Block building, saving, sandbox game for iPad?

March 4, 2016 6:43 PM

My son is playing Exploration on the iPad (a sandbox game, like a basic minecraft clone where you just build things) and while he really enjoys it, it doesn't seem capable of saving his creations. Is there another recommended game that allows saving?

This needs to be iOS 6 compatible. Also, 5 y.o. friendly--no scary stuff, difficult rules, etc. Just a big blocky sandbox. I was told that the original Minecraft is scary and/or intimidating. Thanks!

posted by circular to Technology (7 answers total)

Best answer: You can switch the iOS version of Minecraft to "creative" mode -- no monsters, no health bars, no crafting. Just flying around and placing an unlimited number of any kind of block from a big visual menu. You can also turn off the day/night cycle if fear of the dark is an issue. I bought copies of the iOS version for my stepsisters (11 and 6) and they love it! The youngest one built a combination roller coaster and ocelot zoo with very little direction, so it's very easy to pick up and learn.
posted by Rhaomi at 6:58 PM on March 4, 2016 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Yes, Minecraft can be played without the scary parts. My 8 and 5 year old boys make amazing things using the iOS version.
posted by procrastination at 7:16 PM on March 4, 2016

Best answer: My 5 year old plays minecraft in creative mode. She loves it.
posted by celtalitha at 8:36 PM on March 4, 2016

My 5 yo loves Toca Nature and Toca Builders for this. Builders will save setups, I don't remember about Nature but I think so. He also likes Minecraft and plays it with his dad, but I think it's a little complex for him to play by himself. He can do that with the Toca games.
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 8:43 PM on March 4, 2016 [1 favorite]

(I should say that my kid doesn't play Minecraft on iOS; it might be easier that way).
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 8:44 PM on March 4, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Nth Minecraft pocket edition on creative mode. Bonus: friends (or you) can play with him when you decide he's ready for that.
posted by the christopher hundreds at 5:13 AM on March 5, 2016

Best answer: My child has been playing or watching me play Minecraft in full-on Survival mode since he was three. He's a super-sensitive kid, too (although he's more susceptible to sad stuff - Inside Out breaks him down in tears, both the Bing-Bong Moment and Riley's decision to run away - even though he has only the barest idea of what's happening). It can be a little scary, I suppose, but it's not exactly terrifying even at its most hardcore. (I guess Endermen might be a little freaky?)

Anyway, Creative mode basically solves that problem straightaway.
posted by Scattercat at 4:20 AM on March 6, 2016