11 Best Tower Defense Games to Play in 2023

You also like to build strategies, right? Well, then, you are at the right place to explore some cool tower defense games.

Tower defense games are some of the most approachable and addictive strategy games worldwide. Now, who wouldn’t want to save their homes from nasty and scary creatures like monsters, zombies, and creepy creatures? Since online gaming was introduced, tower defense games have been a hit among most people. 

One of the first genres of games to really capitalize on mobile phones was tower defense. The changes made it possible to add depth to many games in the early days of mobile gaming.

On top of that, the touch controls make it simple to play on displays. In other words, playing them on the phone is equally as enjoyable as playing them on a computer. 

Although the genre has somewhat plateaued in recent years, tower defense games continue to rank among the greatest and most enjoyable strategy games available for mobile devices. In this article, we will discuss what tower defense games are and why they are so popular. We will also discuss some of the best tower defense games you can play. 

What is a Tower Defense Game?

A tower defense game, or TD game, is a strategy game in which a single player protects a place or certain products from the enemy by preventing their progress. Instead of requiring players to use real castles and towers during gameplay, this kind of video game offers a choice of other possibilities. 

While some tower defense video games are single-player, others are multiplayer, cooperative, or player-versus-player (PvP) games. Even as they advance, some of the finest tower defense games can keep up a fair pace and remain interesting.

By positioning towers with combat weapons on the battlefield, TD games allow players to stop or slow down the enemy’s players.

By fending off hostile aggressors and putting your claim on the ground, you are intended to target other players’ territories or objects in tower defense games. Tower defense games may not appeal to everyone, but for certain gamers, they are the finest genre out there.

Of course, the tighter focus of tower games comes with its thrills and difficulties. Like the expansive strategy game genre, the tower defense genre is full of treasures.

Why are tower defense games so popular?

Tower defense games are very popular because they are simple to learn and play. But still, they have a tonne of strategic complexity and repeat potential. Tower defense games are among the most addicting game types available for players on smartphones and tablets due to this combination. 

Because their strategies are so adaptable, customizable, and obvious, tower defense games are intrinsically addictive and well-liked. Even if you’re not an expert player, you can still come up with a plan of attack on your own.

Most tower defense games don’t feel the same since they include a wide range of systems and techniques.

Swamp Attack

Swamp Attack is an amusing tower defense game with a southern flavor. The only thing you need to do is take a weapon and protect your swamp or house from the aliens and crocodiles, and other monsters that are invading, including mad zombie-style beasts.

To combat the zombie-like animals, you can employ dynamite, flamethrowers, crossbows, blob throwers, molotov cocktails, and more.

You get some weaponry, respectable strategic components, and 390 levels for solo play. That ought to sustain you for some time. There is a degree of control in this game as well because players tap the screen to fire their weapons.

Although the game is free to play, that only truly impacts the endgame. This game is available for both Android and iOS devices. 

Plants vs. Zombies

The Plants vs. Zombies series of tower defense games is perhaps the most comprehensible for new players. Despite not having the traditional tower defense aesthetic, the fundamentals are still present.

You must set up armed plants in your yard to block the way of waves of foes as a defense. 49 zombie-zapping plants, including peashooters, wall-nuts, cherry bombs, and others, are available to mow 26 different sorts of zombies before they break into your home.

It has remained one of the most played tower defense games. It’s also an entertaining game that is indeed excellent for new players. For individuals who have completed the game, the creators have consistently added additional features. The best part is that it is on both Google Play and Apple Appstore.

Tiny Guardians

The TD game without actual towers is called Tiny Guardians. You only need to get ready to go off on an incredible journey with these tiny heroes.

You can call forth special guardians to protect “Lunalie,” the main character, from various foes, as she travels through the Prism wilderness in search of her abducted aunt, the Sorceress.

All you need to do is exercise caution around dangerous animals, unsettling monsters, molten foes, and enigmatic circus performers as you travel.

You get to increase the number of beautiful cards in your collection with each class and adversary you unlock. Every time you play, you may have a different experience, thanks to the various upgrades and unit classes that support a variety of strategies. This game is available on both Android and iOS.

Kingdom Rush Frontiers

Kingdom Rush Frontiers is a completely new level of the lightning-quick, enchanted, and endearing game. This has helped establish Kingdom Rush as a successful Tower Defense game.

With the help of colorful structures, levels, warriors, and other delights, you’ll protect exotic territories from dragons, man-eating plants, and grotesque subterranean creatures in this strategy game.

In this game, you can employ skills like releasing death riders, summoning plague clouds, or using assassins to attack your opponents. The unique feature of this game is the opportunity to select from a roster of powerful champions and develop their skills.

These champions each have distinctive specialties that complement various play methods and tactics. It is a fantastic game for fans of classic defense tower gameplay. The game can be found on both Android and iOS phones. 

