What is the best game similar to Emberward?

The closest game to Emberward is Bad North, scoring 64/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including real-time strategy, tower defense planning and roguelike runs. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Emberward?

The three closest games to Emberward are: 1. Bad North (64/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. Rise to Ruins (64/100, 8 shared attributes) 3. Kingdom Rush Frontiers - Tower Defense (56/100, 6 shared attributes). All share Emberward's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 15 dimensions.

Is Rise to Ruins similar to Emberward?

Yes — Rise to Ruins scores 64/100 similarity to Emberward. They share 8 attributes, including tower defense planning and roguelike runs. There are some notable differences in pacing or mechanics.

What Tower Defense games are similar to Emberward?

The best Tower Defense games similar to Emberward are Bad North, Rise to Ruins, Kingdom Rush Frontiers - Tower Defense and Kingdom: New Lands. All share the Tower Defense genre alongside other key Emberward attributes like real-time strategy, tower defense planning and roguelike runs.

How is similarity to Emberward calculated?

We compare Emberward against every game in our catalog using 15 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 Emberward experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like Emberward that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Looking for games like Emberward? We analyzed its gameplay DNA — tower defense planning, procedural generation and combat tactical — against over 6,700 titles. These 50 alternatives are ranked by real similarity, not marketing tags. Bad North leads with 64/100, followed by the rest of the list.

iRank97/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

Top games similar to Emberward

50 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Emberward. Each one has been evaluated across 15 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.

#1Bad NorthClosest overall match

iRank81

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalProceduralIsometricMelee

Steam👍 93%· 14KIGDB67· 2OC71· 29

Year 2018Dev Plausible Concept · Raw FuryOn PS4 · PC · Mac

✓ Same family of tower defense games: real-time strategy, tower defense planning and roguelike runs

≠ Its own twist: turn-based strategy, deep simulation and puzzle design, while skipping card game strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

Genre100Game mode100World100Combat62Visuals54Setting0

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Steam GOG Epic

#2Rise to RuinsClosest on setting

iRank80

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagementEarly Access

Steam👍 88%· 7.7KRAWG👍 68%· 40

Year 2019Dev Raymond Doerr · SixtyGig GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are tower defense games — sharing tower defense planning, roguelike runs and procedural generation

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom, while skipping card game strategy

Follow Development About the Game Rise to Ruins is at heart a godlike village simulator, but it also throws in plenty of familiar game play mechanics from classic 90s era real-time strategy games like Warcraft, along with some tower defense and survival elements in an attempt to create a new kind…

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

Genre100Game mode100Setting100Progression100World63Visuals0

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Steam GOG

#3Kingdom Rush Frontiers - Tower Defense

iRank90

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloMagicFantasyIsometricMelee

Steam👍 97%· 10KRAWG👍 88%· 92IGDB80· 1

Year 2013Dev Ironhide Game StudioPlaytime ~5hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, real-time strategy and combat magic

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, punishing difficulty and strong narrative focus, while skipping roguelike runs

The world's most devilishly addictive defense game is back - welcome to Kingdom Rush: Frontiers! Bigger and badder than ever before, Kingdom Rush: Frontiers is a whole new level of the furiously fast, enchantingly charming gameplay that made the original title an award-winning hit.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: visuals and setting.

It predates Emberward by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Combat58Setting48Visuals40

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloProceduralFantasyBase BuildingNarrative

Steam👍 86%· 12KIGDB75· 2OC73· 12

Year 2016Dev Licorice · Raw FuryOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Same family of tower defense games: tower defense planning, roguelike runs and procedural generation

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, survival mechanics and adventure storytelling, while skipping card game strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: visuals and setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100World81Progression67Setting48Visuals0

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagement

Steam👍 91%· 23KIGDB70· 2

Year 2015Dev Licorice · Raw FuryOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Same family of tower defense games: roguelike runs, tower defense planning and procedural generation

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics, while skipping card game strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: combat and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100World100Progression100Setting40Combat0

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalFantasyBase BuildingIsometric3D

Steam👍 96%· 23KRAWG👍 85%· 37OC86· 9

Year 2023Dev GrizzlyGamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Nintendo

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, combat tactical and fantasy world

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, fighting mechanics and survival mechanics, while skipping roguelike runs

