If you want the turn-based artillery, wild weapons and tactical destruction of Worms, Hedgewars is the closest well-documented alternative in this list—and it is free on Steam. Pocket Tanks and ShellShock Live are also surfaced as artillery-focused options, though their current features and availability should be checked on their store pages. The available information does not establish all six games in the original list, so this guide focuses on the three named titles rather than inventing recommendations.
What makes a game feel like Worms?
The defining loop is turn-based artillery: players take turns positioning or aiming, then fire weapons across an arena where terrain can be destroyed. The appeal comes from combining careful aim and tactical choices with unpredictable weapons and comic mishaps.
Worms W.M.D is a useful reference point. Team17 describes it as a hand-drawn 2D artillery game with local and online multiplayer, ranked play, a 30-level campaign, and 80 weapons and utilities. It also includes vehicles, buildings and crafting. Those details help distinguish a close match from a game that shares only the artillery theme. Team17’s Worms W.M.D page
Games like Worms named in the available list
Hedgewars
Hedgewars is the most fully documented alternative here: a free, turn-based artillery and strategy game starring armed pink hedgehogs. Its Steam listing describes local and network multiplayer for up to eight players, optional AI, two single-player campaigns totaling 24 missions, and about 58 weapons and utilities. It also offers generated maps and a map editor, giving players ways to vary and customize arenas. Hedgewars on Steam
#1 Best Overall
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
- Includes gameboard, armies with 4 Infantry, 12 Cavalry, and 8 Artillery each, deck of 56 Risk cards, 1 card box, 5 dice, 5 cardboard war crates, and game guide.
- PLAY USING ALEXA SKILL: Players have the option of playing this Risk game using Alexa. (Alexa device sold separately. ) Note: sound comes from paired Echo device.
- DRAGON TOKEN: This Risk game includes a dragon token. Players must destroy the dragon before it destroys their troops. A lucky roll can subdue the dragon and get it out of a player's territory
Choose it if you want the recognizable turn-by-turn artillery structure and a mix of multiplayer and solo play. The available listing does not establish current online activity, cross-play, or support on platforms beyond Steam, so check the store information for the version you intend to use.
Pocket Tanks
Pocket Tanks is identified as an artillery-focused recommendation. That makes it a relevant option if the aiming-and-firing exchange matters more to you than matching Worms’ characters or presentation. The information available here does not establish its current platforms, multiplayer modes, campaign content, price, or weapon count; check the game’s current store page before choosing it.
Rank #2
- EXPLORE THE ISLAND OF CATAN: Settle the uninhabited island of Catan by gathering resources, building infrastructure, and nurturing trade relationships.
- STRATEGY AND COMPETITION: Compete with 2-3 opponents to expand your settlements and cities while managing resources and avoiding the robber.
- TRADE, BUILD, AND SETTLE: Use brick, wood, wheat, ore, and sheep to construct roads, settlements, and cities in your race to 10 victory points.
- REPLAYABLE AND ENGAGING: With a modular hexagonal board, no two games are the same, offering endless strategic opportunities and replayability.
- FOR FAMILIES AND STRATEGY ENTHUSIASTS: Designed for 3-4 players, ages 10 and up, CATAN 6th Edition is perfect for family game nights and friendly competition. Add the CATAN 5-6 Player Extension (sold separately) to expand your game to 5-6 players.
ShellShock Live
ShellShock Live is also surfaced as a multiplayer artillery game. It is worth investigating if you want artillery combat centered on playing with other people, but the available information does not establish current player counts, online population, cross-play, platforms, or price. Confirm those details on the store page for your platform.
How to choose a Worms alternative
Similar genre labels do not guarantee the same experience. Before buying or installing, compare the features that shape how you plan to play:
The Tool Desk
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- Change the Course of History: Command both military forces and wartime economy as one of five major powers in this classic WWII strategy board game designed for 2-5 players
- Updated Rulebook and Components: Second Edition features refined rules based on community feedback, double-sided punchboard tokens, and resealable storage bags for durability
- Oversized Playing Area Immerses You: The 40-inch by 26-inch game board creates an engaging tactical landscape where every decision shapes the outcome of global conflict
- Perfect Family Strategy Experience: Ages 12 and up can enjoy three to four hours of intellectually stimulating gameplay that bonds groups through shared strategic decision-making
- Authentic Historical Gameplay: Lead Germany, Japan, UK, Soviet Union, or United States in spring 1942, the historical peak of Axis expansion, exploring tactical alternatives to actual events
- Solo content: Look for a campaign or missions if you want more than matches against friends or AI. Hedgewars lists two campaigns totaling 24 missions.
- Local or online multiplayer: Check whether the game supports couch play, network play, or both. Hedgewars lists local and network multiplayer, while the surfaced description of ShellShock Live emphasizes multiplayer artillery.
- Player count: Confirm the maximum players and whether AI opponents are available. Hedgewars lists up to eight players and optional AI.
- Weapons and arenas: Weapon variety, generated maps, terrain destruction and editing tools can change how tactical or unpredictable a match feels.
- Platform and price: Verify the current store listing for your device. Do not assume a game is available on the same systems as Worms W.M.D or that old prices and online features still apply.
What is—and is not—confirmed about the six-game list
The TechPP search result for “6 Games like Worms: Enjoy Similar Gameplay” names Hedgewars, Pocket Tanks and ShellShock Live, but the full article text is unavailable in the material checked for this guide. The remaining three titles cannot be verified from that result. Rather than fill the gaps with guesses from unrelated lists, this guide covers only the names that can be confirmed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Reprint After 18 Years: This strategic board game returns to the market after nearly two decades, making it the ultimate choice for both longtime Axis & Allies fans and newcomers seeking authentic WWII immersion
- Two-Player Showdown: Command either the United States and United Kingdom or Germany in this head-to-head battle featuring supply chain management, territorial control, and multi-unit tactical decision-making
- 138 Detailed Miniatures: Over one hundred meticulously crafted plastic units including tanks, artillery, infantry, fighters, and bombers create a visually rich battlefield experience that rewards tactical planning
- Hex-Based Strategic Gameplay: Navigate the rugged Ardennes terrain through hexagonal grid movement, where each placement and maneuver directly impacts your path to victory in this decisive WWII conflict
- 4-Hour Immersive Experience: Designed for players aged fourteen and up who crave intellectually challenging gameplay with authentic historical setting, perfect for regular game nights and competitive strategy enthusiasts
Rank #4
- DELUXE EDITION EXCLUSIVES: Includes Lanturns deluxe mini expansion for expanded gameplay and tactical depth.
- TACTICAL COMBAT: Utilize terrain, cover, and line of sight in competitive, cooperative, or solo combat scenarios.
- MODULAR 3D TERRAIN: The game box transforms into the terrain, creating a dynamic, multi-level battlefield for strategic positioning.
- MULTIPLE GAME MODES: Play competitive battle royale, cooperative dungeon crawl, or the challenging solo mode.
- FITS IN A SMALL BOX: Experience a full-scale tactical game with 3D terrain, all packed into a signature Tiny Epic compact box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
