefits and unique style
• In-depth building options that are easy to learn but allow for amazing feats of architecture in the hands of a master.
• And much, much more!
In short, every pixel of Terraria has been reimagined and hand crafted for the BEST possible mobile experience!
Follow us on Twitter @Terraria_Logic and @505_Games
Join our community on Discord @ http://Discord.GG/Terraria
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TerrariaOfficial and https://www.facebook.com/505Games
Visit us on the web at www.terraria.org
Join the official Terraria Forums at: https://forums.terraria.org/Cost4.994.99In-App PurchasesNoNo
The 411 from our Appventurer
How we tested?
In large part, I judged these games based on whether I wanted to continue playing when that time was up. Some games I continued playing longer than the allotted time; others, I was literally watching the clock. While this may be a matter of taste and experience (some of the games that I found too difficult might be better for serious gamers), these are games that are easy to learn but continue to offer new challenges.
Finally, I made sure to take note of how much in-app purchases were likely to add up. This meant noting how important these purchases were to moving through the game, and how frequently these purchases were advertised. Games that offered a better value were more likely to make my list.
Why get the app?
Most of these games can be played on numerous different devices, from computers to various dedicated video game systems. And you may prefer to use a different device. There are two major advantages to using the app. One is portability. App games are great for spare moments of boredom, so it’s worth keeping some favorites on your phone, even if you use another system for most of your gaming.
For me, though, the biggest reason to get these games in app form is that the barrier to entry is low. For a free or cheap download, you can get a sense of whether you like the game. I can see the advantages to playing some of these on a larger screen with more precise controls, but I appreciated being able to try them out on a device I already own for little or no investment.
More About Minecraft: Our Pick
If you already know and love Minecraft, some alternatives that you might enjoy as well are reviewed below. But if you’re as clueless as I was, I’ll run through the basics of the game so you can jump in and start building.
Creative mode, on the other hand, is more of a canvas for designers. You’re equipped with all resources, and there are no predators. Creative mode is a place to build whatever is in your imagination with no constraints. Your choice depends on what you want to do, and you can have multiple worlds, so you can have both going and play whichever you’re in the mood for.
I did not get good at Minecraft during the testing period. I made some cool buildings in the creative mode, punched some trees, built a shelter in survival mode, and generally wandered around the game. But I did poke around a little on Minecraft YouTube to understand how the game progresses after you figure out how to make it through a night. In short: it gets cooler. As you explore more and accrue resources, you can create complex worlds. You can farm, growing crops, and raising livestock. You can mine diamonds, create elaborate traps for catching mobs, explore all kinds of landscapes, and build literally anything you can imagine.
Snags but not drags:
There’s a common language to these building games that I did not have coming in, and that made Minecraft super confusing at first. The app version does not have a tutorial, and although there is a text guide, I didn’t see it before I started.
For some people, this is a benefit since you get to discover everything yourself. For the rest of us, there are tons of beginner resources on the internet, so it’s easy to find any information you need. Either way, the early days in Minecraft are an important part of the game.
More About The Blockheads: Runner Up
First, you create your Blockhead avatar. Lots of cute options here, and the process is simple. Your avatar then comes out of a portal onto a 2-D world. You can move left or right along the hilly horizon line. About half the screen is taken up by the ground below, and you can see various markings indicating flint, clay, or stone underneath that you’ll be able to mine.
The controls are really simple -- you just tap where you want your Blockhead to go, and it runs there. Tap an item from your inventory to use it. So, you move through the landscape, chopping down trees, digging for flint, crafting tools, building a shelter to sleep in. Night falls, or you run out of energy, and you tell your avatar to sleep. The biggest expenditure in the game is time -- when you sleep or are crafting, you lose time. You can spend crystals to go faster, but there’s no pressure to buy. This was the free-est of the free games I tested.
More About Roblox: Also Groovy
Roblox is not one game but a platform of many user-created games. While it’s blocky like Minecraft, that’s where the similarities end. You don’t build in Roblox. You create an avatar that you use to play all kinds of different games.
