Games Like Cortex Command

Unleash your creativity and strategic prowess in Forts, the exhilarating physics-based RTS! Design, construct, and customize imposing fortresses, bristling with devastating firepower, and blast your opponent’s buildings to rubble!

Why similar: Strategy 54.1%, Moddable 15.5% ★, Physics 10.2%, Sandbox 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on physics-based base building and structural destruction, capturing the core engineering challenge of protecting your assets.

{{An RTS inspired by the classics of the past!}} Making up for it's subpar retro graphics with fun gameplay and modern multi-threaded tech enabling huge battles to run smooth... Featuring singleplayer challenges, skirmish, sandbox, 10-player multiplayer & workshop modding.

Why similar: Strategy 65.4%, Moddable 14.1% ★, RTS 6.4%, Sandbox 5.9%, Pixel Graphics 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a deep, moddable RTS experience with base-building and unit management that feels like a spiritual successor to the strategy elements.

Noita is a magical action roguelite set in a world where every pixel is physically simulated. Fight, explore, melt, burn, freeze and evaporate your way through the procedurally generated world using spells you've created yourself.

Why similar: Physics 31.4%, Sandbox 24.8%, Pixel Graphics 13.4%, Difficult 11.2%, 2D 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features highly advanced physics-based destruction and chaotic 2D gameplay that mirrors the unpredictable nature of the seed game.

Superfighters Deluxe is a unique action game that combines brawling, shooting and platforming in dynamic sandboxy 2D levels. Lots of weapons and fun gameplay systems interlock to create absurd action-movie chaos.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 16.7%, Physics 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.1%, Action 9.3%, Local Multiplayer 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers chaotic, physics-driven 2D brawling and shooting that captures the frantic energy of infantry combat.

An open-ended factory management game with RTS and tower defense elements.

Why similar: Strategy 68.2%, Sandbox 9.4%, Moddable 8.5% ★, RTS 5.2%, Sci-fi 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines tower defense with resource management and base-building in a way that rewards strategic planning and defensive engineering.

The worms are back in their most destructive game yet. With a gorgeous, hand-drawn 2D look, brand new weapons, the introduction of crafting, vehicles and buildings plus the return of some much-loved classic weapons and gameplay, Worms W.M.D is the best worms experience ever.

Why similar: Strategy 80.4%, Local Co-Op 5.2%, Local Multiplayer 4.7%, Action 3.1%, Multiplayer 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers classic 2D physics-based combat with destructible terrain and a wide variety of tactical weaponry.

Besiege is a physics building game about constructing medieval machines to annihilate armies, obliterate castles and overcome challenging obstacles. Conquer the campaign or skirmish with friends in Multiplayer!

Why similar: Strategy 53.9%, Moddable 20.5% ★, Sandbox 12%, Physics 11.7%, Multiplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: Centers on building complex machines to destroy targets using realistic physics, echoing the creative destruction found in the seed game.

Command a team of 5 elite soldiers against an alien horde of 100,000. Surrounded on all sides, you must outmaneuver and outsmart the enemy.

Why similar: Strategy 86%, RTS 3.8%, Sci-fi 3.4%, Action 3%, Indie 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RTS where you manage a small squad against overwhelming alien hordes, requiring smart positioning and base defense.

Barotrauma is a 2D co-op submarine simulator – in space, with survival horror and RPG elements. Steer your submarine, complete missions, fight monsters, fix leaks, operate machinery, man the guns and craft items, and stay alert: danger in Barotrauma doesn’t announce itself!

Why similar: Strategy 55.9%, Moddable 16.8% ★, Sci-fi 6.7%, 2D 5.2%, Multiplayer 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi submarine simulator that emphasizes physics-based systems, squad management, and chaotic survival in a hostile environment.

Executive Assault is an indie real-time strategy/first-person shooter where you can not only build your base and create armies, but also take control of your units and fight as one of them.

Why similar: Strategy 83.3%, RTS 5.4%, Sci-fi 3.7%, Action 3.3%, Indie 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: Blends real-time strategy with first-person action, allowing you to command your base and fight on the front lines simultaneously.

Satellite Reign is a real-time, class-based strategy game, set in an open-world cyberpunk city. You command a group of 4 agents through rain-soaked, neon-lit streets, where the law is the will of mega-corporations.

Why similar: Strategy 86.3%, Sci-fi 5.5%, Action 3.1%, Indie 2.5%, RTS 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cyberpunk tactical game that emphasizes squad control, stealth, and base infiltration in a sci-fi setting.

Soldat is a unique 2D (side-view) multiplayer action game. Soldiers fight against each other in 2D battle arenas using a deadly arsenal of military weapons, across 7 default game modes.

Why similar: Action 37.7%, Indie 30.9%, 2D 14.8%, Multiplayer 9%, Gore 5%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced 2D physics-based shooter that focuses on movement and precision combat.

