Best Tower Defense games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated tower defense games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free tower defense games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
iBomber Defense Pacific
iBomber moves to the Pacific as you fight a whole new enemy across the Pacific rim to regain freedom.
Dungeon Defenders
Create a hero from one of four classes to save Etheria in this 4-player coop Tower Defense Action-RPG. Includes Steam exclusive Portal gun & TF2 familiars!
Orcs Must Die!
Slice them, burn them, skewer them, and launch them - no matter how you get it done, orcs must die in this fantasy action-strategy game from Robot Entertainment.
Rock of Ages
A rock-solid combination of rock-rolling action, deep strategy, and captivating art and music from different ages of history, this is a game of crush or be crushed!
Alien Hallway
Players measure stamina with a never-ending stream of green creatures within the borders of a special military mission.
Sanctum
You think Tower Defense games are all about building? You thought wrong. Sanctum is not your average Tower Defense title. When the havoc starts, you get to join the fray! As one of the world’s first First Person Shooter - Tower Defense games, Sanctum has taken the best of both worlds to deliver an epic, one-of-a-kind experience.
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Lead an armored squad through the perils of this reversed tower defense action-strategy game!
Revenge of the Titans
The ultimate mash-up of Real-time Strategy and Tower Defense!
Atom Zombie Smasher
The zombie apocalypse is upon us and it's up to you to evacuate everyone before they fall prey to the undead. Conduct massive rescue operations with a helping hand from snipers, artillery crews, orbital bombardments, and more.
Monday Night Combat
Monday Night Combat is a class-based, third-person shooter… and the most popular lethal sport of the future!
Swords and Soldiers HD
Rewrite history as you take control of the brutal Vikings, the devious Aztecs or the crafty Chinese in their global quest to win the favour of the Gods! Swords & Soldiers is a side-scrolling strategy game that lets you control an entire army and lets you wield devastating magical abilities.
Gratuitous Space Battles
Who needs backstory? Who needs resource-gathering? Diplomacy is so last year. Gratuitous Space Battles cuts right to the chase of sci-fi strategy games, and deals with large, completely unjustified space battles between huge opposing space fleets.
AI War: Fleet Command
"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
Zombies are invading your home, and the only defense is your arsenal of plants! Armed with an alien nursery-worth of zombie-zapping plants like peashooters and cherry bombs, you'll need to think fast and plant faster to stop dozens of types of zombies dead in their tracks.
Defense Grid: The Awakening
Defense Grid: The Awakening is a unique spin on tower defense gameplay that will appeal to players of all skill levels. A horde of enemies is invading, and it's up to the player to stop them by strategically building fortification towers around their base.
Multiwinia
Multiwinia is a fast-paced, retro-inspired RTS that blends arcade action with strategic depth. Command armies of Multiwinians in multiplayer battles across vibrant, nostalgic environments. With simple controls and dynamic gameplay, it offers endless fun and challenge for players of all skill levels.Most played tower defense games on Steam
Take a look at the top tower defense games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 20th 2025.
1. Bloons TD 6
The Bloons are back and better than ever! Get ready for a massive 3D tower defense game designed to give you hours and hours of the best strategy gaming available. Bloons TD 6 is a tower defense, strategy and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on December 17th 2018 has received 350,419 reviews of which 340,860 were positive and 9,559 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played tower defense game, thanks to its 12,210 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
340,860
9,559
12,210
players
2. Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
Zombies are invading your home, and the only defense is your arsenal of plants! Armed with an alien nursery-worth of zombie-zapping plants like peashooters and cherry bombs, you'll need to think fast and plant faster to stop dozens of types of zombies dead in their tracks. Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition is a tower defense, zombies and strategy game developed by PopCap Games and Inc. and published by PopCap Games, Inc. and Electronic Arts. Released on May 05th 2009 has received 138,517 reviews of which 135,180 were positive and 3,337 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,725 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among tower defense games based on player count.
9.6
135,180
3,337
1,725
players
3. Kingdom Two Crowns
Gather coins, build defenses and reclaim your fallen Kingdom. Explore and uncover secrets, unlock new technologies and protect your crown versus waves of Greed monsters that come at night. Kingdom is a solo or co-op micro-strategy and tower defense game set in an atmospheric pixel world. Kingdom Two Crowns is a tower defense, minimalist and city builder game developed by Stumpy🐙Squid, Fury Studios and Coatsink and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 11th 2018 has received 7,063 reviews of which 6,244 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,559 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among tower defense games based on player count.
