- #1 Scrap Mechanic
97% matchVery Positive92% of 122,134 reviews2026
Dev: Axolot Games
Windows
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 64.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Enter the creative paradise of Scrap Mechanic! Build fantastic machines, go on adventures with your friends and defend against waves of evil Farmbots in this imaginative multiplayer survival sandbox. With Scrap Mechanic’s powerful creation tools you can engineer your own adventures!
Why similar: Building 20.8%, Sandbox 17.2%, Crafting 15%, Physics 13.1%, Co-op 12.1%
Why You'll Like It: This is the closest experience to Main Assembly, offering deep mechanical building and logic systems in a vibrant sandbox world.
- #2 Plasma
96% matchVery Positive90% of 1,142 reviews2023
Dev: Dry CactusPub: Dry Licorice
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Plasma is a pure engineering sandbox. Use advanced visual programming and robotics tools to create anything you can imagine.
Why similar: Programming 25% ★, Sandbox 12.8%, Automation 12.5%, Robots 12.1%, Building 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game shares a similar focus on visual programming and modular robotics, allowing for highly complex and automated creations.
- #3 Trailmakers
96% matchVery Positive92% of 38,735 reviews2019
Dev: Flashbulb
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Build the ultimate vehicle and explore a vast open world filled with challenges and adventure. Play solo or team up with friends in multiplayer to conquer the toughest obstacles. With a thrilling campaign mode and endless creative possibilities, Trailmakers is the ultimate sandbox for adventurers.
Why similar: Online Co-Op 29.7%, Building 16.3%, Sandbox 15.6%, Crafting 14.1%, Physics 12.6%
Why You'll Like It: It features intuitive block-based vehicle construction with a strong emphasis on physics and creative freedom.
- #4 RoboCo
95% matchVery Positive88% of 212 reviews2026
Dev: Filament Games
Windows
RoboCo is a sandbox game about designing and building robots to serve the needs of squishy, hapless humans in the world of tomorrow!
Why similar: Robots 22.7%, Building 18.2%, Sandbox 17%, Education 16.7%, Physics 13.2%
Why You'll Like It: A sandbox game specifically dedicated to building robots to solve challenges using physics-based parts.
- #5 Stormworks: Build and Rescue
94% matchVery Positive91% of 59,745 reviews2020
Dev: Geometa
Windows · Mac
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 113.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Join a world where you design, create and pilot your own air sea rescue service. Release your inner hero as you battle fierce storms out at sea to rescue those in need.
Why similar: Programming 29% ★, Automation 16.1%, Sandbox 15%, Building 13.4%, Immersive Sim 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: It offers an incredibly deep engineering experience where you must design functional vehicles using complex logic and sensors.
- #6 Besiege
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 53,170 reviews2020
Dev: Spiderling Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 18.7 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Besiege is a physics building game about constructing medieval machines to annihilate armies, obliterate castles and overcome challenging obstacles. Conquer the campaign or skirmish with friends in Multiplayer!
Why similar: Building 24.9%, Sandbox 24.4%, Physics 19.7%, Multiplayer 11.7%, 3D 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive physics-based building game where you construct intricate machines to solve destructive puzzles.
- #7 Juno: New Origins
93% matchVery Positive89% of 3,531 reviews2023
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 51%
Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode.
Why similar: Programming 25.9% ★, Science 20%, Automation 11.5%, Building 11.3%, Education 11%
Why You'll Like It: Offers deep aerospace engineering and programming tools for players who enjoy the technical side of construction.
- #8 World of Contraptions
92% matchVery Positive87% of 97 reviews2022
Dev: JCP Games Studio
Windows
World of Contraptions is a physics-based building game in which you build the most varied contraptions to solve the most diverse types of puzzles. Win dozens of levels with different types of obstacles. Design the best contraption for each challenge using a giant collection of blocks.
Why similar: Programming 17.1% ★, Science 14.6%, Robots 12.2%, Automation 9.4%, Building 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based building game that challenges you to construct machines to navigate complex obstacles.
