What Game Is Closest to Minecraft? Top 15 Picks for 2025 🎮


Video: I played 5 Minecraft-like games you never heard of.








Remember the first time you placed your very first block in Minecraft? That thrilling mix of creativity, survival, and endless exploration hooked millions worldwide — including us here at Games Like™. But what if you’re craving that same blocky magic with a fresh twist? Maybe you want more story, bigger worlds, or a different style of crafting. Well, you’re in luck! We’ve scoured the gaming universe to find the 15 best games closest to Minecraft in 2025, each capturing some part of that iconic experience while bringing something new to the table.

From the pixel-perfect 2D adventures of Terraria to the cosmic vastness of No Man’s Sky, and even the factory-building frenzy of Satisfactory, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to find your perfect blocky match. Plus, we’ll reveal which games offer the best multiplayer, modding, and creative freedom — so you can start building your next great adventure today. Ready to discover your new favorite? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft’s core appeal lies in crafting, building, survival, exploration, and community — look for these in alternatives.
  • Terraria, Roblox, and Dragon Quest Builders 2 are top picks for creativity and multiplayer fun.
  • No Man’s Sky and Starbound offer expansive, procedurally generated worlds for explorers.
  • Satisfactory and Eco provide complex automation and environmental simulation for strategy lovers.
  • Free-to-play options like Roblox and Creativerse let you jump in without spending a dime.
  • Consider your preferred graphics style, gameplay complexity, and multiplayer needs when choosing your next game.

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Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

If you’re asking, “What game is closest to Minecraft?”, you’re not alone! Minecraft’s blend of blocky creativity, survival thrills, and endless exploration has spawned a whole genre of similar sandbox games. Here’s a quick cheat sheet from the gamers and app developers at Games Like™ to get you started:

  • ✅ Minecraft’s core DNA: crafting, building, survival, exploration, and community mods.
  • ✅ Top Minecraft-like games often add unique twists: 2D sidescrollers (Terraria), sci-fi exploration (No Man’s Sky), or factory automation (Satisfactory).
  • ✅ Multiplayer matters: games like Roblox and Dragon Quest Builders 2 shine with co-op modes.
  • ✅ Platform availability varies widely — some games are PC exclusives, others thrive on consoles or mobile.
  • ✅ Visual style can be blocky, pixel art, or fully 3D but still capture Minecraft’s spirit.
  • ✅ Modding & community support can make or break your experience.

Want the full scoop? Dive into our comprehensive guide below — we’ll unpack everything you need to know about the best Minecraft alternatives and what makes each one special. Plus, we’ll help you find your perfect blocky buddy! 🎮

For a quick jumpstart, check out our related article: 11 Best Games Like Minecraft You Need to Play in 2025 🎮.

⛏️ The Blocky Beginnings: A Brief History of Sandbox Survival Games

Before we get lost in the pixelated woods, let’s rewind a bit. Minecraft didn’t just appear out of thin air — it was born from a lineage of sandbox and crafting games that pushed boundaries.

  • Early inspirations: Games like Infiniminer and Dwarf Fortress laid the groundwork with procedural worlds and resource management.
  • Minecraft’s 2009 debut: Markus “Notch” Persson created a game that combined voxel-based building, survival mechanics, and endless creativity.
  • Explosion of popularity: Minecraft’s simple yet deep gameplay attracted millions, spawning a massive community and modding scene.
  • Sandbox genre growth: Inspired by Minecraft’s success, developers started crafting games with similar elements but unique spins — from 2D adventures to space exploration.

Understanding this history helps us appreciate why so many games try to capture Minecraft’s magic — and how they innovate beyond it.