8.6
6,244
819
1,559
players
4. Nordhold
Enemies are coming! Every decision matters: build your city, grow the economy, and prepare for enemy waves. Strengthen your defenses, adapt your strategy, and unleash your hero’s full potential. This unique Tower Defense will test your skills – are you worthy to claim a place at Valhalla? Nordhold is a rogue-lite, tower defense and city builder game developed by StunForge and published by StunForge and HypeTrain Digital. Released on March 25th 2025 has received 1,623 reviews of which 1,477 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,544 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played tower defense games.
8.7
1,477
146
1,544
players
5. Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense
Endless idle tower defense game full of deep strategy and combat mechanics. Unlock and upgrade dozens of epic fantasy heroes to defeat an infinite swarm of enemy monsters. Strategize hero positions, synergies, and skills for an effective defense, then sit back and let the auto-battler do its thing! Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense is a early access, strategy and tower defense game developed and published by Swell Games LLC. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 601 reviews of which 494 were positive and 107 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 948 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played tower defense games.
7.8
494
107
948
players
6. Legion TD 2 - Multiplayer Tower Defense
An infinitely replayable multiplayer and single-player tower defense. Defend against waves of enemies and destroy the enemy's king before they destroy yours. Legion TD 2 is a one-of-a-kind game of tactics, teamwork, and prediction. Party as 1-8 players. Legion TD 2 - Multiplayer Tower Defense is a tower defense, multiplayer and auto battler game developed and published by AutoAttack Games. Released on October 01st 2021 has received 13,384 reviews of which 11,565 were positive and 1,819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 914 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played tower defense games.
8.4
11,565
1,819
914
players
7. The Perfect Tower II
The Perfect Tower II is a mix between an incremental and a tower defense game. Build a town, manage resources and explore a variety of mini-games and tons of upgrades. Fully automate your game and watch numbers going up! The Perfect Tower II is a strategy, idler and tower defense game developed and published by Fire Sword Studios. Released on February 26th 2021 has received 3,592 reviews of which 3,163 were positive and 429 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 643 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played tower defense games.
8.5
3,163
429
643
players
8. Bloons TD Battles 2
From the creators of Bloons TD6... Bloons TD Battles 2 is a brand new installment of the top-rated head-to-head tower defense game. Gather your Hero, choose your team of powerful Monkey Towers, and prepare to battle one on one against other players and relentless waves of Bloons! Bloons TD Battles 2 is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on November 30th 2021 has received 32,025 reviews of which 26,926 were positive and 5,099 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 595 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played tower defense games.
8.3
26,926
5,099
595
players
9. Mindustry
An open-ended factory management game with RTS and tower defense elements. Mindustry is a base-building, resource management and tower defense game developed and published by AnukenDev. Released on September 26th 2019 has received 21,477 reviews of which 20,586 were positive and 891 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 585 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played tower defense games.
9.4
20,586
891
585
players
10. Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap combines chaotic third-person combat with devious trap-laying strategy. Enjoy endless replayability as your War Mage grows stronger through roguelite progression. Repel relentless orc hordes solo or with up to 4 players. Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a tower defense, co-op and action game developed and published by Robot Entertainment. Released on January 28th 2025 has received 3,123 reviews of which 2,233 were positive and 890 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 480 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played tower defense games.
7.0
2,233
890
480
players
Best deals on tower defense games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of tower defense games available on Steam right now, updated on April 20th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted tower defense games.
1. Deathtrap
Deathtrap is a Tower Defense game with strong action-RPG elements, a game of vicious tricks, killing machines, rotating blades and splattering blood. Deathtrap is a tower defense, rpg and action game developed and published by NeocoreGames. Released on February 04th 2015 has received 2,187 reviews of which 1,835 were positive and 352 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for tower defense category.
8.1
1,835
352
-93%
18.57€
1.30€
2. Paper Planet
Paper Planet is a planet-defender, arcade roguelike with a doodley, Flash-inspired artstyle. Battle through waves of unique enemies and bosses. Combine items with strange and wacky effects for insanely overpowered runs. Play with 1-4 players, for some chaotic co-op fun! Paper Planet is a action roguelike, tower defense and bullet hell game developed by Doodlegames and published by 2 Left Thumbs. Released on August 21st 2023 has received 466 reviews of which 407 were positive and 59 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in tower defense games.