- #9 TerraTech
91% matchVery Positive91% of 24,920 reviews2018
Dev: Payload StudiosPub: Mythwright
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 32.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector.
Why similar: Robots 22.5%, Building 22%, Sandbox 18.7%, Crafting 12.7%, Online Co-Op 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on modular robot and vehicle building with a heavy emphasis on combat and exploration.
- #10 Space Engineers
90% matchVery Positive89% of 134,313 reviews2019
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 96.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Space Engineers is a sandbox engineering game where you design and build ships, stations, and planetary bases in a fully destructible environment. Explore planets and space, mine resources, survive hazards, and engage in combat alone or with friends in Creative or Survival modes.
Why similar: Co-op 22%, Building 20.7%, Sandbox 19.9%, Physics 16%, Multiplayer 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a massive scale for engineering, allowing you to build complex ships and stations with functional mechanical components.
- #11 Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,164 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn StudioPub: Stray Fawn Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Command the Nimbatus and craft drones out of hundreds of different parts. Survive unknown threats in a fully destructible, procedural universe, compete against other players in different arenas or enjoy complete creative freedom in the sandbox.
Why similar: Programming 26.5% ★, Robots 16.1%, Automation 11.8%, Crafting 9.5%, Logic 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Features procedural drone building with a focus on logic and survival in space.
- #12 Logic World
89% matchVery Positive94% of 367 reviews2021
Dev: Mouse Hat Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Invent a new computer! Logic World is a first-person sandbox simulation game that's all about digital logic. Play alone or with friends, design unique machines, build up layers of complexity, and experience the joy of circuits!
Why similar: Programming 24.5% ★, Science 14.6%, Automation 11.3%, Education 10.6%, Building 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses entirely on the logic and circuit-building aspect of engineering, perfect for those who enjoy the programming side of Main Assembly.
- #13 GearBlocks
89% matchVery Positive91% of 782 reviews2023
Dev: SmashHammer Games
Windows · Linux
Explore a world of creative building, interactive machines, and gears - lots of gears. Build all things mechanical: cars, trucks, cranes, tanks, gearboxes, engines, clocks, anything you can think of. Test your creations to destruction in challenging scenarios, and share them in the workshop!
Why similar: Building 25.9%, Sandbox 21.7%, Physics 18.6%, Immersive Sim 13.1%, Simulation 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: Features advanced physics-based building where you can create complex mechanical systems and machines.
- #14 SimplePlanes
88% matchVery Positive93% of 10,898 reviews2015
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Build airplanes by snapping parts together, designing wing sections, and attaching engines. At any time, you can strap yourself into the cockpit and see how it flies with realistic physics. If you're not in the mood for building, over 100,000 airplanes are available to download for free.
Why similar: Automation 23.6%, Artificial Intelligence 19.8%, Building 17.9%, Sandbox 17.6%, Physics 14%
Why You'll Like It: Allows for highly detailed vehicle design with a focus on aerodynamics and physics-based performance.
- #15 Autonauts
87% matchVery Positive90% of 4,956 reviews2019
Dev: DenkiPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
In Autonauts you must build, create, and automate. Start by establishing a colony, crafting bots and teaching them via Scratch-style programming to build an ever evolving autonomous paradise of agriculture, industry and enlightenment.
Why similar: Programming 39.1% ★, Automation 21.2%, Crafting 7.9%, Building 7.7%, Sandbox 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Combines base-building with a unique visual programming language to automate your robotic workforce.
- #16 Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game
86% matchVery Positive94% of 17,866 reviews2015
Dev: Camshaft Software Ltd
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 53.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Make your dream cars a reality with Automation’s unparalleled car and engine design tools. Gain a competitive edge through smart engineering and business decisions to help you build an automotive empire. Will you become an industry leader, or just a footnote in automotive history?
Why similar: Building 14.4%, Management 13.9%, Science 13.7%, Sandbox 11.9%, Automation 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: Offers unparalleled depth in mechanical engineering and engine design for vehicle enthusiasts.