🤔 Why We Crave Minecraft-like Adventures: The Core Appeal

What makes Minecraft so addictive? Why do gamers keep searching for “the next Minecraft”? Here’s what we’ve learned from countless player stories and developer insights:

  • Freedom to create: The joy of building anything from a humble hut to a sprawling castle.
  • Survival challenge: Balancing resource gathering, crafting, and fending off monsters keeps the adrenaline pumping.
  • Exploration thrill: Discovering new biomes, caves, and treasures feeds our curiosity.
  • Community & collaboration: Multiplayer servers and mods create social experiences that extend the game’s lifespan.
  • Endless replayability: Procedural worlds and player creativity mean no two sessions are the same.

If you want a game that scratches these itches, look for titles that emphasize these pillars. We’ll help you spot them in our upcoming game breakdowns!

🧬 Understanding the Minecraft DNA: Key Elements to Look For

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s break down the must-have features that define a Minecraft-like game. This will help you understand what to expect and what to prioritize.

Crafting & Building Systems: The Heart of Creation

  • Intuitive crafting menus that let you combine resources into tools, weapons, and blocks.
  • Block-based building with freedom to place, remove, and shape the environment.
  • Progression systems: upgrading gear from basic wood to diamond or futuristic materials.
  • Creative mode options for unlimited resources and flying.

Exploration & Discovery: Unveiling New Worlds

  • Procedurally generated worlds that keep things fresh.
  • Diverse biomes and environments: forests, deserts, oceans, alien planets.
  • Hidden secrets and treasures to reward curious players.

Survival & Combat Mechanics: Testing Your Mettle

  • Resource gathering and hunger management.
  • Hostile mobs and boss fights.
  • Shelter and base building to protect yourself.
  • Day-night cycles affecting gameplay.

Procedural Generation: Infinite Possibilities

  • Worlds generated algorithmically for near-infinite variety.
  • Encourages exploration and creativity without limits.

Modding & Community Support: Expanding the Universe

  • Robust modding tools and APIs.
  • Active player communities sharing mods, maps, and custom servers.
  • Regular updates and developer engagement.

🎮 Our Top Picks: Games That Capture the Minecraft Spirit

Ready to meet the contenders? We’ve rated and reviewed the best Minecraft-like games, balancing design, gameplay, community, and innovation. Let’s jump in!

1. Terraria: The 2D Block-Buster Adventure

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 9
Gameplay 9
Crafting System 8
Exploration 9
Multiplayer 7

Terraria is often called the “2D Minecraft” — and for good reason. It swaps Minecraft’s 3D block world for a vibrant 2D pixel art universe packed with exploration, crafting, and combat.

Why Terraria Rocks for Minecraft Fans
  • Deep crafting and building with hundreds of items and blocks.
  • Boss fights and NPCs add RPG flavor.
  • Expansive underground worlds to mine and explore.
  • Multiplayer co-op for up to 8 players.
Drawbacks
  • The 2D perspective may not satisfy those craving full 3D freedom.
  • Combat can be more challenging and fast-paced than Minecraft.

User Story: One of our team members, a longtime Minecraft player, found Terraria’s boss battles a thrilling new challenge that kept them hooked for months.

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2. Roblox: The Ultimate Creative Playground Platform

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 7
Gameplay 8
Creativity 10
Multiplayer 10
Community 10

Roblox isn’t just a game — it’s a platform where millions create and share their own games and experiences. Its blocky aesthetic and creative freedom make it a natural Minecraft alternative.

Highlights
  • Massive multiplayer community with social features.
  • User-generated games ranging from obstacle courses to RPGs.
  • Robux economy for in-game purchases.
  • Cross-platform play on PC, mobile, and consoles.
Considerations
  • The quality of experiences varies widely since content is user-made.
  • Some players find the interface less intuitive than Minecraft.

Pro Tip: Dive into Roblox’s creative tools and you might discover your own game-making talent!

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3. Dragon Quest Builders 2: Story-Driven Block Building RPG

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 9
Story 8
Crafting System 9
Multiplayer 7
Exploration 8

This charming blend of RPG and block-building brings a compelling story and co-op multiplayer to the sandbox genre.

