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SANDBOX TRAIL GUIDE / THE OPEN WORKBENCH

Build your next
obsession.

A practical workbench for builders, explorers and system tinkerers. Find the game that gives your ideas room.

PROJECT EXPLORER / 01—03
PROJECT 01 / Against the StormAgainst the Storm
PROJECT 02 / DorfromantikDorfromantik
PROJECT 03 / Into the BreachInto the Breach

Project brief / 01

Against the Storm

Settlement strategyLong

A rich settlement manager that keeps the difficult establishment phase at the centre. Varied populations and production options reward adaptable plans, provided repeated rebuilding is part of the appeal.

8.7/10Well built
Read the review →

FOUR TOOLKITS / TWELVE POSSIBILITIES

THE BUILDING BLOCKS

Find your next project

Updated 4 November 2026 · 12 games · 5 scoring criteria

Showing 3 of 12

Frostpunk

Frostpunk

9.4/10Masterwork

Survival strategy

A powerful survival city builder where infrastructure and social policy are inseparable. Its coherent pressures make construction consequential, but the bleak tone leaves little room for carefree development.

Read review
Against the Storm

Against the Storm

8.7/10Well built

Settlement strategy

A rich settlement manager that keeps the difficult establishment phase at the centre. Varied populations and production options reward adaptable plans, provided repeated rebuilding is part of the appeal.

Read review
Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition

Management adventure

A moving management adventure where improving a boat supports the people aboard it. Construction and care reinforce one another, though repeated routines and the subject of farewell make the experience more demanding than its warmth suggests.

Read review

OPTIONS THAT MATTER

Assist & accessibility

Dorfromantik

Check the control scheme and settings on the official game page before choosing your setup.

Into the Breach

Check the control scheme and settings on the official game page before choosing your setup.

Frostpunk

Check the control scheme and settings on the official game page before choosing your setup.

See all 12 games →
FTL: Faster Than Light

Check the control scheme and settings on the official game page before choosing your setup.

Mini Motorways

Check the control scheme and settings on the official game page before choosing your setup.

Wildfrost

Check the control scheme and settings on the official game page before choosing your setup.

Mini Metro

Check the control scheme and settings on the official game page before choosing your setup.

Loop Hero

Check the control scheme and settings on the official game page before choosing your setup.

THE SHAPE OF THE JOURNEY

How long is it?

Editorial length bands describe the scope of a game. Optional goals and your own pace can change the journey.

See all 12 games →

Make an informed choice.

How we score →

Five criteria. One consistent editorial score.

Questions, answered →

Find out how the catalogue and your journal work.

Keep play comfortable →

Practical guidance for breaks, settings and purchases.

Your comparison

Official trailer

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