Top Worms Alternatives for Artillery Strategy Fun
Team17's Worms series has entertained millions for decades with its unique blend of artillery strategy, humorous cartoon violence, and a truly bizarre arsenal of weapons. From its debut in 1995 to more recent iterations like Worms Revolution and Worms Clan Wars, the games have offered countless hours of strategic combat across deformable landscapes. However, even the most beloved games can leave players looking for something new, a fresh take on the classic formula, or perhaps a free and open-source option. If you're a fan of Worms and searching for similar turn-based, explosive action, you're in the right place. Dive into our list of the best Worms alternative titles that offer similar strategic depth and chaotic fun.
Best Worms Alternatives
Whether you're after a faithful homage, a more intense combat experience, or a completely free option, these games offer fantastic alternatives to the Worms experience. Get ready to aim, fire, and strategize your way to victory!
Hedgewars
Hedgewars is a fantastic turn-based strategy, artillery, action, and comedy game that mirrors the Worms experience with its own unique twist: pink hedgehogs! As a free and open-source game available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad, and PortableApps.com, it offers broad accessibility. It boasts features like gaming and multiplayer, making it a perfect alternative for those who love Worms' style but want a free, cross-platform option.
OpenLieroX
OpenLieroX is an extremely addictive real-time worms shoot-em-up, backed by an active community. This free and open-source game, available on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, is considered a highly famous Liero clone, offering fast-paced action reminiscent of some of the earlier, more frantic Worms titles. Its core feature is robust multiplayer, perfect for those seeking competitive real-time fun.
Scorched Earth
Often referred to as 'The Mother of All Games' in the artillery genre, Scorched Earth is a classic DOS artillery video game where tanks battle across 2D terrain. This free game, available on Windows and MS-DOS, is a foundational title for the genre and offers highly customizable gameplay and turn-based combat, appealing to those who appreciate the tactical depth of Worms' turn-based mechanics.
Pocket Tanks
Pocket Tanks is a fast-paced artillery game that's simple to learn and fun to master. Available as a freemium title on Mac, Windows, iPhone, and iPad, it delivers quick, explosive battles. Its focus on gaming and multiplayer makes it an excellent choice for players looking for a more streamlined artillery experience similar to Worms, especially on mobile platforms.
Duel of Tanks
Duel of Tanks is a turn-based strategic artillery game with a primary focus on multiplayer PVP elements. This free, web-based game offers 2D gameplay, making it easily accessible through a browser. Its features include gaming, multiplayer, PvP, turn-based combat, and web-based accessibility, making it a great Worms alternative for those who prefer quick, competitive online matches without needing to download a client.
Scorched3D
Scorched3D is a modernization of the classic DOS game Scorched Earth, bringing the artillery action into a 3D environment. This free and open-source game is available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and PortableApps.com. It features multiplayer combat, portable options, shooting mechanics, and turn-based gameplay, making it a more visually updated but still familiar Worms alternative for fans of strategic artillery combat.
Ironfell
Ironfell is a time travel-themed massive multiplayer online real-time strategy game. While not a direct artillery game like Worms, its focus on strategic gameplay, base building, and resource management within a multiplayer environment makes it an interesting alternative for those who enjoy the strategic depth and competitive elements of Worms but are looking for a real-time strategy twist. It's free and available on Mac, Windows, and Web.
Atomic Tanks
Atomic Tanks is a free and open-source artillery game where you annihilate other tanks to earn money for upgrades. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and PortableApps.com, it features a wide array of weapons and AI opponents, providing a robust single-player and multiplayer experience. Its core gaming features and portable nature make it a solid Worms alternative for fans of customizable tank-based combat.
Gorilla 2: The Return
Remember the classic QBasic sample game, Gorilla? Gorilla 2: The Return revives that nostalgic artillery experience where two gorillas battle by throwing explosive bananas. This free Windows game focuses purely on shooting mechanics, offering a simple yet engaging artillery challenge that harkens back to the roots of the genre, making it a charming and straightforward Worms alternative.
Carnage Contest
Carnage Contest is a free 2D turn-based multiplayer shooter featuring fully destructible terrain and an insane collection of weapons. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it directly echoes the core gameplay loop and destructive environments that are hallmarks of the Worms series. If you're looking for a direct and free multiplayer alternative with plenty of chaos, Carnage Contest is an excellent choice.
From faithful clones with a unique twist to classic inspirations and modern takes on the artillery genre, there's a fantastic Worms alternative out there for every player. Whether you prioritize open-source freedom, mobile accessibility, or intense multiplayer battles, explore these options to find your next strategic obsession!