Why It Stands Out
  • Narrative-driven gameplay with quests and character development.
  • Co-op mode supports up to four players.
  • Beautiful anime-inspired visuals.
  • Robust crafting and building mechanics.
Downsides
  • Less open-ended than Minecraft; story progression can feel linear.
  • Multiplayer requires friends with the game.

Gamer Insight: Our developers loved how Dragon Quest Builders 2 balances creativity with RPG elements — perfect for players who want a guided adventure with building freedom.

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4. LEGO Worlds: Infinite Brick Adventures & Exploration

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Creativity 9
Exploration 8
Multiplayer 6
Modding Support 5

LEGO Worlds lets you build and explore fully destructible LEGO brick worlds, bringing the iconic toy to life in a digital sandbox.

Features
  • Procedurally generated worlds made entirely of LEGO bricks.
  • Brick-by-brick editor for detailed creations.
  • Varied biomes and creatures.
  • Single-player and limited multiplayer.
Limitations
  • Multiplayer is limited compared to Minecraft’s servers.
  • Modding community is smaller.

Fun Fact: LEGO Worlds was praised for capturing the tactile joy of LEGO building with digital freedom.

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5. No Man’s Sky: Galactic Exploration & Base Building Odyssey

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 9
Exploration 10
Crafting System 8
Multiplayer 7
Modding Support 6

No Man’s Sky is a sci-fi sandbox that takes Minecraft’s exploration and base-building into an entire galaxy of procedurally generated planets.

Why It’s a Must-Try
  • 18 quintillion planets to explore.
  • Base building and resource gathering on alien worlds.
  • Survival elements with environmental hazards.
  • Regular updates have vastly improved gameplay and multiplayer.
Challenges
  • Steeper learning curve.
  • Multiplayer can feel sparse.

Developer Note: We love how No Man’s Sky expands Minecraft’s sandbox concept to a cosmic scale — perfect for explorers who want infinite horizons.

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6. Satisfactory: Factory Building & Resource Management on an Alien World

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Gameplay 9
Automation 10
Exploration 7
Multiplayer 8

Satisfactory is a first-person factory-building game that appeals to players who love Minecraft’s resource gathering but crave complex automation.

What Makes It Unique
  • Sophisticated factory and conveyor belt systems.
  • Exploration and resource mining on an alien planet.
  • Co-op multiplayer for up to 4 players.
  • Beautiful 3D graphics.
Drawbacks
  • Less focus on traditional building creativity.
  • Can become complex and technical quickly.

Gamer Insight: Our team member who loves engineering games found Satisfactory’s automation deeply satisfying — a brilliant twist on Minecraft’s crafting loop.

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7. Starbound: Sci-Fi Sandbox Survival Across the Stars

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Exploration 9
Crafting System 8
Multiplayer 7
Story 7

Starbound is a 2D space exploration sandbox with crafting, survival, and questing, perfect for players who want a cosmic twist on Minecraft.

Highlights
  • Procedurally generated planets with unique biomes.
  • Crafting and building with a sci-fi flair.
  • Quests and storylines add depth.
  • Co-op multiplayer.
Considerations
  • 2D gameplay may not satisfy 3D fans.
  • Story is lighter compared to RPGs.

Player Review: Starbound’s charm lies in its endless planets and quirky alien life — a great pick if you love exploration and crafting.

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8. Don’t Starve (Together): Gothic Survival & Crafting in the Wilderness

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Survival 10
Crafting System 7
Multiplayer 9
Atmosphere 10

Don’t Starve offers a darker, more challenging survival experience with crafting and permadeath, wrapped in a gothic art style.

Why It Appeals to Minecraft Fans
  • Intense survival mechanics: hunger, sanity, weather.
  • Crafting and base building.
  • Permadeath adds tension.
  • Don’t Starve Together supports multiplayer co-op.
Drawbacks
  • Steep difficulty curve.
  • Less creative freedom in building.

