Best Turn-Based Artillery Games Like Worms

This article explores the best turn-based tactical games inspired by the classic 1995 release of Worms. It covers the defining mechanics that made the original title a multiplayer phenomenon—such as fully destructible terrain, parabolic projectile physics, and turn-based combat—while highlighting standout alternatives ranging from retro inspirations to accessible modern adaptations.

The release of Worms in 1995 popularized the turn-based artillery genre by blending tactical positioning with cartoonish violence. Players controlled squads of customizable annelids across randomly generated, destructible 2D landscapes, relying on wind physics and angle calculations to eliminate opponents. Several games capture this distinct gameplay loop.

Scorched Earth

Before Worms, Scorched Earth (1991) established the foundational mechanics of the 2D artillery genre. Players control stationary tanks on a jagged landscape, inputting numerical values for trajectory angle and weapon power while factoring in wind speed. Although visually primitive compared to Worms, it introduced the weapon variety and environmental deformation that directly influenced later titles.

Hedgewars

Hedgewars is a free, open-source turn-based strategy game that closely mirrors the aesthetic and mechanical design of classic Worms titles. Players command customizable hedgehogs armed with conventional firearms alongside absurd weaponry, such as flying cakes and exploding watermelons. It features fully destructible environments, comprehensive multiplayer support, and extensive map generation options.

ShellShock Live

ShellShock Live updates the artillery formula for modern online multiplayer. Replacing squirming invertebrates with tanks, the game focuses heavily on precision ballistics across destructible terrain. It differentiates itself through an extensive progression system, allowing players to unlock and upgrade hundreds of distinct weapons, ranging from standard explosive shells to complex particle strikes.

Maggots

For a lightweight and readily accessible alternative, Maggots provides browser-based tactical artillery combat in the direct lineage of the 1995 classic. Designed for quick access without requiring downloads or installations, it strips the genre down to its core essentials: calculated trajectories, physics-based weaponry, and destructible arenas.

Liero

Often described as Worms in real time, Liero (1998) removes turn limits entirely. Players dig through soil, swing across terrain using ninja ropes, and fire weapons simultaneously in rapid, chaotic deathmatches. It remains an ideal choice for players who enjoy the physics and destructible terrain of Worms but prefer fast-paced, reflex-driven combat.