Tower defense games have been an integral part of the gaming world, offering a unique blend of strategy, action, and thrill. The player’s objective is to defend a territory or possession by obstructing the enemy attackers with defensive structures. This genre of games is renowned for its deceiving simplicity and tactical depth. Here, we have curated a list of 20+ exceptional single-player tower defense games that you can enjoy on your PC.
They Are Billions
Release: 2019
Developer: Numantian Games
is a steampunk strategy game where you have to build and defend colonies against hordes of zombies in a post-apocalyptic world. You have to manage resources, research technologies, explore the map, and fight different types of infections. You can pause the game at any time to plan your actions. The game has a survival mode and a campaign mode with 48 missions.
Element TD 2
Release: 2021
Developer: Element Studios
Element TD 2 is an electrifying game that allows players to craft strategies and towers based on the elements they have at their disposal. It offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, making it an exciting choice for all kinds of players.
Dungeon Warfare 2
Release Date: 6 July, 2018
Developer: Valsar
This game offers an excellent upgrade system and a plethora of towers to choose from and upgrade. Though some levels might seem a bit gimmicky, the game is immensely satisfying once you master the strategy.
Tower Tactics: Liberation
Release Date: 2023
Developer: asraworks
For those who love the combination of deck builders and tower defense games, Tower Tactics: Liberation is a perfect choice. This game offers fun combos and strategies, making it a captivating play.
Kingdom Rush Vengeance
Release Date: 2020
Developer: Ironhide Game Studio
Kingdom Rush Vengeance is the latest addition to Ironhide Studios’ renowned Kingdom Rush franchise. The game lets players experience the thrill of defending their kingdom against relentless enemies.
Plants vs Zombies
Release Date: 2009
Developer: PopCap Games, Inc.
Regarded by many as the ultimate tower defense game, Plants vs Zombies offers a perfect blend of challenge and addiction. The game is visually appealing and offers a variety of mini-games to keep players hooked.
Defense Grid: The Awakening
Release Date: 2008
Developer: Hidden Path Entertainment
Defense Grid: The Awakening is a seamless 3D gameplay experience. The players need to defend their base by erecting fortification towers to fend off different types of aliens.
Sanctum 2
Release Date: 2013
Developer: Coffee Stain Studios
Sanctum 2 is a unique mix of tower defense and FPS games. The co-op mode and the variety of defenses you can set up make this game an exciting play for tower defense enthusiasts.
Bloons TD 6
Release Date: 2018
Developer: Ninja Kiwi
Bloons TD 6 is a cartoony, character-focus tower defense game. It offers a deep level of squad management, making it an addictive play for all tower defense lovers.
Dungeon Defenders
Release Date: 2011
Developer: Chromatic Games
Dungeon Defenders is a unique combination of MOBA, action RPG, and tower defense. Players need to defend the fantasy land of Etheria against hordes of orcs, goblins, and more.
Kingdom Two Crowns
Release Date: 2018
Developers: Stumpy🐙Squid, Fury Studios, Coatsink
Kingdom Two Crowns is a side-scrolling strategy game where players need to rebuild a kingdom under constant threat. The game requires careful resource allocation to build defenses and withstand enemy attacks.
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Release Date: 2011
Developer: 11-bit studios
Anomaly: Warzone Earth is a reversal of the tower defense genre. Instead of defending, players control units to sneak past defenses and attack. This innovative spin makes the game an exciting play.
Orcs Must Die! 3
Release Date: 2021
Developer: Robot Entertainment
Orcs Must Die! 3 is a thrilling combination of third-person shooter and tower defense game. Players need to strategically place traps and use weapons to defend against the Orc hordes.
Iron Brigade
Release Date: 2012
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Iron Brigade is an underrated third-person mech combat game combined with tower defense. Players get a fully-armed mech and need to set up defenses to counter the enemy onslaught.
Bardbarian
Release Date: 2014
Developer: TreeFortress Games
In Bardbarian, players control Brad, a barbarian who swapped his axe for a guitar. By playing tunes, Brad can summon fighters to follow him, creating a mobile tower defense system.
Rock of Ages 2: Bigger and Boulder
Release Date: 2017
Developer: ACE Team
Rock of Ages 2 offers a unique mix of tower defense, Super Monkey Ball, and Monty Python-inspired animation. Players need to protect their base while simultaneously rolling a boulder to smash into the enemy base.
GemCraft – Chasing Shadows
Release Date: 2015
Developer: Game in a Bottle
GemCraft is a unique tower defense game where players create and merge gems to enhance buildings and turn them into weapons. This fusion of RTS, puzzle, and tower defense gameplay offers an enjoyable fantasy twist.
Ninja Kiwi Archive
Release Date: 2020
Developer: Ninja Kiwi
This archive offers a collection of classic games from the Adobe Flash era, including some ingenious tower defense titles. The large and generous collection ensures that players will find something to their liking.
Zombie Defense
Release Date: 2016
Developer: Home Net Games
Zombie Defense blends RTS and tower defense genres. Players need to manage their base resources and push back waves of zombies, making for thrilling gameplay.
Sang-Froid – Tales of Werewolves
Release Date: 2013
Developer: Artifice Studio
This game is a combination of action and tower defense. Players are tasked with defending a farmstead from a pack of rabid wolves and werewolves, creating an interesting and challenging game experience.
The Defender: Farm and Castle
Release Date: 2019
Developer: Kobsoft Kitti
The Defender: Farm and Castle is a simpler, yet exciting game that takes players back to the days of browser-based games. Players need to defend their castle from monsters, providing an engaging gaming experience.
Final Words
All these games offer a unique take on the tower defense genre, ensuring hours of strategic fun for players. Whether you prefer a classic tower defense style or a blend of genres, there’s a game on this list for everyone. So, get ready to strategize, defend, and conquer!
