23 Games with a fantasy setting like Gnomes 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.

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We filtered the 50 games similar to Gnomes down to the 23 that fit the “Fantasy” category. Rise to Ruins, Dwarfs!? and Craft The World top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Gnomes.

iRank95/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

The best games with a fantasy setting like Gnomes

23 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Gnomes. Each one has been evaluated across 20 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.

#1Rise to RuinsClosest overall match

iRank80

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloSandbox WorldProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagementPixel Art

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, deep simulation and survival mechanics

≠ Its own twist: visual 2d and early access, while skipping turn-based 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…

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

Genre100Game mode100Setting100World100Progression100Visuals66

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloCasualNarrativeSandbox WorldProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagementPixel ArtIsometric

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, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with precision platforming, open world exploration and visual topdown, while skipping turn-based strategy

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 Gnomes.

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

Genre100Game mode100Setting100Progression100World84Visuals62

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloCasualHardcoreSandbox WorldProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagement

Steam👍 88%· 17KRAWG👍 75%· 157

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

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and open world exploration, while skipping turn-based 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 Gnomes: visuals and game mode.

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

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

Genre100World86Setting65Progression60Tone54Game mode35

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloNarrativeHardcoreProceduralFantasyBase BuildingPixel Art

Steam👍 86%· 12KIGDB75· 2OC73· 12

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

✓ Same family of tower defense games: tower defense planning, deep simulation and survival mechanics

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, open world exploration and setting medieval, while skipping turn-based strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Gnomes: tone.

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

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

Genre100Game mode100World67Visuals62Progression59Setting52

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloCasualNarrativeProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagementPixel Art

Steam👍 91%· 23KIGDB70· 2

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

✓ Same family of tower defense games: deep simulation, survival mechanics and roguelike runs

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, deep RPG systems and ranged combat, while skipping turn-based strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Gnomes: combat and setting.

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

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

Genre100Game mode100Progression100World74Visuals57Tone48

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalFantasyBase BuildingIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 23KRAWG👍 85%· 37OC86· 9

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

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, deep simulation and survival mechanics

≠ Stands apart with fighting mechanics, melee combat and setting medieval, while skipping turn-based strategy

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 Gnomes: visuals and setting.

Genre100Game mode100Combat78Progression69Setting48Visuals47

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Steam

#7Stronghold HD (2012)Closest on combat

iRank88

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalNarrativeSandbox WorldFantasyBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 10KRAWG👍 82%· 310MC81

Year 2012Dev FireFly StudiosPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Same family of tower defense games: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and tower defense planning

≠ Stands apart with real-time strategy, open world exploration and setting medieval, while skipping turn-based strategy

Stronghold is a real-time strategy game, the first installment in Firefly Studio’s Stronghold series. Gameplay### The game takes place in Medieval Brittan of XI century.

Where it drifts furthest from Gnomes: tone and setting.

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

Genre100Combat100Progression93Game mode55World51Visuals50

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Steam GOG

#8Stronghold Crusader

iRank92

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalSandbox WorldFantasyBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 98%· 21KIGDB80· 1

Year 2002Dev Firefly Studios · Take-Two InteractiveOn PC

✓ Both are tower defense games — sharing deep simulation, sandbox freedom and tower defense planning

≠ Its own twist: real-time strategy, melee combat and ranged combat, while skipping turn-based strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Gnomes: setting.

It predates Gnomes by 23 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Progression100Combat72World58Game mode55Visuals51

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalNarrativeSandbox WorldFantasyBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 10K

Year 2001Dev Firefly Studios · Take-Two InteractiveOn PC · Mac

✓ Both are tower defense games — sharing deep simulation, sandbox freedom and tower defense planning

≠ Its own twist: real-time strategy, open world exploration and melee combat, while skipping turn-based strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Gnomes: tone and setting.

It predates Gnomes by 24 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Progression93Combat66Game mode55World51Visuals50

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Steam

#10Kingdom Two Crowns

iRank86

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloNarrativeFantasyBase BuildingPixel Art

Steam👍 90%· 38KOC78· 25

Year 2018Dev Noio · Raw FuryOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, deep simulation and survival mechanics

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, deep RPG systems and setting medieval, while skipping turn-based strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Gnomes: game mode and tone.

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

Genre100Progression69Visuals58Setting52Tone24Game mode20

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Steam GOG Xbox

#11Go Home Dinosaurs!

iRank84

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloCasualCozyFantasyIsometric

Steam👍 87%· 623MC79

Year 2013Dev Fire Hose GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · iOS

✓ Fits the tower defense games cluster, with tower defense planning, vibe casual and cozy, relaxing feel

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design and historical setting, while skipping turn-based strategy

Todd Rex wants steak. Todd Rex wants YOUR steak. Are you gonna let him take it? No way! Go Home, Dinosaurs! Prevent hordes of marauding Dinos from crashing your party in the world’s premier BBQ defense simulator! Unlock powerful towers that act like little weaponized puzzle pieces.

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

It predates Gnomes by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone63Setting58Visuals57

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloCasualDarkFantasyIsometric

Steam👍 58%· 60

Year 2010Dev Dust Devil Studios · Strategy FirstPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Both are tower defense games — sharing tower defense planning, vibe casual and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Stands apart with horror setting, while skipping turn-based strategy

Help Smilin Jack O'Hurlihan, Esmeralda, and Dr. Theopolis defeat Gruesome George, an army of undead, giant monsters, and the mysterious Red Widow! Featuring nail-biting boss battles, swashbuckling adventure, and a horde of undead buccaneers, Zombie Pirates will send a shiver right down to yer timbers!

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

It predates Gnomes by 15 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Setting65Visuals57Tone55

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Steam

#13Kingdom Rush Frontiers - Tower Defense

iRank90

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloHardcoreNarrativeCasualFantasyIsometricPixel Art

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, punishing difficulty and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with real-time strategy, adventure storytelling and combat magic, while skipping turn-based strategy

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 Gnomes: combat.

It predates Gnomes by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals84Tone70Setting53Combat0

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Steam GOG Nintendo

#14Prime World: Defenders

iRank65

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalCasualFantasy

Steam👍 76%· 1.1KRAWG👍 54%· 50MC58

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

✓ Same family of tower defense games: tower defense planning, vibe casual and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and card game strategy, while skipping turn-based strategy

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!

Where it drifts furthest from Gnomes: tone.

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

It predates Gnomes by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Setting100Tone39

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Steam Nintendo

#15GnomoriaClosest on visuals

iRank65

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagementIsometricPixel Art

Steam👍 75%· 3.5KRAWG👍 50%· 39

Year 2016Dev Robotronic GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Shared with Gnomes: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, crafting mechanics and visual 2d, while skipping tower defense planning

Gnomoria is a sandbox village management game where you help lead a small group of gnomes, who have set out on their own, to thrive into a bustling kingdom! Anything you see can be broken down and rebuilt elsewhere.

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

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

Game mode100Setting100World100Visuals96Progression81Genre50

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Steam GOG

Complete list of games with a fantasy setting like Gnomes

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