- #17 From the Depths
85% matchVery Positive89% of 12,793 reviews2020
Dev: Brilliant Skies Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 40.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Over 1000 unique components allow you to build and command voxel vehicles from the deep ocean to outer space! Forge strategies, allegiances and fleets strong enough to destroy eight deadly factions of the planet and reign supreme. A genre-defying mashup of simulation, building, RTS and RPG.
Why similar: Artificial Intelligence 20.5%, Building 19.4%, Sandbox 17.7%, Crafting 14.9%, Physics 13.6%
Why You'll Like It: An extremely deep engineering game where you build ships and drones from the ground up using logic and custom weapon systems.
- #18 Turing Complete
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,587 reviews2021
Dev: LevelHead
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Learn CPU architecture with puzzles
Why similar: Programming 29.3% ★, Automation 17.6%, Building 12%, Logic 11.6%, Education 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A deep dive into computer architecture and logic, providing the foundational knowledge for building complex automated systems.
- #19 LogicBots
86% matchMostly Positive79% of 185 reviews2017
Dev: Incandescent Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Design, build and wire up your own unique robot to complete challenging logic puzzles. LogicBots is a puzzle game where robots are used to complete the various levels.
Why similar: Programming 38.9% ★, Robots 20.5%, Sandbox 12.4%, Building 10.4%, Simulation 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Features robot building and programming puzzles that directly mirror the challenges found in Main Assembly.
- #20 Stationeers
84% matchVery Positive88% of 9,229 reviews2017
Dev: RocketWerkz
Windows
Median: 10.2 hrsMean: 85.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Stationeers puts you in control of the construction and management of a space station to run by yourself or online with your friends. Complex atmospheric, electrical, manufacturing, agriculture, and gravitational systems require your thought and management at all times!
Why similar: Science 18.2%, Automation 13.9%, Building 10%, Co-op 10%, Sandbox 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A hardcore engineering game where you must manage complex atmospheric and electrical systems to survive.
- #21 Virtual Circuit Board
82% matchVery Positive92% of 318 reviews2023
Dev: Reverie Foundry
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 20.8 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Virtual Circuit Board is the sandbox drawing-based logic simulator where you can build, program, decorate, and simulate anything from simple monochrome circuits to complex and colorful computers. Play with digital logic in this sandbox-only experience.
Why similar: Programming 27.8% ★, Science 15.5%, Automation 13.4%, Education 12.3%, Sandbox 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A sandbox for designing and simulating complex digital logic circuits without the constraints of traditional games.
- #22 Mechanica
83% matchMixed63% of 640 reviews2020
Dev: Deimos Interactive
Windows
Mechanica is a multiplayer open-world survival game involving building and programming. Create your own bases, defenses, manufacturing systems and more. Explore the map and expand the scope and complexity of your creations.
Why similar: Programming 39.6% ★, Building 14.4%, Robots 12.9%, Automation 11.3%, Sandbox 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused game that allows you to build bases and robots using logic and automation components.
- #23 Brickadia
80% matchVery Positive81% of 1,421 reviews2025
Dev: Brickadia, LLC
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 33.7 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Brickadia is a next-generation brick building sandbox that gives you the tools to create and play, your way. Build massive worlds, invent cool contraptions, and play in them however you like - all with your friends!
Why similar: Sandbox 16.8%, Building 15.9%, Physics 13.5%, Logic 11.1%, Online Co-Op 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A creative sandbox that features robust physics and building tools for constructing anything you can imagine.
- #24 ACTION SANDBOX
81% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,016 reviews2022
Dev: Vona Soft
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 64%
A physics sandbox game for people who like to play with digital toys. Create, control toys and define your goals.
Why similar: Sandbox 17%, Building 15.8%, Physics 13.2%, Robots 11.6%, Character Customization 10%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a playground for physics-based building and destruction with a focus on mechanical experimentation.
- #25 Homebrew - Patent Unknown
82% matchMostly Positive72% of 974 reviews2014
Dev: Copybugpaste
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Unleash your creativity and craft anything from flying cars to jet-powered toilets.Fair warning: there's a learning curve. But once you've got it, the sky's the limit for your creations!While active development is paused, we focus preserving the game and keeping it accessible.