8.2
407
59
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
3. GemCraft - Chasing Shadows
An epic, challenging tower defense game with an emphasis on strategy and replayability. Summon gems of immense magical potency and harness their unique abilities against a seemingly endless horde of monsters. The archdemon seeks to swallow the world, and you must journey to stand against her. GemCraft - Chasing Shadows is a tower defense, strategy and indie game developed by Game in a Bottle and published by Armor Games Studios. Released on April 30th 2015 has received 4,116 reviews of which 3,923 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in tower defense games.
9.2
3,923
193
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
4. Rock 'N' Roll Defense
Rocked by an explosive soundtrack, choose your band, place your equipments and defend the Rock 'N' Roll from everyone and everything who try to pull it down, on a totally hardcore tower defense! Rock 'N' Roll Defense is a tower defense, casual and strategy game developed and published by NukGames. Released on August 10th 2016 has received 2,702 reviews of which 2,341 were positive and 361 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for tower defense games.
8.3
2,341
361
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
5. Heretic's Fork
Dear candidate, we are pleased to invite you to take up the position of manager of Hell. You will punish sinners by using our deck-building computer system to construct hellish towers capable of keeping the endless hordes of the underworld in check. Best of luck! Heretic's Fork is a deckbuilding, tower defense and arcade game developed by 9FingerGames and published by Ravenage Games. Released on September 13th 2023 has received 3,500 reviews of which 2,998 were positive and 502 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for tower defense games.
8.3
2,998
502
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
6. Anomaly 2
Anomaly 2 is a sequel to the critically acclaimed Anomaly Warzone Earth. Maintaining the core elements of the original, Anomaly 2 adds plenty of new features: unit morphing, over million tactical combinations, post-apo world and tower defense vs tower offense multiplayer mode. Anomaly 2 is a strategy, action and indie game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on May 15th 2013 has received 1,017 reviews of which 804 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for tower defense games.
7.5
804
213
-90%
22.99€
2.29€
7. Space Run Galaxy
Space Run Galaxy is the sequel to Space Run, the game from one-man studio Passtech, which seduced hundreds of thousands of players with its dynamic and original gameplay. By twisting the tower-defense game style, Space Run offered an addictive real-time spaceship construction strategy experience. Space Run Galaxy is a strategy, indie and tower defense game developed by Passtech Games and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on June 17th 2016 has received 991 reviews of which 634 were positive and 357 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for tower defense games.
6.2
634
357
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
8. Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Lead an armored squad through the perils of this reversed tower defense action-strategy game! Anomaly: Warzone Earth is a strategy, indie and tower defense game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on April 08th 2011 has received 4,628 reviews of which 4,030 were positive and 598 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for tower defense games.
8.4
4,030
598
-89%
9.99€
1.09€
9. Orcs Must Die!
Slice them, burn them, skewer them, and launch them - no matter how you get it done, orcs must die in this fantasy action-strategy game from Robot Entertainment. Orcs Must Die! is a tower defense, action and strategy game developed and published by Robot Entertainment. Released on October 11th 2011 has received 8,146 reviews of which 7,814 were positive and 332 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for tower defense games.
9.3
7,814
332
-88%
8.33€
1.00€
10. Orcs Must Die! 2
You’ve tossed, burned and sliced them by the thousands – now orcs must die more than ever before! Grab a friend and slay orcs in untold numbers in this sequel to the 2011 AIAS Strategy Game of the Year from Robot Entertainment. Orcs Must Die! 2 is a tower defense, co-op and action game developed and published by Robot Entertainment. Released on July 30th 2012 has received 19,238 reviews of which 17,883 were positive and 1,355 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for tower defense games.
9.1
17,883
1,355
-88%
12.33€
1.48€
Free tower defense games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play tower defense games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 20th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play tower defense games.
1. Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense
Endless idle tower defense game full of deep strategy and combat mechanics. Unlock and upgrade dozens of epic fantasy heroes to defeat an infinite swarm of enemy monsters. Strategize hero positions, synergies, and skills for an effective defense, then sit back and let the auto-battler do its thing! Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense is a early access, strategy and tower defense game developed and published by Swell Games LLC. Released on May 03rd 2024 has received 601 reviews of which 494 were positive and 107 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 948 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free tower defense games on Steam.
