Dragon Quest Builders is basically what happens when Minecraft goes to therapy and comes back with structure, goals, and a charming personality. It's genuinely creative, teaches solid planning and problem-solving skills, and—blessedly—has zero of the monetization garbage that plagues most modern games.

The Dragon Quest wrapper adds warmth and narrative that pure sandbox games lack, making it easier for kids who need direction. The building is legitimately imaginative, the combat is mild and cartoonish, and there's no toxic online nonsense to worry about.

The main downside? It's from 2016, and it shows. Graphics are fine but not stunning, and kids raised on Fortnite's visual polish might find it a bit crusty. Some of the mechanics feel grindy, and the UI isn't as intuitive as modern games. But if your kid can get past the slightly dated feel, there's a solid, wholesome experience here that actually respects their time and your wallet.