Looking for the best tower defense games ever? You’ve just found them. On below, you’ll find the 15 best tower defense games to play in 2023.
Tower Defense is a subgenre of real time strategy games. You simply place towers in strategic positions to repel invasion forces in tower defense games. All that matters is the tower locations, tower types, upgrades, special powers, and heroes. Play your cards right and you will defeat all the enemy waves.
BEST RTS DEFENSE GAMES < Similar genre.
16 epic tower defense games:
1. Kingdom Rush Series
I’ve played tons of tower defense games throughout years. So, believe me when I say this, Kingdom Rush games are the best of the best. There is no competition between Kingdom Rush and other tower defense games. I say this because of the beautiful graphics, balanced gameplay, tower variety, campaign playtime, heroes, and cool story of Kingdom Rush games.
All in all, it’s a 10 / 10 tower defense game and you shouldn’t miss it if you’re fan of tower defense games.
All Kingdom Rush games in play order:
- Kingdom Rush
- Frontiers
- Origins
- Vengeance
2. Bloons TD 6
Not balloons, its Bloons. Bloons TD 6 is a massive 3D tower defense game. When I say massive, I’m talking about the playtime which is almost never-ending. That means, you’re going to be satisfied of tower defense genre if you like the Bloons TD 6.
What’s more, it’s one of the highest rated games on Steam. So, anyone who likes tower defence games should try it!
3. Plants vs. Zombies
Number 3, another super popular game with overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Plants vs. Zombies is an old game but it’s a timeless classic. It’s a legendary lane tower defense with some comedic elements.
If you haven’t played it before, now is the time. If you have played it before, it’s a nostalgia time!
4. Defense Grid: The Awakening
Defense Grid: The Awakening is a unique spin on traditional tower defense games. Its units, camera view, towers, setting, etc. everything about it is unorthodox. Therefore, some people like it, some hate it. Which one are you? Try and see for yourself.
You can expect unique gameplay, 20 different levels, 10 tower types with 3 levels, and extra DLC content. (Very cheap.)
5. GemCraft – Chasing Shadows
Classic top-down view, square towers, and unique monsters! That’s GemCraft ladies and gentlemen. So, if you prefer traditional tower defense games, GemCraft will scratch your itch.
Key features of GemCraft are 190 stages, two dozen skills, +400 achievements, and more. It will certainly keep buy entertained for many hours.
6. Dota 2 Custom Games
Oh boy, when I was a kid, I played Dota 1 on Warcraft 3 Garena server all day. Of course, Warcraft 3 had many other maps, including tower defense ones. Such as element TD, green TD, commander TD, Azure TD, circle TD, castle TD, etc. Lucky for us, most of these maps imported to Dota 2. Now you can enjoy them with better graphics and mechanics.
Though its little hard to find many players in Dota 2 custom games. If you find people to play, better make sure to add them to your friend list for future games.
Dota 2 tower defense custom games / modes:
- Element TD
- Legion TD
- Random Tower Defense: Oasis
- Spin TD
- Ability TD
7. Legion TD 2
Legion TD was once was a mere Warcraft 3 map. But now it’s an amazing standalone game with Dota 2 like graphics, huge player base, and of course online multiplayer.
10+ years of development created a true masterpiece. The game has vast content too, such as 8 legions & 100 fighters, 12 million possible combinations, endless replay ability, and weekly challenges.
8. Cursed Treasure 2
Cursed Treasure 2 Ultimate Edition is a fairly new TD game compared to other games on this list. Because it’s a remake of the 2017 release. Surprisingly it’s not popular and very underrated. But anyone who played Cursed Treasure 2 Ultimate Edition would know that it’s a hidden gem. Don’t believe me? Then simply go on and try the free demo on Steam.
To sum up, I can call it a tower defense game done very right.
9. Rogue Tower
Rogue Tower is a perfect mix between rogue-like and tower defense genres. That’s why it’s completely unique TD and uses RNG a lot. Additionally, Rogue Tower is using very minimalistic graphics. Pretty cozy for a rogue-like game if you ask me.
Did I tell you about rogue-like games before? In case you are foreign to roguelike genre, let me break down the bad news! There is no saving in Rogue Tower. So, don’t give it a shot if the time is tight.
10. PixelJunk
Tower defense with a plot? Yes indeed. Tikiman the Forest Defender is in trouble! Hordes of monsters are sweeping through his realm, hoping to chow down on his offspring. Well, it’s up to you to defend them as the Tikiman of the Forest.
Play in 47 unique environments solo or co-op. Obviously, the game would be much more fun when you play it with a friend of yours.
11. Mechs V Kaijus
Mechs V Kaijus is the first game on this list that is claiming to be a hardcore tower defense. So, better be prepared for a hard challenge and intense grind.
Kaiju: A Japanese media genre involving giant monsters.
Take the role of commander of Mechs, place defense towers, deploy units, and save the world.
Some people have an irritation for pixel graphics. If you don’t mind the artwork, TD gameplay will most definitely satisfy you.
12. Dungeon Warfare
I really love Dungeon Warfare, which I could rank it higher. Because it’s one of those games where you play as a villain. It’s my favorite kind you know.
Anyway, in this game you’re an evil dungeon lord. You must filly your dungeon with traps and contraptions against your enemies. Your enemies? They are nothing but greedy adventurers and wanna-be heroes who are about to die!
13. Element TD 2
Element TD was also a Warcraft 3 map just like the Legion TD on this list. Afterward, creators developed a new standalone game which is now called Element TD 2. I’ve played both on Warcraft 3. For that reason, I like both games out of nostalgia.
I might be a little bit biased. However, steam reviews of both games are very positive. So, I don’t think you’ll regret buying them if you like tower defense games generally.
14. Revenge of the Titans
Revenge of the Titans is claiming to be the ultimate mash-up of RTS and tower defense.
It’s pretty fast paced. Waves always appear at random location with no certain path. Therefore, you’ll be always on edge! Hardcore… So, better make sure you got what it takes before getting into it.
15. X-Morph Defense
The further we move on the list, the more we stray way from traditional tower defense games. X-Morph: Defense is a TD. Regardless, it’s a TD strategy mixed with top-down shooter elements.
In this game you’re the X-Morph invader attacking earth. So, build your base, use your destructive weapons and lead your enemies into a maze of towers. Humans must be ruled by the X-Morph!
16. Cows VS Vikings
Now I’ve seen everything… Cows versus Vikings? What??? The final game on this best TD games list happens to be a meme-like tower defense game.
You want a traditional tower defense game with cute graphics? Then you’ve found what you’re looking for. Cows VS Vikings offers fun, memes, challenging gameplay, epic storyline, and detailed tower variety.