Gamer Insight: Our survival enthusiasts praise Don’t Starve for its unforgiving challenge and unique aesthetic — a refreshing break from Minecraft’s bright world.

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9. Slime Rancher 1 & 2: Adorable Exploration & Farming Fun

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 9
Exploration 8
Farming 9
Crafting 7
Multiplayer 5

Slime Rancher is a delightful first-person farming and exploration game with a unique focus on collecting and managing cute slimes.

Key Features
  • Colorful, vibrant worlds.
  • Farming and slime management.
  • Crafting gadgets and upgrades.
  • Relaxed, stress-free gameplay.
Limitations
  • No multiplayer.
  • Less emphasis on building.

Player Story: One of our developers found Slime Rancher’s charm irresistible after Minecraft — it’s like the peaceful farming parts of Minecraft amplified with adorable creatures.

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10. Stardew Valley: Farming, Foraging, & Friendship (with a Creative Twist)

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Crafting 8
Farming 10
Exploration 7
Multiplayer 7

Stardew Valley is a beloved farming sim with crafting and mining elements, offering a slower-paced but deeply rewarding experience.

Why Minecraft Fans Love It
  • Robust farming and crafting systems.
  • Mining and resource gathering.
  • Building and upgrading your farm.
  • Multiplayer co-op.
Drawbacks
  • Less focus on block building.
  • More social simulation than survival.

Gamer Insight: Our team appreciates Stardew Valley’s relaxing vibe and deep crafting — it’s like Minecraft’s peaceful side with a heartwarming story.

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11. LEGO Fortnite: Battle Royale Meets Block Building Creativity

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 7
Gameplay 8
Creativity 7
Multiplayer 9

LEGO Fortnite is a fresh mashup of Fortnite’s battle royale and Minecraft’s block-building, released in late 2023.

What to Expect
  • Free-to-play survival and building.
  • Block-based construction in a battle royale setting.
  • Vibrant LEGO aesthetics.
  • Strong multiplayer focus.
Considerations
  • Newer game with evolving features.
  • May appeal more to Fortnite fans.

Developer Note: This hybrid offers a fun entry point into survival games for younger players or those who love both LEGO and Fortnite.

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12. Valheim: Viking Survival & Crafting Epic in the Tenth World

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Survival 9
Crafting 8
Exploration 9
Multiplayer 9

Valheim is a Viking-themed survival and crafting game that’s taken the community by storm with its atmospheric world and cooperative gameplay.

Highlights
  • Procedurally generated Norse-inspired world.
  • Robust crafting and building.
  • Challenging combat and boss fights.
  • Supports up to 10-player co-op.
Drawbacks
  • Graphics are stylized, not blocky.
  • Early access status means ongoing updates.

Player Insight: Our cooperative gaming fans love Valheim’s blend of survival and social play — a great alternative if you want more combat and atmosphere.

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13. Core: Create & Play Anything with Friends

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 7
Creativity 10
Multiplayer 9
Community 10

Core is a platform for creating and playing user-generated games, with blocky aesthetics and a focus on social gameplay.

Features
  • Easy-to-use game creation tools.
  • Massive library of player-made games.
  • Multiplayer and social features.
  • Free-to-play with optional purchases.
Limitations
  • Not a traditional survival or crafting game.
  • Quality varies depending on user content.

Developer Insight: Core is perfect for players who want to build and share unique experiences beyond Minecraft’s scope.

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14. Eco: Build a Civilization, Save the Planet Together

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 7
Survival 8
Crafting 9
Multiplayer 10
Environmental 10

Eco is a multiplayer survival game focused on building a civilization while managing environmental impact — a thoughtful twist on Minecraft’s sandbox.

