Best Turn-Based Artillery Games Like Worms

Released in 1995, Team17's Worms defined the modern turn-based artillery genre by blending physics-based trajectory shooting, destructible environments, and dark cartoon humor. This article explores the defining mechanics that made the original classic so engaging and highlights the best alternative games—from open-source projects to modern web adaptations—that capture the same chaotic, competitive multiplayer spirit.

The appeal of the classic Worms formula relies on a few fundamental mechanics: players control small squads distributed across a randomly generated 2D terrain. Armed with a bizarre arsenal of projectile and melee weapons, participants take turns calculating angles, wind speed, and blast radii to knock opposing units into water or eliminate their hit points. Total terrain destruction ensures that no two matches play out the same way.

For players seeking that authentic, vintage 2D artillery experience, several games directly replicate or build upon this format:

• Hedgewars: An open-source, cross-platform turn-based strategy game that serves as a direct homage to classic 2D Worms. It features customizable hedgehogs, fully destructible landscapes, a massive arsenal of weird weapons, and support for both local and online multiplayer.
• Maggots: For a quick and easily accessible retro fix, Maggots delivers the same style of turn-based tactical combat directly in the web browser, capturing the nostalgic 2D projectile mechanics and fast-paced turn structures of early artillery titles.
• ShellShock Live: While modernizing the graphics with bright neon visuals, ShellShock Live focuses purely on tank-based ballistic warfare. It strips away foot mobility in favor of hundreds of upgradable weapons, tech trees, and strategic angle adjustments across dynamic terrain.
• Gunbound: A legendary multiplayer online artillery game that incorporates fantasy vehicles called "Mobiles." It uses the same trajectory calculations and wind variables as Worms, while adding an avatar system and unique character classes.
• Hogs of War: For players wanting to experience the Worms gameplay loop in a full 3D space, this classic title tasks players with commanding a squad of anthropomorphic pigs across tactical battlefields with similar humor and trajectory-focused combat.

Whether through community-driven clones or accessible browser versions, the core gameplay loop pioneered by Worms in 1995 remains timeless, relying on skill, spatial awareness, and unpredictable chaos.