Worms
Worms is a 1995 artillery and turn-based strategy game developed by Team17. Teams of comical earthworms take turns lobbing an absurd arsenal of weapons, from bazookas and grenades to exploding sheep and the Holy Hand Grenade, across fully destructible 2D landscapes in a battle to be the last squad standing.
The game combined tactical, physics-driven combat with slapstick humor, rewarding careful aim, wind judgment and creative use of the terrain, since every shot could reshape the battlefield and open new lines of attack. Its accessible, turn-based structure, time limits per move and hilarious voice samples made it a favorite for local multiplayer sessions among friends passing a single controller.
Worms launched a long-running and much-loved franchise built on the same winning formula, later branching into 3D before returning to its classic 2D roots. The original and its many successors remain available through digital storefronts on modern platforms.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Worms, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worms W.M.D | € 24,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Worms Rumble | € 14,99 + in-app purchases | Steam Deck Playable | PC, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation |
| Hedgewars Indie | Free | Steam Deck Playable | PC |
| ShellShock Live Indie | € 9,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC |
| Worms Armageddon | € 14,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC |
Worms W.M.D
€ 24,99A hand-drawn modern entry that returns to the classic 2D formula.
Worms W.M.D runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Worms Rumble
€ 14,99 + in-app purchasesA real-time multiplayer spin also playable on mobile.
Worms Rumble runs on PC, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation. Not available on Mac, Linux, Xbox, Switch.
Hedgewars Indie
FreeA free, open-source Worms clone with hedgehogs, wildly varied weapons and online play.
Hedgewars runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
ShellShock Live Indie
€ 9,99A hugely popular indie online artillery game in the Worms spirit.
ShellShock Live runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Worms Armageddon
€ 14,99The fan-favourite entry, still patched by the community and considered the best of the 2D Worms games.
Worms Armageddon runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
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