Why similar: Programming 28.2% ★, Science 15.2%, Robots 11.2%, Education 10%, Building 9%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on vehicle engineering and physics, allowing for highly customized and experimental designs.
- #26 JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator
79% matchMostly Positive77% of 389 reviews2025
Dev: Prof. SchererPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Use real Python code to automate machines, robots, drones and more: Program self-driving vehicles; crack passwords; apply machine learning; automate logistics; use image processing to guide missiles. Gain real coding skills and solve exciting bite-sized programming challenges.
Why similar: Programming 23.1% ★, Science 14.9%, Automation 13.2%, Robots 12.3%, Education 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the logic and automation side of engineering through challenging software-based puzzles.
- #27 Mars First Logistics
77% matchVery Positive95% of 3,744 reviews2025
Dev: Shape Shop
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Build physically simulated rovers to transport awkwardly shaped cargo across the rugged terrain of Mars. Earn funds, unlock new parts, and use your ingenuity to help the Martians establish a new home. Playable solo or in online co-op!
Why similar: Science 17.9%, Co-op 16.7%, Robots 13.6%, Building 10.2%, Sandbox 9.7%
- #28 Poly Bridge 2
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 8,233 reviews2020
Dev: Dry Cactus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 16.8 hrs≥1hr: 66%
The acclaimed bridge-building indie-hit is back! More levels, more features, more physics fun!
Why similar: Building 26.5%, Sandbox 16.9%, Physics 16.4%, Crafting 15.8%, Education 14.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic physics-based construction game that emphasizes structural integrity and creative problem-solving.
- #29 MachineCraft
81% matchMostly Positive77% of 889 reviews2016
Dev: G2CREW
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 32.1 hrs≥1hr: 34%
The main purpose of this game is showing and watching machines made out of blocks. Some of the game-modes allow you to battle or race against other players. (testing phase) You can create your original machine with ease by reassembling those machines that are distributed, or by using the automatic control block.
Why similar: Building 31.6%, Sandbox 28.7%, Robots 17%, Multiplayer 14%, Simulation 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer-focused building game where you can construct robots and vehicles to compete with others.
- #30 MoSimulator
76% matchVery Positive98% of 162 reviews2026
Dev: Cascade Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
MoSimulator is a robotics simulation game with an arcade feel that lets players mod in their own robots. Experience the excitement of competitive student robotics in a fun, accessible format where you can bring your own robot designs to life and compete in simulated matches.
Why similar: Robots 27.6%, Programming 20.1% ★, Automation 11.7%, Immersive Sim 10.8%, Simulation 9.3%
- #31 Hello Engineer: Scrap Machines Constructor
78% matchMixed61% of 208 reviews2023
Dev: tinyBuild RigaPub: tinyBuild
Windows
Build incredible machines with scrap parts, navigate the wildest Amusement park rides and challenge iconic creepy Neighbor and his evil bots! Become a true Engineer, solo or with friends!
Why similar: Building 16.1%, Co-op 15.4%, Sandbox 15.3%, Crafting 15.2%, Online Co-Op 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based construction game where you build machines from scrap to complete various missions.
- #32 FOUNDRY
76% matchVery Positive81% of 3,918 reviews2024
Dev: Channel 3 EntertainmentPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 48.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Build a sophisticated robot factory optimized to perfection in an infinite voxel world. Mine and harvest resources, automate your production lines and manage complex systems while researching your way to become the galaxy’s leading robotics megacorp.
Why similar: Automation 15.5%, Robots 15.4%, Online Co-Op 13.3%, Co-op 12.1%, Building 11.2%
- #33 Nimbatus - Drone Creator
77% matchVery Positive91% of 274 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Use the Nimbatus Drone Creator to construct physically simulated drones and try them out in a virtual testing environment. Do you have what it takes to become a drone engineer?
