What is the best game similar to DEFCON?

The closest game to DEFCON is Horizon's Gate, scoring 95/100 on our similarity scale. They share 6 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like DEFCON?

The three closest games to DEFCON are: 1. Horizon's Gate (95/100, 6 shared attributes) 2. Northgard (95/100, 14 shared attributes) 3. Wargroove (93/100, 10 shared attributes). All share DEFCON's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 48 candidates across 18 dimensions.

Is Northgard similar to DEFCON?

Yes, very much so — Northgard scores 95/100 similarity to DEFCON. They share 14 attributes, including deep RPG systems and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What RPG games are similar to DEFCON?

The best RPG games similar to DEFCON are Horizon's Gate, Northgard, Wargroove and Divinity: Original Sin II. All share the RPG genre alongside other key DEFCON attributes like deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical.

How is similarity to DEFCON calculated?

We compare DEFCON against every game in our catalog using 18 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the DEFCON experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

48 Games like DEFCON that you should try

Games like DEFCON · Find similar →

More about this game →

If DEFCON left you wanting more, this list of 48 similar games is for you. Each one shares part of its essence — deep RPG systems, punishing difficulty and open world exploration — and is ranked by a similarity score computed across 18 attributes. Horizon's Gate comes closest (95/100).

iRank77/ 100

Did you find what you were looking for?

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

Top games similar to DEFCON

48 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to DEFCON. Each one has been evaluated across 18 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Horizon's Gate

iRank95

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

TacticalOpen WorldTop-Down2DExploration

Steam👍 95%· 1.2K

Year 2020Dev Rad CodexPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and open world exploration

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, exploration and discovery and skill tree progression, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerCo-opPvPTacticalHardcoreNarrativeHistoricalManagementIsometric

Steam👍 85%· 68KIGDB81· 4OC79· 21

Year 2018Dev Shiro Games · PlaydigiousOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, deep simulation and real-time strategy

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, survival mechanics and fantasy world, while skipping open world exploration

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerCo-opOnlinePvPTacticalIsometric2D

Steam👍 83%· 5.2KIGDB85· 9OC83· 89

Year 2019Dev Chucklefish GamesOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, offline and visual pixel, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam PS Nintendo

#4Divinity: Original Sin II

iRank94

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

Co-opPvPSoloMultiplayerTacticalNarrativeIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 203KIGDB91· 13

Year 2017Dev Larian StudiosOn PC · iOS · Mac

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, fantasy world and offline, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam GOG

#5Divinity: Original Sin 2

iRank94

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

Co-opPvPSoloMultiplayerTacticalNarrativeIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 203KRAWG👍 92%· 593MC94IGDB91· 13OC93· 80

Year 2018Dev Larian Studios · Bandai Namco EntertainmentPlaytime ~10hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, fantasy world and offline, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam GOG Xbox

#6Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition

iRank83

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerCo-opTacticalHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 87%· 87KRAWG👍 81%· 238MC76

Year 2013Dev Creative Assembly · SEGAPlaytime ~15hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and real-time strategy

≠ Its own twist: ranged combat and base building, while skipping punishing difficulty

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

Co-opSoloMultiplayerOnlineTacticalNarrativeOpen WorldIsometric

Steam👍 85%· 22KIGDB87· 9OC86· 114

Year 2020Dev inXile EntertainmentOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, survival mechanics and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerCo-opPvPTacticalOpen WorldHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 90%· 365KRAWG👍 83%· 381MC83IGDB84· 6OC83· 22

Year 2016Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~8hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, deep simulation and real-time strategy

≠ Its own twist: sandbox freedom, competitive edge and sandbox world, while skipping punishing difficulty

Details →

Steam

#9Stronghold Kingdoms

iRank51

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

MultiplayerSoloCo-opOnlinePvPTacticalOpen WorldHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 64%· 9.5KRAWG👍 12%· 74MC75

Year 2011Dev FireFly StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, deep simulation and real-time strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings sandbox freedom, sandbox world and setting medieval, while skipping punishing difficulty