Kingdom Rush Origins

The third chapter in the critically acclaimed Kingdom Rush tower defense series, Kingdom Rush Origins, is played by millions of people and has received praise from gamers and reviewers all over the world.

You get to go back in time to the beginning before Vez’nan even considered endangering the realm with the gem of power. You get to enjoy even more of the very quick-paced, enthralling gameplay that has made the genre a cornerstone of important tower defense games and adventure games. 

With the aid of brand-new towers, heroes, and spells to thwart every last bad guy, you can control your elf army in this thrilling prequel and protect magical regions from sea serpents, wicked sorcerers, and waves upon waves of gnoll tribesmen.

Gain victory in the battle to go forward in the journey. You can download this game on your Android and iOS devices.

Kingdom Rush Vengeance

One of the most well-known and acclaimed tower defense series on the list is The Kingdom Rush Vengeance. The fact that it faithfully follows the traditional tower defense rules has drawn some criticism from more seasoned players.

Still, most people truly like this game. In this medieval offline tower defense virtual world adventure, you will face and fight hordes of difficult adversaries as you fight against powerful boss battles.

As you unlock and switch between insane new strategic towers, you can rush into battle. Additionally, you can lead famous characters as you complete all the milestones with your tower defense strategy, tactics, and fantasy game gaming knowledge. This game is available on both Android and iOS systems. 

Bloons TD 6

With Bloons TD 6 being the most recent installment, the Bloons TD series has become one of the most well-known and lucrative tower defense brands. Additionally, it has offline support, new game types, 19 towers, a tonne of upgrades, over 20 maps, and more.

The game’s intentionally cartoony design allows you to surround a map with monkeys. They possess specific abilities to guard it against evil balloons. Instead of structures, the gameplay centers on characters who can be leveled up, upgraded, and given better weapons.

Bloons TD 6 is taken to a whole new level of addiction by the practically XCOM-level squad management present. You can get this game for your Android and iOS phones.

Iron Marine

The newest tower defense game from Ironhide Game Studio is called Iron Marines. In addition to an Impossible Mode for added difficulty, it has 10 more special missions on top of the 14 main missions.

Numerous heroes and towers are also included. The sci-fi plot you uncover will take you on an incredible journey throughout the galaxy as you explore and conquer innumerable worlds in deep space while facing off against army conflicts and military threats.

They can be upgraded and unlocked. It includes all of the accomplishments and more. You get to see thrilling new planets with their geography, styles, opponents, and circumstances while participating in one-of-a-kind space missions and special operations. It is available on both Android and iOS devices. 

Rise to Ruins

Rise to Ruins is primarily a tower defense game. Above that, it also incorporates many well-known resource management and real-time strategic gameplay elements. Additionally, it adds surprises by combining tower defense and survival components to forge a brand-new kind of godlike town simulator.

The objective is to close the gap between the depth and complexity of conventional village simulators, the enjoyment of godlikes, and the simplicity of real-time strategy games.

Town management and attempting to devise new and inventive methods to use the tools available to you to keep yourself alive as long as you can while defending your village make up a significant portion of the game. The game is available on Steam. 

Orcs Must Die 2

Orcs Must Die 2, is just as good as its predecessor. This is because the same basic game now has a tonne of additional adversaries, traps, weapons, and game types. What seemed like the most glaringly missing from Orcs Must Die is the 2-player co-op, which is the biggest improvement in this version.

It is necessary to kill orcs via shooting, burning, stabbing, crushing, impaling, freezing, catapulting, dissolving in acid, turning them into chickens, or making them murder one another.

They must pass away, and more particularly, they must pass away before exiting a big pair of double doors and before entering a mystical portal. By setting traps and firing them yourself, you can contribute to this. This game is available on Steam. 

GemCraft

GemCraft blends frantic real-time strategy as you contend with oncoming waves of enemies with devious strategies that let you create and combine magical gems. In GemCraft, gems serve as your primary means of attack against monsters and other foes.

The series name alludes to the gem-creation and gem-combination concept, which distinguishes it from other tower defense games where the towers themselves carry out the assault.

Gems can be used as explosives and inserted into other constructions for varied effects. It’s also possible to put them in towers to unleash balls of magical energy to strike the targets. Depending on the hue of the gem, the ball’s colors changes. You can try this game from Steam. 

Conclusion

Tower defense games are undoubtedly one of the most entertaining, indulging, and exciting forms of online gaming. Starting from the surge to protect your tower or home from destroying the monsters, the idea behind tower defense games is attractive.

Age is not a barrier for tower defense game players, as people from different age groups play this game. No wonder these games are very much loved and have received many good reviews.

Next, check out some of the Best Battle Royal Games.