Highlights
- Tower defense games have a passionate fanbase that invests significant time into their favorite games.
- Many tower defense games are available on multiple platforms, including iOS and Android, allowing for easy accessibility.
- Playing tower defense games with a gaming partner or in co-op mode can enhance the fun and strategic aspect of the gameplay.
Tower defense games are relatively niche, especially compared to other, more popular genres, such as shooters or RPGs. But many fans have faithfully stuck to their favorite game or franchise, putting hundreds and thousands of hours into them.
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Over the years, certain games have risen way above the competition, capturing players with their intuitive mechanics, great balance, and a good variety of available “towers.” Another interesting thing about the genre is that many of the games are available on multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. But what could be more fun than engaging with a beloved game next to a gaming buddy?
8 Minion Masters
User Metascore: 7.7
- Platforms: PC, macOS, Xbox One
- Release Date: May 24, 2019
- Developer: BetaDwarf
Minion Masters combines a lot of different genres into a very fun and engaging casual experience. In essence, the game revolves around quick PvP battles, combining elements from Trading Card Games, Tower Defense, and turn-based combat.
With a large roster of heroes and many options for deck building, players can find their unique style, and engage in countless battles with or against each other. Aside from 1v1 duels, players can also try 2v2 battles, and grab their gaming partner to be at their side.
7 X-Morph: Defense
Metascore: 75
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
- Release Date: August 30, 2017
- Developer: Exor Studios
X-Morph: Defense brought a lot of fresh ideas to the genre, and stands out among its peers in many ways. From the unique movement and towers to a complete flip on the usual narrative formula. The player is the one supposedly attacking, trying to invade and dominate the human race.
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The game becomes even more fun with a co-op partner, as players do their best together to build a solid defense line and support it with their relentless stream of fire from above.
6 Sanctum 2
Metascore: 77
- Platforms: PC, macOS, PS3, Xbox 360, Linux
- Release Date: May 15, 2013
- Developer: Coffee Stain Studios
The Sanctum series was a prodigy in many ways, laying a foundation for future FPS Tower Defense games. Being the first of its kind, the original game certainly wasn’t perfect, but still managed to garner a strong following, and recognition from the gaming scene.
The second game polished the edges and made a fantastic co-op experience that still holds up quite well today. From an interesting setting to comfortable gunplay, and variant and diverse enemies, it is an absolute blast to boot up with up to three other friends.
5 Dungeon Defenders 2
Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive
The Dungeon Defenders series always had its unique charm. From stylized graphics to unique and memorable characters to interesting map layouts and defense mechanisms. Each character has their own set of abilities, and players have a lot of control when it comes to itemization, builds, and outfits.
A group of players can easily lose themselves for hours at a time, and it is especially easy to pick up since the second game is free-to-play. Overall, it is a fun, deep, challenging experience, and one that can leave a lot of positive memories.
4 Plants Vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2
Metascore: 80
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release Date: February 23, 2016
- Developer: PopCap Games
It is hard to overstate just how impactful and influential the series has been, even beyond the group of hardcore gamers. The first game practically stormed the world, and everyone and their grandmother has been playing the addictive tower defense.
Since then, the series has come a long way. From simple mechanics and graphics to a stylish FPS, complete with various modes and many different characters. The actual TD mode is quite a lot of fun in a group, and its certain modes are especially ridiculous like zombies having to defend themselves from plants this time.
3 Bloons TD 6
User Metascore: 8.1
The Bloons series has been captivating players with its addictive blend of strategy and whimsical fun for years. The game's charm lies in its simple yet challenging premise: players strategically deploy amusing monkey towers to pop colorful balloons advancing through various tracks. With a wealth of upgrades, diverse tower types, and engaging maps, the game offers a dynamic and surprisingly challenging experience.
There are many game modes to choose from, and several options for Co-op. Players can customize their experience to tailor the challenge to be just right for them.
2 Orcs Must Die! 2
Metascore: 83
- Platforms: PC
- Release Date: July 30, 2012
- Developer: Robot Entertainment
The series has always been incredibly straightforward with its premise: the orcs must die! Players pick the two comical protagonists and do their best to construct an impregnable fortress, filled to the brim with countless obstacles, traps, and hazards.
Players can also support their defense system with their own weapons and abilities, helping out in sections that might be in danger of a breach. Overall it is a fun game that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is made that much better with a co-op partner.
1 Kingdom Two Crowns
Metascore: 85
Kingdom Two Crowns decided to ditch the fairly common top-down perspective, and instead went with the interesting choice of a side scroller. Players will have to manage a lot of resources and navigate to continue defending their bases while expanding to new ones along the way.
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This game goes beyond the usual “build towers, hit monsters” formula. The several locations in the game are different from both a visual and a gameplay design standpoint. Each area comes with a new set of enemies, circumstances, and power-ups.
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