While I didn’t love Roblox, I’m envious of the kids who do! Pandemic adulthood has been an endless Zoom call, but Roblox offers a way to socialize virtually in much more interesting and natural ways. Pretty much all of the games in Roblox can be played with friends, and some games are just hangout spaces where users can chat in virtual environments.
More About Terraria: Also Groovy
Not-so-pro tip: You can just put the torch down. Despite a few tips from an NPC guide character, Terraria just drops you into an 8-bit world of delight .. and peril. The blocky 2D world seemed delightful and harmless, and I ran around, chopping trees and collecting items at random. And then night fell, and the zombies came.
Like Minecraft, the early days in Terraria involve exploring, collecting resources, and crafting items. Basically, you’re building up your character's strength in order to succeed in the game. Collecting certain numbers of items allows you to unlock NPC’s, such as a merchant character with whom you can trade items. After you’ve built a sturdy base and good weapons, your character will be well-equipped to go adventuring and fight the game’s 30 bosses.
Other Apps Considered
Cubic Castles is a fun sandbox game that's fairly easy to learn. Like most Minecraft-style games, you can mine, build, craft, and collect resources. You can play single-player or multiplayer -- though some reviewers have reported getting scammed by other players. The initial world is small, so it's easy to navigate right off the bat. However, on the whole, I found the look and general player experience on Cubic Castle wasn't as enjoyable as some others on the list.
Growtopia is a cute 8-bit sandbox game where you mine to receive seeds that you can plant and harvest. A quick but useful tutorial lets new players get started right away.
You can play with other players or lock your world and play alone. It seems like a lot of attention has been given to security, which is a major concern since people frequently get scammed in multi-player games. Growtopia is free with in-app purchases.
KoGaMa is a Roblox-style platform that lets you choose from a library of user-generated games made from a common set of pieces like poison walls/floors, jump ramps, and a standard set of controls.
There's a wide range of quality in the games, and many are versions of popular games. There are a lot of ads if you haven't joined, and none of the games lists (featured, new, etc.) are aimed at new players, so it’s difficult to jump into. There are also many alpha/beta games that are barely functional.
RealmCraft was almost identical to Minecraft, but not as good. The controls are harder to use, making navigation more difficult. Other than that, it's pretty much the same --you choose between creative and survival, mine resources, and build worlds. You can play alone or with friends. A perfectly good game, but I don't know why someone would choose it over Minecraft. RealmCraft is free with in-app purchases.
BlockCraft 3D is a sandbox game that's a bit simpler than Minecraft and has a good tutorial, which I appreciated as a beginner. Players create a village by adding pre-designed buildings or creating their own. This game is more about designing than survival, and it's fun though very simple. Even playing for a short time, I began to get bored. More than some other games on the list, Block Craft pushes you to spend money on in-app purchases, so costs could add up.
PickCrafter is an idle tapper. The simplest game on this list, you just tap repeatedly to mine. As you dig, you collect different resources and earn new pickaxes to allow you to mine faster.
Maybe I'm missing something because I can't really understand how this is fun. I did find the mining kind of relaxing but got bored very quickly. If you like this style of game, PickCrafter may be worth checking out since it's a free download.
Caroline Rothnie
Hard as I try to keep a minimalist phone, I can't stop downloading more apps. In addition to my can't-live-without apps for organization, music and podcasts, fitness, and meditation, I'm constantly trying out new ones. So I love apps, but it's a complicated relationship -- some of my favorites are for keeping me off my phone/internet.
In second grade, I attempted to do a book report on a story I had written myself, so you could say I've always thought of myself as a writer. These days, I write a wide variety of web content with a focus on mental health and productivity. I also write personal essays. I live in Kansas with my husband and two dogs.
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Minecraft and Roblox were popular even before the pandemic, and they've only grown during the past year. Whether you've been playing these games and want something new, or are new to building games and looking for a place to start, we've got you covered. While most of these games are free to download, many have in-app purchases, so we wanted to find the best games that don't require you to pay too much.
We found that Minecraft's vast popularity is justified. It was our number one pick, but beginners may prefer Blockheads. We loved the combat and adventuring in Terraria and the social component of Roblox.