Best Games Like Worms (1995)

This article explores the best turn-based artillery games that capture the magic of the 1995 classic Worms. Since its debut, Worms has defined the tactical artillery genre through fully destructible terrain, wacky physics, precision trajectory shooting, and chaotic multiplayer action. Below, you will find an overview of the genre's core mechanics followed by the top games—ranging from browser-based alternatives to modern tactical shooters—that carry on the tradition of this legendary title.

The Formula Behind Worms

The appeal of Worms (1995) rests on a simple yet addictive formula:

  • Fully Destructible Terrains: Missiles and explosions alter the physical landscape, removing cover and dropping enemies into water or hazards.
  • Trajectory and Environmental Physics: Aiming requires calculating angles, shot power, and wind speed.
  • Turn-Based Strategy: Players take turns moving individual units across a timer, emphasizing careful positioning and risk management.
  • Humorous, Creative Arsenals: Standard bazookas and grenades share space with bizarre, high-impact specialty weapons.

Top Games Like Worms

1. Maggots

For players looking for instant action without downloads or heavy setups, Maggots provides an accessible, browser-based homage to classic artillery warfare. It strips the gameplay down to its purest elements—positioning, angle calculation, and landscape-altering explosions—making it a perfect pick-up-and-play title for fans of retro 2D artillery battles.

2. Hedgewars

Hedgewars is a completely free, open-source turn-based strategy game featuring combat-ready hedgehogs. It closely mimics the exact physics, weapon variety, and visual tone of the classic Worms series. With support for local and online multiplayer, highly customizable match rules, and hundreds of custom maps, it is one of the truest spiritual successors available today.

3. ShellShock Live

ShellShock Live shifts the focus from quirky invertebrates to armored tanks while keeping the tactical trajectory shooting intact. Players level up their tanks to unlock hundreds of distinct, upgradeable weapons. Matches can host up to eight players simultaneously, delivering intense, fast-paced ballistic warfare with deep progression systems.

4. Gunbound

Originally released in the early 2000s, Gunbound remains a fan favorite for tactical shooting enthusiasts. Players command "Mobiles"—specialized mechanized vehicles—each with unique firing properties, shield types, and shot trajectories. It adds layers of strategy with an evolving wind meter, moon phases that boost specific attack types, and character avatar customization.

5. Scorched Earth and Scorched 3D

Before Worms arrived in 1995, Scorched Earth popularized the turn-based artillery genre on MS-DOS. Known as "The Mother of All Games," it tasked players with destroying rival tanks using an array of shields, guidance systems, and dirt-bombing projectiles. Its modernized, open-source remake, Scorched 3D, brings those classic mechanics into a three-dimensional environment with updated physics and network play.

Which Game Should You Choose?

  • If you want a quick, retro match in your web browser, check out Maggots.
  • If you want the closest direct alternative with active community support, download Hedgewars.
  • If you prefer progression, tank combat, and modern multiplayer lobbies, pick up ShellShock Live.