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

Co-opMultiplayerOnlineSoloTacticalOpen WorldIsometric2D

Steam👍 88%· 43KIGDB76· 3OC75· 22

Year 2018Dev IronOak Games · Curve DigitalOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and open world exploration

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, roguelike runs and card game strategy, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#11Armello

iRank79

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

PvPSoloMultiplayerCo-opTacticalNarrative2DIsometric

Steam👍 82%· 16KIGDB73· 6OC79· 59

Year 2015Dev League of GeeksOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and deep simulation

≠ Where it differs: brings card game strategy, adventure storytelling and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping real-time strategy

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloPvPMultiplayerTacticalHardcoreNarrativeHistorical

Steam👍 65%· 1.4KRAWG👍 26%· 28MC59

Year 2014Dev HeroCraftPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and punishing difficulty

≠ Stands apart with card game strategy, roguelike runs and setting scifi, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#13Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalNarrativeHardcoreIsometric

IGDB90· 2OC86· 65

Year 2015Dev Nintendo SPD · Nintendo

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and strong narrative focus

≠ Its own twist: roguelike runs, fantasy world and base building, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Nintendo

#14Tactical Breach Wizards

iRank92

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 98%· 12KIGDB84· 3OC87· 21

Dev Suspicious DevelopmentsPlaytime ~6hOn PC

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, adventure storytelling and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam

#15Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

iRank84

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloCo-opTacticalIsometricFantasy

IGDB83· 19OC85· 124

Year 2017Dev Ubisoft Milan · Ubisoft EntertainmentOn Switch

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, adventure storytelling and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Nintendo

Complete list of DEFCON alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with DEFCON, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Shadows Over Loathing

RPG · Adventure

West of Loathing

RPG · Adventure

Fire Emblem Heroes

RPG · Simulation

Keep Driving

RPG · Adventure

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

The Banner Saga

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

RPG · Adventure

RimWorld

RPG · Simulation

Eador. Masters of the Broken World

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Defender's Quest: Valley of the Forgotten (DX edition)

RPG · Tower Defense

The Banner Saga 3

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Caves of Qud

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Super Mario RPG

RPG · Adventure

Kingdom Rush - Tower Defense

RPG · Tower Defense

Kingdom Rush Vengeance - Tower Defense

RPG · Tower Defense

Fire Emblem Engage

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Etherlords II

RPG · Deck Builder

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Might & Magic: Heroes VI

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Chroma Squad

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Bravely Default

RPG · Adventure

Paper Mario: The Origami King

RPG · Puzzle

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Jagged Alliance: Crossfire

RPG · Simulation

Shadowhand: RPG Card Game

RPG · Deck Builder

Etherlords

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Gears Tactics

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

The Age of Decadence

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Torment: Tides of Numenera

RPG · Adventure

Wizardry 6: Bane of the Cosmic Forge

RPG · Adventure

Fate/Grand Order

RPG · Visual Novel

Explore games similar to DEFCON by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best Turn-Based CRPGs Best CRPG Games Best RPG Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to DEFCON?: The closest game to DEFCON is Horizon's Gate, scoring 95/100 on our similarity scale. They share 6 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like DEFCON?: The three closest games to DEFCON are: 1. Horizon's Gate (95/100, 6 shared attributes) 2. Northgard (95/100, 14 shared attributes) 3. Wargroove (93/100, 10 shared attributes). All share DEFCON's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 48 candidates across 18 dimensions.
Is Northgard similar to DEFCON?: Yes, very much so — Northgard scores 95/100 similarity to DEFCON. They share 14 attributes, including deep RPG systems and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RPG games are similar to DEFCON?: The best RPG games similar to DEFCON are Horizon's Gate, Northgard, Wargroove and Divinity: Original Sin II. All share the RPG genre alongside other key DEFCON attributes like deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical.
How is similarity to DEFCON calculated?: We compare DEFCON against every game in our catalog using 18 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the DEFCON experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.