Rank 10: Tree of Life
| Steam Hub | Tree of Life on Steam |
| Total User Reviews (recent) | 71% |
| Genre | Sandbox Survival MMO |
| Release on Steam | August 17, 2017 |
Tree of Life has sneaked into the bestseller lists of Steam as an indie survival game. With a purely player-driven economy, 21 class combinations, a free PvP system, and a world where survival is paramount, Tree of Life falls into the sandbox category and is primarily what players make of it.
What the players say: The community is what keeps most players engaged, but also deters them, as many reviews indicate players isolate or behave toxically. Even groups of players that start together sometimes become targets of hate. One should be able to integrate quickly.
Rank 9: Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds
| Steam Hub | PUBG on Steam |
| Total User Reviews (recent) | 72% (71% in the last 30 days) |
| Genre | Battle Royale Shooter |
| Release on Steam | March 23, 2017 (Early Access) |
Just managed to make it into the top 10, the battle royale shooter PUBG has displaced Dota 2 from the number 1 spot in the “Most Active Players” category for the first time in months.
The players all start together in a plane flying over a remote, seemingly Russian island. They can decide when to jump and thus determine where they will land to loot the surrounding area and try to win as the last player (or last team) standing.
What the players say: Similar to H1Z1, no one can quite say why they like or dislike PUBG. It’s a game principle that you can either love or hate; there is hardly a middle ground.
PUBG currently has the highest number of active players according to Steamcharts.
Rank 8: Fishing Planet
| Steam Hub | Fishing Planet on Steam |
| Total User Reviews (recent) | 75% |
| Genre | Fishing Simulation |
| Release on Steam | August 11, 2015 |
A standout in the list is undoubtedly the free fishing simulator Fishing Planet. The game impresses with realistic angling experiences and is a game by anglers for anglers. A highly detailed and beautiful world lets players fully immerse themselves in the game and provides the attraction that it obviously has.
A wide variety of baits and fishing rods intensifies the realistic feeling. The place where one wants to retreat to fish in peace can be selected on a map, and even other players can keep you company while fishing. Fishing competitions also add a competitive component to Fishing Planet.
What the players say: According to the community, it’s a nice pastime if you’re looking for a calm game in between. However, it is often sharply criticized that you can hardly progress without investing real money in the long run.
Rank 7: EVE Online
| Steam Hub | EVE Online on Steam |
| Total User Reviews (recent) | 77% (61% in the last 30 days) |
| Genre | Space Sandbox MMORPG |
| Release on Steam | May 6, 2003 |
One of the most well-known and still popular games is EVE Online. It is the oldest game on our list.
EVE Online is THE space sandbox game. Player-driven economies and factions simulate a real world in space where everyone can integrate in their own way. Hardly anything is influenced by the developers. Those who want to dedicate themselves entirely to trade can build an economic empire. Those looking for space battles can join an alliance and plunge into huge battles – where sometimes several thousand euros worth of goods are destroyed.
What the players say: The space sandbox game receives positive feedback, mainly for the freedoms given to players. The biggest point of criticism is the time or real money required to speed things up.
Rank 6: The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
| Steam Hub | TESO on Steam |
| Total User Reviews (recent) | 79% (66% in the last 30 days) |
| Genre | MMORPG |
| Release on Steam | April 4, 2014 |
Bethesda’s approach to open the popular TES series for multiplayer. In The Elder Scrolls Online, players explore Tamriel together with others to engage in classic TES experiences such as fighting enemies, forging alliances, and fighting for their faction.
Three different factions – the Aldmeri Dominion, the Ebonheart Pact, and the Daggerfall Covenant – offer three races each to shape your character. Additionally, there are Imperials who can join any faction. Depending on the chosen race, one begins the journey in different areas with different reputations with specific factions.
As in the single-player version, in TESO the skill being used is improved. This applies to combat as well as to the crafting system, which is a unique feature for the MMO.
What the players say: The MMORPG has been very popular since its release, especially among fans of the series. It is often described as “a single-player RPG that can be played with friends.” This similarity to Skyrim or Morrowind is what both attracts and deters players. There is little specific negative criticism.
Rank 4: Rust
| Steam Hub | Rust on Steam |
| Total User Reviews (recent) | 80% (73% in the last 30 days) |
| Genre | Survival Crafting Shooter |
| Release on Steam | December 11, 2013 |
Another survival sandbox game that makes it onto the list is Rust. As one of the first of its kind, it has been on the market for quite some time and has a correspondingly solid player base.
As a naked person (“nude” in gaming jargon), one begins their survival struggle on the server armed only with a rock, which simultaneously serves as a primitive starter tool. One cannot create their own character, as skin color, gender, and even penis size are determined by the Steam ID.
Alone or in a group, one can build a base on different friendly or unfriendly servers, explore the world, or combat other players while taking care of their own survival.
What the players say: Even the recent reviews are largely positive, praising the building, combat, and exploration system. The difficulty for newcomers, especially if they are playing alone, is particularly criticized, as many established groups act as top dogs.
Noteworthy, summarizing review from user Meatwad:
Heard a whole lot of idiots screaming
joined in screaming
die
repeat 10/10 would die again
Rank 4: Final Fantasy XIV Online
| Steam Hub | FFXIV on Steam |
| Total User Reviews (recent) | 80% (73% in the last 30 days) |
| Genre | MMORPG |
| Release on Steam | February 18, 2014 |
Just missing out on the top 3, but managing to claim a shared fourth place (along with Rust) is the Final Fantasy MMO FFXIV. Despite the monthly fee required, many players are still active – some even with thousands of hours of game time.
The MMO was long considered the game that would dethrone WoW – more than any other game it has ever been rumored about. It brings some features that are missing from the MMORPG crown jewel, such as weddings and housing. In particular, the fantastic world of Final Fantasy attracts many players.
What the players say: Above all, the beautiful graphics and the lovingly created environments of the popular Final Fantasy setting are praised, while the community’s cohesion is often emphasized. Significant negative points are rarely mentioned.
