The Best Tower Defense Games

Tower defense gaming dates back all the way to the 1980s, but it is still more than alive and kicking. Something about the concept of doing your best to protect yourself from oncoming swarms of enemies caters to people’s imaginations. The list of cool tower defense games can go on and on for ages, so here are some that simply stand out.

Plants vs. Zombies

This one may not be the oldest defense game, but it’s definitely a classic in the genre. Although already a decade old, this game still holds up as one of the best tower defense games of all time. Its simplicity and ease of use are part of the magic, without sacrificing replayability and overall quality.

Due to its user-friendliness and fun design, this game caters to everyone, from kids to their grandparents. Its 5 game modes are what keeps the whole thing vibrant and interesting, and its classic tower defense setup makes the experience unforgettable.

Orcs Must Die! 2

You defend the towers and mines from orcs, who are out there to get you. This is a pretty basic setup, but the game itself is definitely not. In fact, Orcs Must Die! 2 is one of the most complex and interesting tower games in the world, seeing as how this game is played from the third person. Don’t worry, though, because Orcs Must Die! 2 is still very much a tower defense game.

You set up traps for the oncoming hordes of orcs and monsters that do most of the damage to your enemies, but you can also kill them with your own weapons. This game has broadened the tower defense genre and has taken it to a whole new level.

Kingdom Rush

If you’re looking for a classic tower defense game, this is the perfect one for you. There isn’t too much to say about this game, other than the fact that it is visually engaging, absolutely true to its roots, and immensely fun. Its setting is medieval fantasy and there are four tower types that you can choose from: Mages, Barracks, Archers, and Artillery.

Things here are as simple as they come: kill every single enemy and prevent him from reaching the end of the path. Upgrading the towers and watching their new, improved fire method is perhaps the most fun part of the game.

Yet Another Zombie Defense

This tower defense game gives you a top-down look of the city, obviously torn by the zombie apocalypse. The goal here is to stay alive for as long as you can, by mounting a variety of weapons on auto-turrets and by setting up defensive barricades to slow the zombies down. You can choose between three game modes and four characters.

The first game mode here is the endless mode, where you try to survive for as long as you can and break your previous record. Then there’s the defense mode, where you need to survive the hordes until you get to the final night. Finally, there’s the deathmatch mode, in which you go against the other players and try to avoid being killed by zombies along the way. Simple and to-the-point, the true tower defense way.