Why It’s Unique
  • Ecosystem simulation affects gameplay.
  • Collaborative world-building.
  • Complex crafting and economy systems.
  • Educational and social aspects.
Challenges
  • Steep learning curve.
  • Requires cooperative players.

Gamer Insight: Eco is a standout for players who want meaningful multiplayer collaboration with a purpose beyond survival.

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15. Creativerse: Free-to-Play Voxel Fun & Exploration

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 7
Crafting 8
Exploration 8
Multiplayer 7
Accessibility 9

Creativerse is a free-to-play voxel sandbox that offers a Minecraft-like experience with a friendly community and regular updates.

Highlights
  • Block-based building and crafting.
  • Procedurally generated worlds.
  • Multiplayer servers.
  • Accessible to newcomers.
Limitations
  • Less depth in crafting than Minecraft.
  • Smaller player base.

Player Review: Creativerse is a great starter for players wanting Minecraft-style gameplay without upfront cost.

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🌟 Beyond the Blocks: Other Games with Minecraft Elements

If you’re hungry for more, there’s a whole universe of games borrowing Minecraft’s building, crafting, or survival elements but adding their own flavor:

  • Ark: Survival Evolved — Dinosaurs meet crafting and survival.
  • Subnautica — Underwater exploration and base building.
  • Fortnite: Save the World — Co-op survival with building.
  • Kerbal Space Program — Creative rocket building and space exploration.
  • CubeWorld — RPG adventure with voxel graphics.

Each offers a unique twist, so your next favorite might be just around the corner!

🧭 Choosing Your Next Adventure: What to Consider?

Picking the perfect Minecraft-like game can be overwhelming. Here’s what to weigh before you dive in:

Graphics Style & Aesthetic Appeal

  • Do you want blocky voxels, pixel art, or realistic 3D?
  • Some games like Terraria or Starbound offer charming 2D styles.
  • Others like No Man’s Sky and Satisfactory go for immersive 3D worlds.

Complexity & Learning Curve: Dive Deep or Jump In?

  • Minecraft is beginner-friendly but can get complex.
  • Games like Satisfactory or Eco demand more planning and strategy.
  • Slime Rancher and Stardew Valley offer relaxing, casual experiences.

Multiplayer vs. Single Player: Solo Journey or Shared World?

  • Multiplayer adds social fun but can be chaotic.
  • Some games excel in co-op (Dragon Quest Builders 2, Valheim).
  • Others shine solo (Don’t Starve, Slime Rancher).

Modding Support & Community Engagement

  • Minecraft’s modding scene is legendary.
  • Terraria and Starbound also have active mod communities.
  • Newer games may have limited mod support but growing communities.

Platform Availability & Accessibility

  • Minecraft is on nearly every platform.
  • Some alternatives are PC-only (Satisfactory, Eco).
  • Others support consoles and mobile (Roblox, Stardew Valley).

🔮 The Future of Sandbox Gaming: What’s Next?

The sandbox genre is evolving fast. Here’s what we’re excited about:

  • Cross-platform multiplayer becoming standard.
  • More robust modding tools empowering creators.
  • AI-driven procedural generation for richer worlds.
  • Hybrid genres blending RPG, survival, and creative modes.
  • Virtual reality sandbox experiences for immersive building.

Minecraft’s legacy lives on, but the future promises even more mind-blowing blocky adventures. Stay tuned!

✅ Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Blocky Match

So, what game is closest to Minecraft? The answer depends on what you love most about Minecraft’s magic. Are you all about building and crafting? Then Terraria, Dragon Quest Builders 2, or LEGO Worlds might be your jam. Craving exploration on a cosmic scale? No Man’s Sky and Starbound deliver vast, procedurally generated universes. If survival and challenge get your heart racing, Don’t Starve Together and Valheim offer intense, atmospheric experiences. For those who want creative freedom with social multiplayer, Roblox and Core provide endless user-generated content.