Get involved! About the GameA strategy game without all the headache? We got you covered. Saddle the horses! See your kingdom come to life, fight gripping battles to defend it and still be done in time for lunch.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: setting.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals85Progression83Combat60Setting43

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalIsometricTop-DownMelee

Steam👍 94%· 3.0KRAWG👍 59%· 44MC75OC77· 10

Year 2013Dev Rocket Bear GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with real-time strategy, tower defense planning and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with melee combat, setting scifi and visual 2d, while skipping roguelike runs

Command a team of 5 elite soldiers against an alien horde of 100,000. Surrounded on all sides, you must outmaneuver and outsmart the enemy. The enemy is closing in around you. Your soldiers are being flanked and the perimeter is slowly collapsing under a vicious alien assault.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals77Combat62Setting0

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Steam GOG

#8Defense Grid: The Awakening

iRank82

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalIsometricSci-Fi

Steam👍 96%· 5.3KRAWG👍 59%· 106MC81IGDB86· 2

Year 2008Dev Hidden Path EntertainmentPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, real-time strategy and combat tactical

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

###Microsoft’s tower defence The game is one in the genre of tower defense, developed by Hidden Path Entertainment for PC and Xbox 360. Later it was ported to the Mac, and for other consoles in 2013.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: setting.

It predates Emberward by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Combat75Visuals54Setting0

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalDarkCasualCozy

Steam👍 98%· 152KRAWG👍 93%· 733MC87IGDB80· 1

Year 2010Dev PopCap Games · Electronic ArtsPlaytime ~5hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, real-time strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, deep simulation and survival mechanics, while skipping roguelike runs

This is a casual tower defense game from the PopCap Games studio. The main characters are homeowners who, with the help of plants, protect their garden from the invasion of zombies. The game was ported to all kinds of consoles, including mobile platforms. In Plants vs.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: setting and visuals.

It predates Emberward by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Combat76Setting0Visuals0

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Steam Xbox

#10Prime World: Defenders

iRank65

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalFantasyCasual

Steam👍 76%· 1.1KRAWG👍 54%· 50MC58

Year 2013Dev Nival Interactive · NivalPlaytime ~5hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Same family of tower defense games: tower defense planning, card game strategy and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and vibe casual, while skipping roguelike runs

Just UpdatedNival officially announces that long awaited sequel of Prime World: Defenders is now available on iOS and Android! Prime World: Defenders 2 - new TD strategy game in the legendary Prime World series with unique combination of the tower defense and collectible card game!

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting100Combat62

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagement

Steam👍 88%· 17KRAWG👍 75%· 157

Year 2014Dev Dekovir EntertainmentPlaytime ~9hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, roguelike runs and procedural generation

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and deep RPG systems, while skipping card game strategy

Craft The World is a unique sandbox strategy game, the mix of Dungeon Keeper, Terraria and Dwarf Fortress. Explore a random generated world populated by dangerous creatures, build a dwarf fortress, gather resources, and craft all the items, weapons, and armor you need.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: visuals and game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Setting60Progression55World49Game mode35Visuals0

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Steam GOG

#12Harvest: Massive Encounter

iRank79

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloBase BuildingSci-Fi

Steam👍 79%· 162

Year 2008Dev Oxeye Game StudioPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Same family of tower defense games: tower defense planning, real-time strategy and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: setting scifi, while skipping roguelike runs

Harvest: Massive Encounter is an award-winning real-time strategy game with battles of epic proportions and a unique style of resource management and exploration.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Progression78Setting0

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Steam

#13RobowarsClosest on visuals

iRank46

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalIsometricTop-Down3D

Steam👍 46%· 290

Year 2014Dev N-Game Studios · KissPlaytime ~3hOn PC

✓ Same family of tower defense games: tower defense planning, real-time strategy and card game strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings melee combat, setting scifi and setting cyberpunk, while skipping roguelike runs

In the near future, mankind has opened the way to the stars – made possible through the use of droids, able to operate in the hostile environment of the deep space. However, both spaceships and droids are dependent on ‘Neonium’ for their power.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: setting and game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100Combat59Game mode47Setting0

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Steam

#14Dwarfs!?