Why similar: Science 19.8%, Programming 12.5% ★, Sandbox 11.9%, Simulation 11.4%, Crafting 11.2%
- #34 CRUMB Circuit Simulator
75% matchMostly Positive79% of 776 reviews2022
Dev: Mike Bushell
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Powerful Realtime 3D Electronic Circuit Simulator
Why similar: Programming 32.9% ★, Education 14.9%, Sandbox 13.7%, Logic 9.3%, Simulation 8.4%
- #35 Alchemy Factory
72% matchVery Positive90% of 2,515 reviews2025
Dev: D5 CopperheadPub: Gamirror Games
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 23.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Craft your workshop as an alchemist! Harness arcane devices to automate crafting. Sell alchemical goods, fulfill commissions, and rise to become a renowned alchemy magnate. Multiplayer Supported! Invite master designers to (ahem) contribute their expertise—let them optimize your production lines!
Why similar: Automation 24.7%, Building 14.3%, Sandbox 13.8%, Crafting 11.3%, Online Co-Op 8.4%
- #36 Desynced
73% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,026 reviews2026
Dev: Stage Games Inc.Pub: Forklift Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Desynced is a sci-fi strategy game with fully customizable units and behaviors. Gather, build, research, and explore the unknown. Alone or with friends, unveil the mystery of an AI on the edge of self-awareness and uncover the hidden truth in this blend of strategy, automation, and exploration.
Why similar: Programming 28.4% ★, Automation 15.3%, Sandbox 10.5%, Building 10.1%, Online Co-Op 8.1%
- #37 Craftomation 101: Programming & Craft
74% matchVery Positive85% of 637 reviews2024
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 66%
You land on a frozen planet in a tiny rocket with a robot inside. Harvest and combine materials to discover new ones. Use visual programming to make the robot do the tiresome work for you. Slowly build a gang of self-sustaining robot workers and watch them terraform the planet.
Why similar: Programming 30% ★, Automation 15.9%, Robots 14.7%, Education 14.2%, Sandbox 11.3%
- #38 Per Aspera
75% matchMostly Positive76% of 5,760 reviews2020
Dev: Tlön IndustriesPub: Raw Fury
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Make Mars your own! Take control of the world’s most sophisticated AI (AMI) and terraform the surface of the Red Planet for a city-building experience on a planetary scale. Transform this barren world into a lush paradise and explore the surface for any ancient secrets that may be waiting.
Why similar: Online Co-Op 20.6%, Science 16.1%, Automation 13.9%, Robots 13.8%, Building 9.9%
- #39 Milling machine simulator
74% matchVery Positive89% of 196 reviews2022
Dev: Igor FrankPub: U&I NEXT
Windows
Milling machine simulator will inspire novices and experts alike. Realistic physics and movements allow you to familiarize yourself with the machine in a 3D workshop setting. Enjoy playing around, learning and prototyping in Free milling mode. Or challenge yourself in Career mode.
Why similar: Programming 26.8% ★, Education 12.3%, Automation 12%, Sandbox 9.9%, Building 8.6%
- #40 while True: learn()
73% matchVery Positive91% of 8,171 reviews2019
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
You’re a machine learning specialist who makes neural networks but your cat seems to be better at it. Now you must solve puzzles to build a cat-to-human translation system (who knows what else this cat is capable of!). Earn a fortune, buy kickass cat outfits, learn how machine learning really works!
Why similar: Programming 46.3% ★, Education 16.4%, Science 14.4%, Building 7.4%, Sandbox 7.1%
- #41 Good Company
73% matchMostly Positive73% of 1,792 reviews2022
Dev: Chasing Carrots
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Good Company is an in-depth management sim about building a trail-blazing tech corporation. Assemble complex production lines, manage employee logistics, and sell high-quality products on the market to become the best company in the whole county!
Why similar: Automation 14%, Online Co-Op 12.7%, Co-op 10.9%, Building 10.6%, Robots 10%
- #42 Age Of Warbots
71% matchVery Positive84% of 165 reviews2026
Dev: VDimension
Windows
A sandbox battle simulator game where you can build your own shape-shifting warbots, program their AI, and watch them smash each other up on the battlefield! Join the battles yourself by taking control of the warbots! Use Steam Workshop to check out warbots created by players from around the world!