Each game has its strengths and quirks:

  • Terraria shines with its 2D charm and boss battles but lacks 3D building.
  • Roblox offers unparalleled creativity and social play but varies in quality.
  • Dragon Quest Builders 2 blends story and building but is more linear.
  • No Man’s Sky is a vast exploration epic but can feel overwhelming.
  • Satisfactory appeals to factory-building fans but is less about freeform creativity.
  • Don’t Starve offers hardcore survival but less building freedom.

If you’re looking for a direct Minecraft clone, games like RealmCraft (check it out on Google Play) provide a very familiar block-building and survival experience with multiplayer and creative modes.

Ultimately, we confidently recommend exploring these games based on your favorite Minecraft elements. The sandbox genre is rich and varied, and your next favorite blocky adventure is waiting just around the corner. Ready to build your new world? Let’s get crafting! 🛠️

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Recommended Books on Minecraft and Sandbox Gaming:

  • The Ultimate Player’s Guide to Minecraft by Stephen O’Brien — Great for mastering Minecraft basics and advanced building.
  • Minecraft: The Unlikely Tale of Markus “Notch” Persson and the Game That Changed Everything by Daniel Goldberg & Linus Larsson — A fascinating read on Minecraft’s origin story.
  • Sandbox Games: Creativity and Survival in the Digital Age (various authors) — Explores the evolution and impact of sandbox games.

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

What other games are similar to Minecraft for kids?

For younger players, Roblox and LEGO Worlds are excellent choices. Both offer creative building in safe, colorful environments with strong community moderation. Slime Rancher is also kid-friendly with its adorable creatures and gentle gameplay. These games emphasize creativity without the intense survival challenges, making them perfect for kids.

Are there any games like Minecraft but with better graphics?

Yes! Games like No Man’s Sky, Satisfactory, and Valheim offer more realistic or stylized graphics while maintaining sandbox and survival mechanics. These games provide immersive worlds with detailed textures and lighting effects, appealing to players who want a visually richer experience without losing Minecraft’s core gameplay.

What is the best Minecraft alternative for PC?

On PC, Terraria, Starbound, Satisfactory, and Eco stand out as top alternatives. Each offers unique spins on crafting, building, and survival. Terraria and Starbound are great for 2D exploration and crafting, while Satisfactory and Eco provide complex automation and environmental simulation. Your choice depends on whether you prefer classic sandbox play or more specialized mechanics.

Can I play games like Minecraft on a console?

Absolutely! Many Minecraft-like games are available on consoles:

  • Terraria, Dragon Quest Builders 2, and Stardew Valley are on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
  • No Man’s Sky and Valheim run on PlayStation and Xbox.
  • Roblox is available on Xbox.
  • LEGO Worlds supports multiple consoles.

Console players have plenty of options to enjoy block-building and survival adventures.

Are there any free games similar to Minecraft?

Yes! Roblox and Creativerse are free-to-play games with strong Minecraft-like features. RealmCraft (available on Google Play) is another free option closely resembling Minecraft’s gameplay on mobile. These games offer creative building and multiplayer without upfront costs, though some include optional in-game purchases.

What games are like Minecraft but with a stronger focus on storytelling?

If you want narrative-driven sandbox games, Dragon Quest Builders 2 and Starbound are excellent picks. They combine crafting and building with quests, character development, and story arcs. Stardew Valley also offers a rich social story alongside farming and crafting. These games provide a guided experience without sacrificing creativity.

What are some Minecraft-like games with multiplayer capabilities?

Many Minecraft alternatives support multiplayer:

  • Roblox and Core excel in user-generated multiplayer experiences.
  • Don’t Starve Together offers cooperative survival.
  • Valheim supports up to 10-player co-op.
  • Dragon Quest Builders 2 allows four-player co-op.
  • Terraria supports up to 8 players.

Multiplayer modes add social fun and extend replayability.

📚 Reference Links: Our Sources & Inspirations

Jacob
Jacob
Articles: 299

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