As you may already know, the gaming world is about more than just the games themselves. It is a vast industry in which the gaming community plays a key role. Without them, many games would not make sense or have the opportunity to evolve.

That’s why today we want to present the best games shaped by strong community creation and contributions which would never have made it this far without their players.

GameReleaseGenreDeveloperVideo
Counter Strike Complete 2013-06-06 Shooter Frozenbyte
Garrys Mod 2006-11-29 Simulator & Indie Facepunch Studios
Stardew Valley 2016-02-26 Simulator & Indie ConcernedApe
Minecraft 2013-11-19 Adventure & Simulator Mojang Studios
Terraria 2011-05-16 Simulator & Indie Re-Logic
ARK Survival Evolved 2015-06-02 Indie & Adventure Efecto Studios
Counter Strike 16 2000-11-01 Shooter Valve
Counter Strike Source 2004-11-01 Shooter Valve
Roblox Adopt Me

If you’re curious to know what makes these games stand out and why they’re worth knowing about, check out this guide!

Minecraft

Release date:2013-11-19
Genre:Simulator & Adventure
Developer:Mojang Studios

The first place on our list would be incomplete without this iconic sandbox game. In Minecraft, you create your own world. Nothing is pre-made, so you have to plan and build everything yourself, including the characters and the storyline.

Minecraft is a classic example of a game whose community gives it great potential, offering something new every day. Thanks to them, there are thousands of mods, maps, servers and mini-games that constantly enrich the gameplay and change the rules.

You may like it because
  • total freedom to build and create
  • develop planning and teamwork
  • many mods and custom games
  • create real or imagined worlds

Garrys Mod

Release date:2006-11-29
Genre:Simulator & Indie
Developer:Facepunch Studios

Another comparable game is a sandbox production in which the player has full control over the world. In this game, you can create, build and experiment in a 3D environment powered by the Source engine and Havok physics.

The biggest attraction in this game is the community-created modes. These range from detective investigations and chases to roleplay sessions and racing your own custom-built vehicles. Every server offers a completely different game, so you never know what awaits you.

You may like it because
  • player-created worlds
  • gives you full control
  • every server is different
  • many modes await you there

Dota 2

Release date:2013-07-9
Genre:MOBA
Developer:Valve

In this community-based game, you select a unique character and join a team of five to destroy your opponents’ base. Your success depends on the characters you choose, your team strategy and how you react to your opponent’s moves.

Image credit: Valve

What’s interesting about this game is that every match is different. Additionally, beginners can easily get into the game with the help of more experienced players and interactive tutorials.

You may like it because
  • you can develop your character
  • various adventures await you
  • you have support from experienced players
  • active community

Counter-Strike

Release date:2013-06-06
Genre:Shooter
Developer:Frozenbyte

This shooter game is another option for fans of community-made games. In this popular multiplayer title, players join one of two teams and compete to win. Each round requires players to make quick decisions and use appropriate tactics and precise shots.

The game’s success is mainly thanks to the gaming community. Over the years, players have created a variety of maps, modes, skins and modifications. Importantly, the game continues to support its users’ creativity and is constantly evolving.

You may like it because
  • tactical team combat
  • every round is different
  • fast-paced, strategic shooting
  • huge variety of maps and mods

Roblox

Release date:2006
Genre:RPG, Sandbox, Action
Developer:Roblox Corporation

This proposal is more than a simple game. Roblox is a huge community platform where you have access to a variety of player-created worlds, mods, and custom games providing endless creativity and gameplay options for everyone.

Image credit: Roblox Corp.

Thanks to its complete freedom, you can not only play, but also create your own games and experiences, share them with the community, and explore the works of other users from all over the world.

You may like it because
  • you can build your own games
  • lots of unique types of games to try
  • freedom
  • play solo or with friends

Stardew Valley

Release date:2016-02-26
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator & Strategy & Indie & Adventure
Developer:ConcernedApe

If you enjoy quiet farm life, you’ll love this RPG game. You take on the role of a young farmer whose goal is to build an enormous farm.

The game owes its success to an active community. With its constantly evolving gameplay modes, Stardew Valley is always full of surprises. What’s more, you don’t have to play alone. Players often support each other by sharing helpful tips and advice on how to build the perfect farm.

You may like it because
  • you can build a farm
  • relaxing farming gameplay
  • you can plant crops and raise animals
  • supportive community

ARK: Survival Evolved

Release date:2015-06-02
Genre:Shooter & Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator & Adventure & Indie
Developer:Efecto Studios

Our top list of community-based games comes to a close with this survival offering. You find yourself on an unknown island full of dangers, including dinosaurs. Your only goal is to survive by hunting, gathering resources, building shelters and developing your skills.

The game is based on cooperation and competition between players, who can either form alliances or fight each other for resources on the dinosaur-filled island. Player cooperation plays a significant role in both survival and the development of the game.

You may like it because
  • dinosaurs-filled island
  • hunt, gather, build, and develop skills
  • form alliances
  • explore diverse island

Conclusion

That’s it! If you’re looking for the best community-shaped games, the above titles are for you.

Remember that, as well as exploring them, you can contribute to their world by creating your own mods and custom games, or sharing ideas that others can enjoy.