Best Games Like Worms: Top Artillery Games

The 1995 release of Worms by Team17 popularized the 2D artillery strategy genre, blending turn-based combat, destructible terrain, trajectory physics, and quirky humor. While the original franchise continued to evolve through sequels and spin-offs, numerous other developers have created titles that capture the same chaotic, tactical fun. This article explores the best games that share the DNA of the original Worms, ranging from open-source tributes to fast-paced browser adaptations.

The Formula Behind the Classics

At its core, a game in the Worms tradition requires four elements: fully destructible environments, a diverse arsenal with varying trajectory physics, turn-based time limits, and a lighthearted or comical tone. Players position their units, calculate wind and angles, and deploy weapons ranging from standard bazookas and grenades to bizarre, catastrophic explosives.

Top Games Similar to Worms

Maggots

If you want a lightweight, direct homage to the retro tactical experience without installing heavy clients, Maggots provides an accessible, browser-based arena. Operating in the classic 2D artillery format, it challenges players to calculate trajectories, navigate changing terrain, and outlast opposing squads using turn-based precision. It serves as an easy-to-jump-into alternative for quick competitive matches reminiscent of the mid-90s era.

Hedgewars

Hedgewars is a free, open-source turn-based strategy game that closely mimics the gameplay, physics, and visual charm of classic Worms. Players control teams of hedgehogs across randomly generated islands with dynamic physics, customized rulesets, and an absurd array of weapons like the watermelon bomb and homing bee. Its dedicated community and extensive modding support make it one of the closest spiritual successors to the Team17 series.

ShellShock Live

ShellShock Live modernizes the 2D artillery format by swapping squirming invertebrates for armored tanks. While it departs from the cartoon character animations, it emphasizes turn-based trajectory calculation, projectile physics, and fully destructible ground. With hundreds of upgradeable weapons, dynamic maps, and robust online multiplayer, it appeals directly to players seeking refined aiming mechanics and progression systems.

Liero

For those who enjoy the aesthetic and mechanics of Worms but prefer uninhibited chaos, Liero is the definitive real-time counterpart. Often dubbed "real-time Worms," this 1998 Finnish shareware classic equips worms with ninja ropes and heavy armaments, pitting them against each other in fast-paced underground shootouts without waiting for turns.

Scorched Earth

No list of artillery games is complete without Scorched Earth, the 1991 DOS title that laid the groundwork for Worms. While simpler in presentation—focusing on static tanks firing across mountainous terrain—it pioneered the environmental destruction, weapon variety, and trajectory calculations that Worms later perfected.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer the open-source community depth of Hedgewars, the rapid real-time combat of Liero, or instant web-based tactical play in Maggots, the artillery strategy genre remains vibrant. Each of these games preserves the satisfying challenge of calculating the perfect shot under pressure to blast a crater beneath an opponent's feet.