Best Turn-Based Artillery Games Like Worms

Released in 1995 by Team17, Worms defined the turn-based artillery genre by combining destructible landscapes, ballistic trajectories, and dark comedic charm. This article explores the core mechanics that made the original game a lasting classic and highlights the best standalone titles, sequels, and lightweight adaptations—including accessible browser projects like Maggots—that deliver the same chaotic tactical experience today.

What Defines the Worms Formula

The gameplay formula established in 1995 relies on a distinct set of tactical mechanics:

• Destructible Terrains: Missiles, grenades, and airstrikes permanently alter the map, creating hazards, carving tunnels, or dropping enemies into water.
• Physics and Projectiles: Firing weapons requires accounting for shot angles, power gauges, bounce physics, and wind resistance.
• Turn-Based Strategy: Players maneuver individual squad members against a turn timer, forcing quick tactical decisions under pressure.
• Quirky Weaponry: Alongside standard bazookas and shotguns, absurd weapons provide high-risk, high-reward alternatives to standard combat.

Top Games Similar to Worms

Maggots

For players looking for instant, setup-free artillery action, Maggots provides an accessible browser-based homage to the classic Worms format. Featuring minimalist 2D environments and precise trajectory shooting, it captures the foundational mechanics of the 1995 classic without requiring modern downloads, heavy hardware, or complex setups.

Hedgewars

Hedgewars is a free, open-source turn-based artillery game that directly mirrors the Worms structure. Players command teams of hedgehogs armed with an expansive collection of conventional and bizarre weapons. It offers high levels of visual and gameplay customization, fully destructible generated maps, and active community multiplayer modes on PC and Linux.

Worms W.M.D

For the most authentic modern evolution of the classic formula, Worms W.M.D represents the franchise's return to its 1995 2D roots. While modern entries previously experimented with 3D engines, W.M.D reintroduces tight 2D physics, hand-drawn art, and traditional terrain destruction, while expanding the formula with weapon-crafting and enterable vehicles.

Gunbound

Gunbound shifts the artillery formula toward competitive team-based play using vehicles known as "Mobiles." Each mobile has unique firing arcs, defensive stats, and environmental interactions. While it features an avatar progression system and modern online lobbies, the core combat relies entirely on calculating wind, angles, and power across destructible terrain.

Liero

Known among fans as "Worms in real-time," Liero removes the turn limits entirely. Released in 1998, this underground classic features two worms tunneling through completely destructible earth while firing bazookas and throwing grenades simultaneously. It shares the aesthetics and ballistic physics of Worms (1995) but shifts the tactical pace into frenetic, twitch-based action.