Some genres are really easy to tell apart. For instance, nobody is going to confuse a farming sim with a first-person shooter. Okay, that is an extreme example, but it’s also usually easy to tell the difference between an action-adventure game and an RPG.
There are several genres, though, that are very similar to the point that it isn’t easy to differentiate the two. Just think of how hard it is to seethe difference between rougelites and rougelikes. It can be equally tricky to figure out how open-world and sandbox titles are distinct from one another. Yet, there are some differences between them. It is all laid out here.
What Is An Open World Game?
An open-world game is one that places you in a world with few limitations on where you’re able to go. So, you’re generallyfree to explore the map as you see fit.The whole world might not be completely open from the start, but it will get to that point as you progress.
Typically, these games also don’t force you into doing certain missions or quests immediately. Therefore, you may oftenput the main story on holdas you do some side quests or engage in several activities.
While there are plenty ofgreat open-world games, here are some of the most famous examples:
What Is A Sandbox Game?
The primary feature of a sandbox game is that itdoesn’t restrict youtoo much. Usually, youdon’t have a set objective,or the objective is optional. So, instead of working toward a specific goal, you havethe freedom to play how you wantand even set your own goals if you wish.
They alsoencourage you to be creative. As such, you’re usually able to shape the game world in some form. For instance, you might have the ability to alter the terrain or build things on top of it. This is where the term ‘sandbox’ comes from, as these games are supposed to be your own personal sandbox, in which you can build and destroy as you see fit.
Out of allthe excellent sandbox games out there, these are a few that stand out:
What Is The Difference Between Open World And Sandbox Games?
While both genres are about giving you a lot of freedom,the type of freedom they offer is where the genres differ.Open-world games give you freedom of movement,allowing you to explore the world as you see fit.Sandbox titles provide you with freedom in your actions, meaning you’re able to pretty much do what you want.
After all, in a lot of open-world games, you still have objectives to complete in order to progress, while not every sandbox game has a large world to explore.
Naturally, there is a lot of crossover between the two genres,but they’re different.