Why similar: Programming 30.4% ★, Robots 18.4%, Sandbox 13.4%, Building 10.9%, Physics 10.3%
- #43 Aviassembly
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 9,371 reviews2025
Dev: Jelle Booij
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Build and fly your own airplane! Complete missions to earn money, upgrade your plane, and discover new locations in an open world.
Why similar: Building 22.5%, Science 20.8%, Sandbox 18%, Physics 15.5%, Crafting 13.1%
- #44 Modulus: Factory Automation
70% matchVery Positive91% of 846 reviews2026
Dev: Happy VolcanoPub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 14.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Build, automate, & optimize production lines across sky islands with real spatial constraints. Every production line is an open-ended puzzle: which operators to use, how to route your belts and how to fit your factory into the landscape. Your solutions, like your factories, are uniquely your own.
Why similar: Automation 21.4%, Building 15.4%, Sandbox 13.5%, Management 11.3%, Crafting 10.2%
- #45 The Qubit Factory
70% matchVery Positive98% of 55 reviews2025
Dev: Logical Basis
Windows · Mac
The Qubit Factory is an open-ended puzzle game incorporating real-life concepts from the cutting-edge field of quantum computing. Design and build logic circuits that manipulate bits and qubits (quantum bits) to solve devious computational challenges!
Why similar: Programming 31.5% ★, Automation 15.7%, Science 10.9%, Logic 9.5%, Education 9.3%
- #46 SHENZHEN I/O
71% matchVery Positive95% of 4,504 reviews2016
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 61%
BUILD CIRCUITS. WRITE CODE. RTFM.
Why similar: Programming 55.4% ★, Automation 18%, Logic 9.7%, Education 7.1%, Simulation 3.4%
- #47 Atomcraft
68% matchVery Positive96% of 358 reviews2026
Dev: Triplejump
Windows
A sandbox adventure where every pixel is physically and chemically simulated! Build intricate, fully functional machines from the pixels around you. Harvest, react, and manipulate all 118 elements to craft everything from simple tools to complex systems.
Why similar: Science 27.5%, Sandbox 15.4%, Crafting 13.8%, Education 13.6%, Physics 10.3%
- #48 Icaria
69% matchMostly Positive79% of 78 reviews2026
Dev: Blindsight Games LLC
Windows
Icaria is a robot colony builder where everything can be programmed. Build factories, design logistic networks, terraform the landscape, and explore an unknown alien world.
Why similar: Programming 30.3% ★, Automation 16.5%, Robots 12.4%, Building 11.2%, Sandbox 11.1%
- #49 Retro Gadgets
70% matchVery Positive90% of 521 reviews2022
Dev: Licorice ehf
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 62.3 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Retro Gadgets is a sandbox where you build, code, and customize gadgets inspired by old-school electronics.
Why similar: Programming 24.8% ★, Automation 19.8%, Education 17.2%, Building 14.1%, Sandbox 10.6%
- #50 Rover Builder
71% matchMixed68% of 81 reviews2022
Dev: Hatfuls GamesPub: PQube
Windows
Rover Builder is a 3D engineering sim tasking you to create the right rover to complete the job. Unleash your creativity in the garage, building vehicles using an impressive array of parts, materials and machinery. Or try your hand at level editor - creating entire missions and levels from scratch!
Why similar: Science 25.6%, Robots 19.3%, Building 15.4%, Sandbox 15%, Physics 11.5%
- #51 Screw Drivers
65% matchVery Positive85% of 6,574 reviews2026
Dev: CreactstudiosPub: Headup
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 47%
Crazy physics and high-speed races! Craft vehicles cleverly by combining building blocks and mechanical parts to create powerful drivetrains. Unlock new parts, race for the gold, and challenge your friends in multiplayer.
