Choose Universe Sandbox
Choose Universe Sandbox if you want a Casual and Early Access game with Adjustable Text Size, Custom Volume Controls, and Playable without Timed Input. 18,850 Steam reviews back the pick.
Universe Sandbox vs Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator
Universe Sandbox and Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator both land in Indie, Simulation on Steam, which is why they keep getting compared. The comparison below is built from each game's Steam metadata — release year, genres, categories, Steam Deck status, price, and review score — refreshed daily by imho.run's scraper. Headline differences: Both share Indie, Simulation on Steam. Universe Sandbox (2015) is 10 years older than Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator (2025). Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator is currently ~83% cheaper on Steam than Universe Sandbox (4.99 USD vs. 29.99 USD). No login or purchase needed — scroll for the full table, the verdict FAQ, and links to ranked similar games for both titles.
Which should you pick?
Choose Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator
Choose Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator if it's currently about 83% cheaper on the Steam Store. Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator launched in 2025.
Both Universe Sandbox and Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator sit in Indie and Simulation on Steam, so either pick lands in the same broad neighborhood. Use the side-by-side table for the feature view, or follow the "Games like" links below to see ranked alternatives for either title.
Side-by-side comparison
 Universe Sandbox |  Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2015 | 2025 |
| Genres | Indie, Simulation, Casual, Early Access | Indie, Simulation |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows |
| Steam Deck | Deck Playable | Unrated |
| Price | 29.99 USD | 4.99 USD |
| Steam reviews | 96.6% positive (18,850 reviews) | 1 reviews |
| Multiplayer | Single-player only | Single-player only |
| Developers | Giant Army | Afk Pixel Studio |
Side by side
- Both share Indie, Simulation on Steam.
- Universe Sandbox (2015) is 10 years older than Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator (2025).
- Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator is currently ~83% cheaper on Steam than Universe Sandbox (4.99 USD vs. 29.99 USD).
- Universe Sandbox is Deck Playable on Steam Deck; Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator has no Deck rating yet.
Universe Sandbox vs Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator — FAQ
- Should I play Universe Sandbox or Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator first?
- If you want chronology, Universe Sandbox (2015) came out before Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator (2025). If neither is a sequel to the other, order doesn't really matter — start with whichever fits your current mood, since both share enough on Steam to make either a reasonable opener.
- Are Universe Sandbox and Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator similar?
- They overlap on Indie, Simulation on Steam, so the catalogue groups them together — but "similar" depends on the specific mechanics. Use the genre + category rows above to decide whether the overlap matches what drew you to the one you've already played.
- Does Universe Sandbox run on Steam Deck?
- Yes — Universe Sandbox is rated Deck Playable by Valve. Alchemy Laboratory: Simulator doesn't have a Deck rating yet, so its Deck behaviour is currently unverified.