iRank54

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagementTop-DownIsometric

Steam👍 78%· 1.1KRAWG👍 18%· 56

Year 2011Dev Power of 2 · Tripwire InteractivePlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, procedural generation and fantasy world

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation, precision platforming and sandbox freedom, while skipping roguelike runs

Dwarfs!? is a two-dimensional RTS developed by Power Of Two. ###Gameplay The players control a mining colony of dwarves, who dig for treasures. The players have to mine the resources and to protect the colony from environmental hazards, such as water and lava and different enemies.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 13 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting100Progression100Visuals57World56

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Steam

#15Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

iRank86

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalBase BuildingIsometricMultiplayer

Steam👍 90%· 9.2KRAWG👍 83%· 225MC85IGDB85· 4

Year 2007Dev Electronic Arts Los Angeles · Electronic ArtsPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Xbox

✓ Same family of tower defense games: real-time strategy, tower defense planning and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, strong narrative focus and melee combat, while skipping roguelike runs

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars is a real-time strategy game developed by EA Los Angeles. It is the third game in the Tiberium sub-series and continues the plot of Tiberian Sun. ###Plot The year is 2047, 17 years after the events of the Firestorm Expansion pack.

Where it drifts furthest from Emberward: setting and combat.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Emberward.

It predates Emberward by 17 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Progression82Game mode54Visuals54Combat46Setting0

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Steam Xbox

Complete list of Emberward alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Emberward, 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.

Go Home Dinosaurs!

Tower Defense · Puzzle

Farm for your Life

Simulation · Puzzle

Anomaly: Warzone Earth

RTS · Tower Defense

iBomber Defense

Tower Defense · RTS

iBomber Defense Pacific

Tower Defense · RTS

Sol Survivor

Tower Defense · Survival

Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time

RTS · Adventure

Atom Zombie Smasher

Tower Defense · Sandbox

Stronghold

Simulation · RTS

Creeper World: Anniversary Edition

Simulation · Tower Defense

Stronghold Crusader

Simulation · Sandbox

Stronghold HD (2012)

Simulation · RTS

Revenge of the Titans

Tower Defense · RTS

Fieldrunners

Tower Defense

Defenders of Ardania

Tower Defense · RTS

GemCraft - Chasing Shadows

Tower Defense

Clash of Clans

RTS · Tower Defense

Zombie Pirates

Tower Defense

Kingdom Two Crowns

Tower Defense · Adventure

Cubemen

Tower Defense · RTS

StarCraft

RTS · Tower Defense

Unholy Heights

Simulation · RTS

Bloons TD 6

Tower Defense · Sandbox

Oil Rush

RTS · Tower Defense

Swords and Soldiers HD

RTS · Tower Defense

Stacklands

Simulation · Deck Builder

Unstoppable Gorg

Tower Defense

Gratuitous Tank Battles

Simulation · Tower Defense

Bloons TD 5

Tower Defense · Simulation

Castle Story

Simulation · Sandbox

Balatro

Deck Builder · Roguelike

Rock of Ages

Racing · Tower Defense

Gratuitous Space Battles

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Dorfromantik

Puzzle · Simulation

AI War: Fleet Command

RTS · Simulation

Explore games similar to Emberward by category

Rankings in the same genre

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Emberward?: The closest game to Emberward is Bad North, scoring 64/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including real-time strategy, tower defense planning and roguelike runs. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Emberward?: The three closest games to Emberward are: 1. Bad North (64/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. Rise to Ruins (64/100, 8 shared attributes) 3. Kingdom Rush Frontiers - Tower Defense (56/100, 6 shared attributes). All share Emberward's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 15 dimensions.
Is Rise to Ruins similar to Emberward?: Yes — Rise to Ruins scores 64/100 similarity to Emberward. They share 8 attributes, including tower defense planning and roguelike runs. There are some notable differences in pacing or mechanics.
What Tower Defense games are similar to Emberward?: The best Tower Defense games similar to Emberward are Bad North, Rise to Ruins, Kingdom Rush Frontiers - Tower Defense and Kingdom: New Lands. All share the Tower Defense genre alongside other key Emberward attributes like real-time strategy, tower defense planning and roguelike runs.
How is similarity to Emberward calculated?: We compare Emberward against every game in our catalog using 15 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 Emberward experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.