Why similar: Building 25.1%, Crafting 19.7%, Physics 18.8%, Multiplayer 12.3%, Simulation 7.9%
- #52 Learning Factory
67% matchVery Positive86% of 523 reviews2025
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Build intricate supply chains to meet your feline customers' needs. Discover underground and air transport layers, a vast research tree, procedural worlds, machine learning, and endless automation in this relaxing, enemyless game.
Why similar: Programming 21.1% ★, Science 16.7%, Automation 12.7%, Education 11.4%, Building 10.3%
- #53 Autocraft
72% matchMixed56% of 298 reviews2017
Dev: Alientrap
Windows · Mac
Median: 54 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Create, Collect, and Crash in Autocraft, a physics destruction sandbox. Create your own cars, rockets, tanks, planes, boats, and more.
Why similar: Sandbox 28.9%, Building 24.4%, Physics 17.7%, Crafting 11.8%, Simulation 11.1%
- #54 Autonauts vs Piratebots
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 523 reviews2022
Dev: DenkiPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Create, automate and defend an impenetrable base. Assemble and command a Bot army to combat an entire Piratebot invasion. Build, program and battle your way through five different zones.
Why similar: Programming 22.2% ★, Automation 19.5%, Sandbox 12.6%, Crafting 12.3%, Building 11.2%
- #55 Snap Game
67% matchVery Positive83% of 53 reviews2026
Dev: BegulaPub: IQ GROUP
Windows · Mac · Linux
A chaotic multiplayer building game where creativity and teamwork collide. Build together, experiment freely, and see what wild ideas you and your friends can create.
Why similar: Sandbox 22.1%, Building 20.6%, Physics 17%, Multiplayer 13%, Character Customization 8.8%
- #56 I Fetch Rocks
66% matchVery Positive94% of 124 reviews2025
Dev: SarumXR
Windows
Embark on your asteroid hauling career with Veritago Fortana. Start with a basic ship and earn credits to upgrade, customise and repair as you try to fulfil larger and harder contracts. Built exclusively for VR, use your own hands to build, wire and fly using 100s of interconnecting components.
Why similar: Programming 23.9% ★, Science 16.1%, Automation 13.6%, Education 12.5%, Sandbox 10.3%
- #57 Manufactoria 2022
68% matchVery Positive96% of 73 reviews2022
Dev: PleasingFungus Games
Windows · Mac
Manufactoria 2022 is a constructive puzzle game about pushing robots around. (It's okay, they don't complain.) Use simple parts to engineer solutions to open-ended problems, then rebuild 'em better! Take a company from your backyard to the soaring heights of success! How hard could it be?
Why similar: Programming 36.2% ★, Automation 20.3%, Robots 19%, Logic 12.8%, Simulation 4.6%
- #58 Alan's Automaton Workshop
68% matchVery Positive83% of 213 reviews2022
Dev: Laputa Labs
Windows · Mac · Linux
Alan's Automaton Workshop is an open-ended programming puzzle game. Start a new business with Alan Turing and his groundbreaking innovation: the Turing Machine. Build unique automatons, and solve all kinds of problems from clients.
Why similar: Programming 33.4% ★, Automation 16.7%, Education 15.3%, Sandbox 10.5%, Building 10.1%
- #59 Robot Rumble 2
66% matchMostly Positive80% of 289 reviews2024
Dev: Nerd Island Studios, LLC
Windows · Mac
Build your robot. Battle your robot. Robot Rumble 2 is the premier robot combat building simulator, where you create your robot from real-world inspired parts, then drive it in the arena to defeat other robots.
Why similar: Programming 30.6% ★, Robots 20.4%, Building 12%, Sandbox 10.7%, Physics 10.6%
- #60 ABI-DOS
65% matchVery Positive92% of 434 reviews2024
Dev: ABI.DOS.SOFTWARE
Windows
Build the most advanced operating system ever created! Can you master the fictional simulation language of this mind-bending machine? Design circuits, automate UBITS (coloured mobile data blocks), and optimize your system. The Admin is always watching, and he’s not what he seems.
Why similar: Programming 35.7% ★, Automation 17.5%, Education 11.9%, Sandbox 10.3%, Building 10.3%