Are you looking for a tabletop game that gives you the freedom to explore the map at your own pace, without rules restricting your playstyle? Do you love open world video games and wish to recapture that same experience with friends at your next tabletop night? The best sandbox board games place the rules in the players hands, allowing you to engage with the world and its features as you see fit. No matter what genre you are typically drawn to, there is sure to be a sandbox board game that appeals to you.
More Than Meeples is your one stop online board game shop. We stock a wide range of board games, graphic novels, collectibles, and other goodies, and are happy to help through our contact us page if you require assistance.
Our Picks for the Best Open World Board Games
Buy the Star Wars Outer Rim Board Game
Star Wars: Outer Rim
If you have always longed to explore the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Outer Rim offers players the chance. Starting out as a citizen of the underworld, Outer Rim tasks you with making your mark on the galaxy as you pursue a career as a bounty hunter, mercenary or smuggler. As you explore and recruit crew members, you must contend with the deadly factions that surround you in one of the best open world board games on the market.
Average Playtime: 120 – 180 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 1 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.50/5
Caverna
For those seeking a more relaxed experience that swaps dangerous combat for the life of a simple farmer, Caverna is a must play. As the leader of a small family, you start the game living in a small cave in the mountains, where you are tasked with expanding and developing your home by exploring the world around you. Will you build your wealth by mining the nearby caves or by cutting down the local forest to create a space for you to keep and raise animals? The choice is yours.
Average Playtime: 30 – 210 minutes
Recommended Age: 12+
Number of Players: 1 – 7
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 3.78/5
Buy the Legends of Andor Board Game
Legends of Andor
One of the best sandbox board games to feature an over-arching narrative, Legends of Andor is a cooperative adventure that tasks players with defending a fantasy realm from invading hordes of monsters. As the brave adventurers work towards the goal of saving their kingdom, they undertake dangerous quests that they are free to accomplish however they wish, making Legends of Andor a refreshing take on the classic Fantasy formula.
Average Playtime: 60 – 90 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 2 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.76/5
Western Legends
If the high noon hijinks of Red Dead Redemption have you wanting to recapture that feeling in a tabletop setting, then Western Legends is sure to be a rooting-tooting good time. The game allows you to live a life in the Old West in whatever manner you choose, allowing you to rob banks, gamble, or even be a simple cattle farmer. Whichever path you take earns you Legendary Points, and the player with the most points at the end wins.
Average Playtime: 60 – 90 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 2 – 6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.83/5
Bios: Megafauna
Bios: Megafauna tasks players with starting as either a plant, mollusk, insect, or vertebral skeletal type, before siring squawking, flapping, and paddling species. Bios: Megafauna is one of the best open world board games at offering players a unique experience, as its task of spreading your growing lifeform across the continent is unlike anything else in the genre.
Average Playtime: 90 – 180 minutes
Recommended Age: 12+
Number of Players: 1 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 4.52/5
John Company
The British East India Company was one of the most influential commercial and political organisations in the world, and John Company tasks players with charting the company’s history. As you vie to place your children in positions of power within the company you are free to chase success however you wish, forced to navigate the cutthroat worlds of business and politics.
Average Playtime: 90 – 240 minutes
Recommended Age: 13+
Number of Players: 1 – 6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 4.18/5
Twilight Imperium 4th Edition
In Twilight Imperium, players take control of one of seventeen unique civilisations as they compete for control of the galaxy. While there is a common end goal, there is no set way to get there, as players are free to achieve victory through trade, politics, alliances, and outright warfare. Each of the factions offers a unique playstyle, making this one of the best sandbox board games to keep coming back to.
Average Playtime: 240 – 480 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 2 – 6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 4.23/5
Xia Legends of a Drift System
Beginning as the captain of a lowly starship, Xia: Legends of a Drift System tasks you with flying your ship throughout the stars, completing missions, and battling rivals. Players are free to build their riches and fame however they wish, with mining, salvaging, and trading all viable options. In the end only one captain can rise above the others, securing victory by becoming a legend of the Drift System.
Average Playtime: 60 – 180 minutes
Recommended Age: 12+
Number of Players: 3 – 5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 3.19/5
Discover Your New Favourite Game at More Than Meeples!
At More Than Meeples we love nothing more than board games, which is why we stock an extensive collection of the best games in the medium alongside some hidden gems. Whether you are seeking a sandbox game that lets you explore the world as you see fit, or a more focused experience, explore our website to buy board games online that are sure to secure a place in your regular rotation. If you would like to know more about a particular game or need help deciding, reach out through our contact us page and we will be happy to help.
