If you love mapping out clever defenses and beating wave after wave of enemies, tower defense games on PC are your strategic playground.
As someone skilled in virtual defense, you already know the delicate balance between where to put your towers, how to manage resources, and making sharp strategic choices. Let’s explore the best tower defense games that aren’t just fun and a challenging experience for savvy tacticians like yourself.
I have listed the best tower defense games you can play on PC and have the best time of your life. Let’s learn everything you need to know.
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Bloons TD 6
As a Bloons TD 6 enthusiast, I can safely say it is one of my favorites and always comes on the top of this list. You can play the game effortlessly not only on your PC but also on your smartphones and iPads. This tower defense game is a perfect blend of simplicity and strategic depth that will keep you hooked for hours.
The game’s main objective is to place the monkeys strategically and stop the waves of bloons from crossing through. The best part of this game is its diverse tower options, each with unique upgrades, abilities, and synergies.
You will find plenty of Bloons TD 6 heroes, maps, game modes, and regular updates, making the game highly replayable. Furthermore, the cartoonish aesthetics add a charming touch to the intense balloon-popping action, making it perfect for every type of player.
Above all, the game gives endless replayability with the use of multiple levels in a single gameplay, maps, modes, and upgrades.
Developers: Ninja Kiwi
Publishers: Ninja Kiwi
Release Date: December 18, 2018
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Dungeon Defenders II
Dungeon Defenders II features a blend of tower defense and action RPG elements, creating a dynamic and engaging gaming experience.
Speaking of the gameplay, your mission is to thwart waves of enemies by strategically placing towers while actively participating in direct hero combat. Sounds complicated? Well, it is much simpler yet highly engaging.
Whether you prefer ranged attacks, magical spells, or up-close combat, you have access to every range of heroes. If you are new to this, learning the intricacies of hero abilities and tower options might feel a bit complicated. Also, this multiplayer PC game is free to play for everyone, and you can easily play with all the heroes and enjoy all the aspects and different modes.
The best of this game is that it features cooperative multiplayer, where you can bring in your friends and engage in tower defense collectively.
Developers: Chromatic Games
Publishers: Chromatic Games
Release Date: June 20, 2017
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Kingdom Rush Vengeance – Tower Defense
Kingdom Rush Vengeance has a unique touch to its gameplay. You take the role of a villain or the “bad guy” whose mission is to strategically deploy towers to stop waves of enemies. There are various towers you can choose from, with multiple upgrades and abilities along the way.
Rather than the hero, the game gives an interesting storyline, letting you play as a villain throughout. Speaking of the towers, each has different abilities, such as shooting arrows, some cast spells, and much more.
The more you play, the tougher each level gets. You have to move strategically each time and keep thieves, monsters, and all sorts of other enemies away from you. Above all, the game has aesthetically pleasing visuals and detailed animations that make the fantasy world come alive.
Developers: Ironhide Game Studio
Publishers: Ironhide Game Studio
Release Date: October 15, 2020
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Minion Masters
If you love the fast-paced blend of real-time strategy and card-collecting games, Minion Masters is for you. As someone who has always loved playing strategic games for years now, you are in for a treat.
In Minion Masters, players become summoners, commanding a variety of minions and spells in intense, one-on-one duels. The goal is simple: reduce the opponent’s health to zero while defending your own.
There are two aspects of the game: Card-Based Strategy and Real-Time Battles. In the card-based game, there is a deck of cards, each representing a unique minion, spell, or power-up. You must strategically deploy these cards to counter opponents and control the battlefield.
Moving on to the real-time battles, this mode requires quick thinking and swift decision-making. You are required to strategically take every move, such as deploying minions, casting spells, and unleashing abilities in a dynamic and fast-paced arena.
Developers: BetaDwarf
Publishers: BetaDwarf
Release Date: May 24, 2019
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
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Orcs Must Die! 3
Orcs Must Die! 3 has so much to unfold, especially if you have played the first two installments of the game. The game features complete mayhem with exceptional graphics and visual aesthetics.
You can play the game solo or a 2-player co-op and defend yourself by battling waves of orcs and other fiendish creatures. The best part of the game is the plethora of traps and weapons to stop these creatures from attacking you. Each tool offers a unique way to dispatch foes, from flamethrowers and arrow walls to gravity traps and magical staffs.
Playing solo is fun, but teaming up with your best mate and planning a strategy to defend against your enemy is even better. You will come across multiple campaign modes to play for free, and the new Scramble Mode emphasizes speed and adaptability, creating an exhilarating experience that pushes players to their limits.
Developers: Robot Entertainment
Publishers: Robot Entertainment
Release Date: July 23, 2021
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Plants vs. Zombies
Plants vs. Zombies is an all-time classic tower defense game series packed with humor and strategy. Your aim is to defend your home from waves of goofy yet determined zombies by strategically placing an array of plants with diverse abilities.
Instead of monkeys or monsters defending your home, this game features giant plants with a range of abilities, from shooting peas to producing sun for resource management. To pass each level, you need to place the right combination of plants strategically from the waves of zombies coming to destroy your home.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Plants vs. Zombies: Game of the Year Edition | 255 Reviews | $24.66 | Buy on Amazon |
Furthermore, your strategy depends on the changing environment, such as day, night, on the rooftop, or through a pool; adapting your plant defenses adds depth to the strategic gameplay. Also, this game is easy to play, and anyone can easily get started with the controls on their PC.