7.8
494
107
948
players
2. The Perfect Tower II
The Perfect Tower II is a mix between an incremental and a tower defense game. Build a town, manage resources and explore a variety of mini-games and tons of upgrades. Fully automate your game and watch numbers going up! The Perfect Tower II is a strategy, idler and tower defense game developed and published by Fire Sword Studios. Released on February 26th 2021 has received 3,592 reviews of which 3,163 were positive and 429 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 643, this tower defense game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free tower defense games on Steam.
8.5
3,163
429
643
players
3. Bloons TD Battles 2
From the creators of Bloons TD6... Bloons TD Battles 2 is a brand new installment of the top-rated head-to-head tower defense game. Gather your Hero, choose your team of powerful Monkey Towers, and prepare to battle one on one against other players and relentless waves of Bloons! Bloons TD Battles 2 is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on November 30th 2021 has received 32,025 reviews of which 26,926 were positive and 5,099 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 595, this tower defense game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free tower defense games on Steam.
8.3
26,926
5,099
595
players
4. Dungeon Defenders II
Dungeon Defenders II is a cooperative Action Tower Defense game packed with roleplaying elements like loot, leveling, and pets. Dungeon Defenders II is a multiplayer, online co-op and co-op campaign game developed and published by Chromatic Games. Released on June 20th 2017 has received 21,774 reviews of which 16,852 were positive and 4,922 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 410 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free tower defense games on Steam.
7.6
16,852
4,922
410
players
5. Bloons Monkey City
Create, upgrade, and customize your very own Bloons Monkey City in this groundbreaking blend of city building and tower defense awesomeness! Bloons Monkey City is a free to play, strategy and action game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on April 10th 2020 has received 6,147 reviews of which 5,613 were positive and 534 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 286 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free tower defense games on Steam.
8.8
5,613
534
286
players
6. Bloons TD Battles
Go head to head with other players in a Bloon-popping battle for victory. From the creators of best-selling Bloons TD 5, this all new Battles game is specially designed for multiplayer combat, featuring the ability to control bloons directly and send them charging past your opponent's defenses. Bloons TD Battles is a free to play, tower defense and multiplayer game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on April 20th 2016 has received 29,075 reviews of which 26,383 were positive and 2,692 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 210 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free tower defense games on Steam.
8.9
26,383
2,692
210
players
7. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense
Infinitode 2 - a strategy in the Tower Defense genre, in which the player will have to build towers to protect his base from endless waves of enemies. The game features huge maps, lots of towers, resource miners, upgrade tree and map editor. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense is a level editor, tower defense and building game developed and published by Prineside. Released on May 06th 2021 has received 3,603 reviews of which 3,287 were positive and 316 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 190 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free tower defense games on Steam.
8.8
3,287
316
190
players
8. Ninja Kiwi Archive
Enjoy some of the best loved Flash games of the past in this awesome time capsule of over 60 Ninja Kiwi classics. Experience a piece of history and play the original Flash games that spawned the worldwide phenomenon of Bloons TD. Ninja Kiwi Archive is a casual, arcade and strategy game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on July 08th 2020 has received 5,388 reviews of which 5,059 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 155 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free tower defense games on Steam.
9.1
5,059
329
155
players
9. Bloons Adventure Time TD
Defend Ooo from the Bloon invasion in this epic tower defense crossover. Bloons Adventure Time TD is a strategy, action and tower defense game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on January 16th 2019 has received 4,242 reviews of which 3,693 were positive and 549 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free tower defense games on Steam.
8.4
3,693
549
99
players
10. Idle Monster TD: Evolved
Evolve epic monsters and crush puny humans in this endless idle tower defense game! Unlock, upgrade, and evolve over 150 unique monsters and pets, ranging from cute and colorful flower creatures to epic fire breathing dragons, to assemble the ultimate team against the endless waves of enemies. Idle Monster TD: Evolved is a idler, tower defense and strategy game developed and published by Monstermob USA and INC. Released on November 16th 2022 has received 1,194 reviews of which 928 were positive and 266 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free tower defense games on Steam.
7.4
928
266
66
players