Crafting systems have become a prominent feature in many modern video games, offering players the opportunity to unleash their creativity and resourcefulness within virtual worlds. These systems not only enhance gameplay mechanics but also provide a sense of accomplishment as players gather materials and construct unique items, weapons, or even entire structures.

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Players can get ready to delve into the realm of gaming and explore exceptional titles that boast trulydistinctive crafting systems. From intricate recipes and specialized tools to the freedom of customization and the thrill of experimentation, these games offer an immersive crafting experience like no other.

10The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdommaintains the highly acclaimed combine-and-cook crafting system from its predecessor. InTears of the Kingdom, the crafting system is a central feature that allows players to create a wide range of meals with various effects. The cooking system stands out for its unique combination of ingredients to create meals with various effects, adding a strategic element to the gameplay, which has only been present in bothBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom.

By combining ingredients, players can craft meals that restore HP, provide cold resistance, enhance attack in specific temperatures, and more. For example, combining meat and vegetables may create a dish that restores HP and provides a temporary attack boost. Other possible food items to craft/cook include a Tough Tomato Mushroom Stew to restore health and Salt-Grilled Prime Meat to improve stamina.

a screenshot from The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom featuring Link.

With an assortment of recipes at their disposal, players can tailor meals to suit a preferred playstyle and gain strategic advantages in the face of formidable foes. The crafting system adds depth and strategic choices, making cooking an integral part of theTears of the Kingdom’s progression and survival in thevast world of Hyrule.

9Minecraft

Minecraftis known primarily for its crafting system and sandbox environment. Renowned for its distinctiveness,Minecraft’scrafting system is grid-based andallows players to transformgathered resources into tools, weapons, armor, and numerous other items. The ability to combine resources in countless ways enables players to construct elaborate structures from crafted blocks, mine for valuable resources for crafting, and explore different biomes with unique materials.

For instance, placing wooden planks in a specific pattern can create a crafting table, which allows access to more advanced recipes. Other craftable items include wooden tools (pickaxe, axe, shovel), iron armor and weapons, enchanting tables, redstone contraptions (such as automatic doors or trap mechanisms), and TNT blocks.

a screenshot from Minecraft, featuring different Biomes.

8Terraria

InTerraria, players gather resources by mining, digging, and defeating enemies to unlock new crafting recipes. With a vast array of crafting stations available, players can forge powerful weapons, craft intricate armor sets, and construct elaborate buildings. The extensive crafting system inTerrariaallows for endless customization, enabling players to create unique environments and tackle challenging bosses and events.

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For example, players can combine wood tocraft a basic workbench, which grants access to more crafting options. By gathering resources such as ores, gems, and rare materials, players can craft powerful weapons, armor sets, and construct intricate buildings. Other craftable items include wings for flight, spell tomes, and staffs, summoning items to call companions and elaborate furniture and housing decorations.

7Stardew Valley

Crafting inStardew Valleyplays a vital role inexpanding the farmand unlocking new areas. Players can gather resources from the land to craft various tools, machines, and artisan goods. The diverse range of crafting options and the ability to learn new recipes allow players to shape their farm into a thriving and picturesque homestead.

Players can gather resources like wood, stone, and minerals to craft tools and machines. For example, using a furnace, players can smelt ores into bars, which can then be used to craft better tools or even upgrade farm equipment. Additionally, players can craft artisan goods like jelly or cheese using crops and animal products. There are also beehives for honey production, kegs for making wine or beer, quality sprinklers for automated crop watering, and oil makers for processing sunflowers into oil.

a screenshot from Terraria showcasing a player’s built house

6Don’t Starve

In the unforgiving world ofDon’t Starve, crafting is paramount to survival. The intricate crafting system allows for inventive combinations, unlocking new recipes and expanding survival options. Crafting structures provide shelter and storage space.

For example, combining a twig and flint creates an axe for chopping down trees, while combining cut grass and twigs creates a torch for illumination. Players can also craft structures walls and traps for shelter and defense against hostile creatures. There are also campfires and fire pits for light and warmth, science machines for unlocking new crafting recipes, an alchemy engine for advanced crafting, and log suits for protection against enemies.

a screenshot from Stardew Valley, showcasing a player’s farm.

5Factorio

Factoriofeatures a crafting system where players mine resources, automate production, and design intricate supply chains. The ability to optimize production lines and solve complex logistical challenges allows players tocreate self-sustaining factoriesin a challenging alien world.

For instance, players can combine iron plates and copper wires to craft electric circuits, which are used in the construction of advanced technologies. Other craftable items include conveyor belts for transporting items, solar panels and accumulators for generating and storing energy, robotic arms for item manipulation, and advanced circuit boards for complex automation processes.

a screenshot from Don’t Starve showcasing gameplay

4No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Skyoffers an intergalactic crafting system that allows players to harness their resources gathered from various planets and craft upgrades for their spaceship, exosuit, and multitool. Customization options are numerous, enabling players to improve their equipment, unlock new abilities, and navigate the vast reaches of space.

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A screenshot from Factorio showcasing gameplay.

Combining specific elements and materials can create more powerful weapons, improved propulsion systems, or upgrades for the exosuit’s protection. Other examples inNo Man’s Skyinclude upgrades for the spaceship’s weapons, propulsion, and scanning capabilities, exosuit upgrades for increased protection and environmental resistance, multitool attachments, and upgrades for mining and combat and storage containers for inventory organization.

3Subnautica

InSubnautica, players scavenge for materials and use them to craft tools, submarines, and habitats. Each crafted item enables players to explore deeper into the underwater world and unlock new possibilities for exploration and discovery. Crafting inSubnauticainvolves gathering resources from the underwater environment and using them to construct tools, vehicles, and bases. For example, combining titanium and glass can create a reinforced diving suit, offering increased protection and depth capabilities.

Players can craft submarines, advanced diving gear, and various gadgets toexplore deeper and survivein the alien ocean. Extra craft creations include a Seaglide for faster underwater movement, Seamoth and Cyclops submarines for deep-sea exploration, advanced diving suits for increased depth and pressure resistance, base modules and habitats for underwater bases, and upgrades for tools and vehicles, such as drill arms for resource extraction.

An image showcasing the vast world of No Man’s Sky.

2RimWorld

RimWorld’sdynamic crafting system is crucial for survival as players manage their colony. From basic structures to advanced technologies,players can craft a thriving settlementwhile navigating the unpredictable events and challenges of theRimWorld. For example, players can gather resources like wood and stone to build walls, beds, and other structures for colonist comfort.

By combining different materials and components, players can create weapons, armor, and even intricate power systems to enhance their colony’s capabilities. Other craftable items in the game include turrets and traps for base defense, hydroponics for indoor crop cultivation, advanced power generators and conduits, and artificial limbs and organs for colonist augmentation.

An image showcasing gameplay from Subnautica.

1Final Fantasy 14

Crafting inFinal Fantasy 14offers a rewarding endeavor where players can gather resources, craft powerful gear, and engage in various crafting classes. With diverse recipes and materials, players can create unique and valuable items, contributing to the world of Eorzea. Crafting inFinal Fantasy 14involves selecting a crafting class and utilizing various materials and recipes to create items.

For example, a blacksmith can combine ingots and other materials to craft weapons and armor. By mastering different crafting disciplines and discovering rare recipes, players can create valuable and unique items to enhance their characters' abilities.

RimWorld gameplay

Other opportunities that require crafting include high-level armor and weapons for character customization, potions and consumables for battle support, housing items and decorations for personalization, and airships for exploration and travel within the game world.

A screenshot from Final Fantasy 14 showcasing gameplay.