The only issue you might face in this game is that it can sometimes be repetitive over an extended period. But it does not get boring, and overall pros definitely beat the intricate issues you might experience.
Developers: PopCap Games
Publishers: Electronic Arts
Release Date: May 5, 2009
The Riftbreaker
The Riftbreaker brings in the thrill of base building and action-packed exploration on PC. You, as a player, get the role of Ashley S. Nowak, a scientist and adventurer who controls a powerful mecha-suit known as the “Riftbreaker”.
You have to build your base and manage resources combined with real-time action as you explore an uncharted planet teeming with hostile creatures. To defend yourself and keep yourself safe, you have to build a robust base where you will construct and upgrade various structures throughout the mission.
Furthermore, you will love the breathtaking alien landscapes and detailed environments, immersing players in a visually stunning world. Since this is a story-driven campaign, it will keep you invested for hours.
The real action unfolds while you explore the alien landscapes and engage in intense battle all the way. Your mecha-suit’s array of weapons and abilities add a layer of excitement to the exploration.
Developers: EXOR Studios
Publishers: EXOR Studios
Release Date: October 14, 2021
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
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They Are Billions
Another one of my favorites when it comes to choosing the best tower defense games on PC (and one of the best PC zombie games) is They Are Billions. The game campaign is set in the future that has been struck by the Zombie apocalypse and has nearly destroyed all of human existence. Sounds exciting, right?
Only a few thousands of humans live on the planet like you, and the game revolves around survival. As a player, you need to focus on constructing and fortifying colonies. Simply place buildings, walls, and other defenses to withstand relentless zombie assaults.
It is a constant battle where you have to be strategically sound and keep on expanding your colony to keep yourself alive at any cost. If your colony is not strong enough, the massive number of zombies can easily overrun you easily.
Furthermore, you will find two modes: Survival mode and Story-driven campaign. Both are equally challenging and will keep you hooked on your screen for hours. While the survival mode has its own thrill, the story mode is something you cannot miss.
Developers: Numantian Games
Publishers: Numantian Games
Release Date: June 18, 2019
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Warzone 2100
This is another classic to add to our list of the best tower defense games. Warzone 2100 is one of its kind and is set in a futuristic setting with exceptional gameplay. The game revolves around a post-apocalyptic scenario where you are in charge of a military force seeking dominance in a world ravaged by war.
Overall, the gameplay stands out with its intricate base construction and research mechanics. Players design and build their bases, balancing resource management with technological advancements.
The game’s technology tree allows for extensive customization, offering players the freedom to develop their strategies. Furthermore, you can opt for single-player mode as well as multiplayer modes. However, since this is a retro game, the graphics are not up to standard.
Developers: Underdone Gaming
Publishers: Underdone Gaming
Release Date: April 10, 1999
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Fieldrunners 2
I have saved the best for the last. Fieldrunners 2 is a sequel to an exceptional tower defense game that puts your strategic brilliance to the test. You are set on a mission to defend your territory against massive waves of enemies moving towards you.
There is a unique set of towers at your disposal that boasts unique abilities and upgrade paths, allowing for strategic experimentation. Furthermore, you have a range of maps, power-ups, boosts, and so much more that add more depth to the game.
There is also an endless mode allowing you to test the limits of their defenses against never-ending waves. Although the game was released a decade ago, it has top-notch graphics, making the visual experience even better.
Also, it is perfect for beginners like you who are looking to start with your first-ever tower defense game. It might get a bit difficult once you level up, but overall, it is something that will give you an unimaginable experience.
Developers: Subatomic Studios LLC
Publishers: Subatomic Studios LLC
Release Date: January 10, 2013
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
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Now that you’ve seen the list of tower defense games on PC but still aren’t sure if they’re for you, you should know what else they bring to the table.
Tower Defense Games – What does it have to offer?
Here are some things you need to know about these games and everything you can look forward to.
#1. Strategic Decision-Making
One of the major aspects of such games and what keeps them apart is the ability to make constant strategic decisions regarding tower placement, upgrades, and resource allocation.
It all depends on your ability to analyze the incoming waves, identify weaknesses in their defenses, and adapt their strategy accordingly.
#2. Balancing Tower Placements
Even after you have placed your towers, it is important to keep upgrading them and maintain the balance throughout the game. At the same time, a proper placement and different combinations can win you the game.
Any misplacement or weak spots can directly hinder your entire gameplay and get you started from the very beginning.
#3. Resource Management
In every game, you will be given limited resources such as in-game currency-building slots and much more. Hence, you need to purchase the towers smartly and invest in resources based on your current situation.
If you go for expensive towers at the very beginning of the game, they might not do much and could leave you vulnerable in the end. Focusing too much on low-tier towers might lead to struggles against stronger adversaries. Having the right balance is the key.
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Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner or a pro gamer, there is a perfect tower defense game for everyone on this list. Make sure to check out each of these games and watch some gameplay videos on YouTube to get more ideas.
I have loved playing all of the games mentioned above for decades now on my PC, and you will too. You can also check out some Tower Defense Games for your iPad and iPhone. And, if you want something slightly different, make sure to check out our list of the best 4X games as well!
