The Best Games Like Worms to Play Right Now

Ever since Team17 released Worms in 1995, the turn-based artillery genre has captivated players with destructible environments, quirky humor, and physics-driven trajectory combat. This article highlights the best games that capture the magic of the 1995 classic, exploring top franchise entries, standout indie homages, and accessible modern alternatives that deliver chaotic tactical multiplayer fun.

What Made Worms (1995) Special

The original Worms combined simple mechanics with high-stakes strategy. Players controlled a squad of annelids taking turns navigating 2D landscapes, contending with wind speed, gravity, and weapon timers. The true brilliance came from fully destructible terrain, meaning a missed shot could drown an ally, drop an enemy into the ocean, or open a path to safety. That core gameplay loop remains timeless.

The Best Alternatives and Successors

1. Worms Armageddon and Worms W.M.D

For players seeking the authentic series experience, Worms Armageddon (1999) perfected the physics engine and remains a competitive staple. For modern hardware, Worms W.M.D (2016) returns to the classic 2D hand-drawn roots while adding crafting systems, enterable buildings, and drivable vehicles without sacrificing the core trajectory-based gameplay.

2. Hedgewars

Hedgewars is a completely free, open-source turn-based strategy game that swaps worms for combat-ready hedgehogs. It mirrors the exact mechanics of late-90s artillery titles, offering cross-platform support, dozens of outrageous weapons, fully customizable teams, and randomly generated destructible environments.

3. ShellShock Live

Instead of foot soldiers, ShellShock Live puts players in control of tanks. While movement is more constrained than in Worms, the game leans heavily into ballistic calculation, weapon variety, and leveling systems. With hundreds of upgradeable weapons and massive multi-tank lobbies, it offers a fast-paced evolution of the artillery genre.

4. Maggots (Browser-Based)

If you want instant access to the classic 1995 formula directly in your web browser, check out Maggots. This project strips away bloated modern mechanics in favor of the lightweight, fast-loading tactical combat that defined early artillery games. Featuring retro visuals, straightforward trajectory aiming, and destructible terrain, it provides a quick, authentic fix without requiring installations or high-end hardware.

5. Gunbound

Gunbound introduced role-playing elements and unique vehicle classes to the artillery formula. Players pilot different machines called "Mobiles," each with distinct shot types, shielding, and mobility. While it features an overhead turn meter based on weapon choice rather than strict round-robin turns, it relies on the same mastery of wind, angle, and destructive power.

Turn-based artillery games succeed because they balance accessible rules with a deceptively high skill ceiling. The combination of environmental destruction, unpredictability, and precision aiming creates natural dramatic moments and hilarious mistakes, ensuring the spirit of Worms (1995) continues to thrive across platforms.