Top 8 Base Defense Games

Base defense games are a fusion of popular real-time strategy (RTS) games and city-builders, incorporating their base building and resource management mechanics. These games also integrate elements from tower defense and survival genres, featuring continual waves of enemies to defend against. This combination has created a vast genre known as "base defense".

For this list, base defense games are defined as those that combine base building (typically seen in RTS games and city-builders) with the challenge of repelling constant waves of enemies. In these games, players are often tasked with resource management, constructing defenses, and maintaining the economy.

8. They Are Billions

They Are Billions

Platform(s) PC, PS4, Xbox OneReleased June 18, 2019Developer Numantian GamesSteam User Rating 85% (October 27, 2023)

They Are Billions, a renowned base defense game, immerses players in a steampunk-themed strategy world where they face the daunting task of establishing and protecting their base from enormous hordes of undead. In addition to the conventional defenses commonly seen in similar games, They Are Billions introduces a selection of units that players can train and command in real-time, enhancing their ability to safeguard their base effectively.

While boasting an extensive campaign encompassing more than forty missions, the true magnificence of They Are Billions lies in its dynamically generated survival mode. This mode provides players with an intense and challenging experience, occasionally prone to repetition, yet still mesmerizing due to the sheer magnitude of the zombie onslaught. Witnessing their relentless advance and subsequent obliteration by a meticulously crafted defense system is truly a sight to behold.

7. KeeperRL

KeeperRL

Platform(s) PCReleased March 31, 2015Developer Michal BrzozowskiSteam User Rating 86% (October 27, 2023)

KeeperRL combines the challenging gameplay of classic rogue-likes with the building and defense mechanics of games such as Dungeon Keeper. In this game, players assume control of units, collect and manage resources, and construct a base to fend off rival factions, all while keeping their "Keeper" alive. If the Keeper perishes, the player suffers a permanent defeat.

The combat system in KeeperRL follows the turn-based style of traditional rogue-likes, while the base building and colony simulation aspects unfold in real-time. With careful army development and strategy, players can invade and decimate other factions. However, these factions may retaliate and launch raids against the player if not entirely eliminated.

6. Kingdoms And Castles

Kingdoms and Castles

Platform(s) PC, LinuxReleased July 20, 2017Developer Lion Shield, LLCSteam User Rating 93% (October 27, 2023)

In this city-building simulation game, players will construct a medieval fantasy town, gradually transforming it into a thriving city filled with content citizens. However, they must also confront the relentless Viking raids and destructive dragon attacks that threaten their realm. The Vikings and dragons present distinct dangers, including pillaging, citizen abductions, and the utter destruction of entire kingdom sections.

In Kingdoms And Castles, the players' responsibilities extend beyond constructing defenses and armies. They must prioritize the happiness of their people and ensure the economic stability of their kingdom. Each defense requires a villager to operate it, necessitating payment for their services. The game presents a strategic puzzle, wherein players must expand their kingdom, manage resources, maintain happiness among citizens, and ensure defenses are properly manned. This delicate balancing act serves to captivate players for a prolonged period.

5. Mindustry

Mindustry

Platform(s) PC, MobileReleased September 26, 2019Developer AnukenDevSteam User Rating 95% (October 27, 2023)

In Mindustry, players engage in an immersive experience that integrates factory/base building, army building, tower-defense, and real-time strategy mechanics. By constructing factories, gathering resources, producing ammunition, and strategically deploying defenses, players fortify their bases against progressively more formidable enemy waves.

Mindustry requires players to skillfully construct an array of conveyor belts and production lines in order to ensure efficient defense creation and army replenishment. This unique blend of factory building, automation, and tower defense/RTS elements offers a challenging gameplay that emphasizes meticulous planning and adept micromanagement.

4. Diplomacy Is Not An Option

Diplomacy Is Not An Option

Platform(s) PCReleased February 9, 2022Developer Door 407Steam User Rating 85% (October 27, 2023)

In Diplomacy Is Not An Option, players are tasked with constructing a grand castle and safeguarding it against relentless enemy onslaughts. These sieges consist of numerous foes who dynamically respond to attacks, as catapult stones and arrows propel them through the air using realistic physics.

Alongside fending off enemies, players in Diplomacy Is Not An Option must skillfully manage their food and resources, give proper burials to fallen comrades, train units, and strategically devise a well-coordinated defense strategy prior to the massive enemy invasions. This game also incorporates the use of magical spells, real-time strategy elements, and an endless mode for limitless gameplay.

3. RimWorld

RimWorld

Platform(s) PC, PS4, Xbox OneReleased October 17, 2018Developer(s) Ludeon StudiosSteam User Rating 98% (October 27, 2023)

RimWorld, a widely-loved colony simulation game, centers around the construction and protection of a base against regular attacks from enemies and nearby factions. While building and managing the colony itself is vital, the game's most significant challenges lie in the form of these raids.

Researching unlocks a limited selection of defensive options in RimWorld. However, the effectiveness of a player's defense largely depends on their meticulous planning and construction of the base, as well as the careful allocation of equipment and micromanagement of their colonists.

2. The Riftbreaker

The Riftbreaker

Platform(s) PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SReleased October 14, 2021Developer EXOR StudiosSteam User Rating 91% (October 27, 2023)

The Riftbreaker is an indie game that combines action-RPG elements with base-building survival gameplay. Players are challenged to construct a base on a distant and exotic alien planet, utilizing defensive measures and taking control of a formidable mech character to fend off hostile creatures. Featuring stunning visuals, this game seamlessly integrates fast-paced combat with strategic base building. It offers a complete campaign experience and a survival mode with randomly generated maps.

1. Thronefall

Thronefall

Platform(s) PC, macOSReleased August 2, 2023Developer GrizzlyGamesSteam User Rating 97% (October 31, 2023)

This base defense game has a minimalist design with vibrant colors and simple gameplay that is both easy to learn and strategic. Thronefall combines tower defense and real-time strategy mechanics to create a unique experience where players must defend their base from waves of enemies using their own character and units they have constructed.

In Thronefall, players have limited control over their units, but the controls are intuitive, making it easy to manage them effectively. Economic management is crucial in this game, as the success of a player's defense largely depends on their ability to handle their kingdom's resources. While Thronefall is accessible to all, it also offers various difficulty options for more experienced players seeking a greater challenge.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the resurgence of base defense games in recent years. They combine the best elements of real-time strategy, city-building, and tower defense genres, resulting in an exhilarating and engaging experience. They Are Billions stands out as a shining example, immersing players in a post-apocalyptic world where they must defend their base from hordes of undead. The game's dynamically generated survival mode provides endless replayability, and the satisfaction of watching your meticulously crafted defense system obliterate waves of zombies is unmatched.

Another personal favorite is Kingdoms And Castles, which takes the base defense formula and sets it in a charming medieval fantasy world. Players must build and develop their kingdom while fending off Viking raids and dragon attacks. The game's whimsical art style and engaging gameplay make it a joy to play, and the challenge of balancing resource management, citizen happiness, and defense construction keeps me hooked for hours. Overall, I believe base defense games are a fantastic blend of strategy, action, and resource management, and I highly recommend them to any gamer looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.