2280 A.D. The last few survivors of a ruined Earth seek a new home: Mars, a planet whose inhabitants didn't take too kindly to outsiders. The Red Solstice is a tense, tactical, squad-based action game. Fight to survive with up to 8 players in co-op, or lead your own squad in single-player mode.

Why similar: Strategy 79.9%, Sci-fi 7.3%, RTS 5.7%, Difficult 4.1%, Multiplayer 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical sci-fi game that emphasizes squad-based survival and objective management against alien threats.

Sanctum 2 is the sequel to the world’s first Tower Defense/FPS hybrid game. Pick from four unique character classes and embark on a mission to protect the oxygen-producing Cores from hordes of deadly aliens who are threatened by their existence.

Why similar: Strategy 85.8%, Sci-fi 5.5%, Action 4.1%, Indie 2.5%, Multiplayer 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique hybrid of tower defense and first-person shooter that requires both strategic base planning and active combat participation.

Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available!

Why similar: Sandbox 50.7%, Pixel Graphics 16.4%, 2D 12.5%, Multiplayer 6.8%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features 2D mining, exploration, and base-building mechanics that provide a similar sense of sandbox progression.

You’ve fled your home, only to find yourself lost in space with a damaged ship. Your only option is to beam down to the planet below, repair your ship and set off to explore the universe...

Why similar: Sandbox 50.2%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, 2D 8.5%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Action 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a sci-fi sandbox experience with 2D exploration, base-building, and combat against various alien threats.

Broforce is an action-packed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun ode to freedom, putting you in control of an under-funded, overpowered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 34.3%, Pixel Graphics 15%, Action 10.8%, 2D 9.6%, Local Multiplayer 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A high-octane 2D action game featuring fully destructible environments and chaotic squad-based combat.

Crash land on a hostile planet where you'll have to build the strongest defenses if you wish to live to escape from it. But be warned... this planet is merciless. Build strong, and smart; else physics may flood or destroy your only hopes of survival.

Why similar: Strategy 54.9%, Sandbox 20.9%, Physics 7.9%, 2D 5.4%, Pixel Graphics 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on 2D survival, mining, and base-building while defending against waves of increasingly difficult enemies.

Sandbox of destruction. Billion different ways to build your mech. Feel the weight and impact of obliteration in this modern old school mech combat sim.

Why similar: Strategy 70%, Physics 13.6%, Sci-fi 6.2%, 2D 3.6%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-heavy mech combat game that emphasizes customization and strategic positioning in a sandbox environment.

Door Kickers is an innovative realtime strategy game that puts you in charge of a SWAT team and lets you command them during a tactical intervention.

Why similar: Strategy 83.3%, Moddable 6.6% ★, Action 2.5%, 2D 2.1%, Indie 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a top-down tactical squad management experience that rewards careful planning and execution.

Strain Tactics is a real-time-with-pause tactical game, where you command a squad of soldiers to liberate earth from an alien infestation. Using your helibase, deploy your custom squad and provide air support. Remember to keep your crew sane and motivated while staying clear of alien contamination!

Why similar: Strategy 80.2%, Action 4.2%, Sandbox 4%, Sci-fi 3.6%, Gore 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A real-time tactical game where you command a squad from a top-down perspective, managing resources and intense combat.

Brain / Out is a multiplayer shooter with a nostalgic post-Soviet feel. Experience dynamic battles and exterminate your enemies with a large arsenal of modern weaponry. Lock'n'load!

Why similar: 2D 25.5%, Pixel Graphics 24.6%, Action 13.9%, Multiplayer 10.6%, Local Multiplayer 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A 2D multiplayer shooter that features pixel-graphics and tactical combat reminiscent of classic side-scrolling action games.

Fortified is an explosive strategy shooter where players will defend the Earth against a menacing Martian invasion in the 1950s. Play as one-of-four pulp inspired heroes as they fight swarms of terrifying robots with an arsenal of Cold War era weapons and experimental technology.

Why similar: Action 52.7%, Strategy 42.2%, Indie 2.3%, Sci-fi 1.8%, Multiplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: A tower defense and third-person shooter hybrid that requires balancing base defense with active combat on the front lines.

Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic.

Why similar: Strategy 89%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%, 2D 3.4%, Indie 1.9%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist base-building game that focuses on resource management and defending your territory from nightly attacks.

A hard-hitting simultaneous-turn-based tactical game from the creators of Frozen Synapse. Defeat your opponent’s plans on a randomly-generated playfield in this brutal futuresport.

Why similar: Strategy 94.3%, Indie 3.6%, Multiplayer 1.6%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based tactical game set in a sci-fi world that focuses on positioning and predictive combat strategy.

Commander in the ranks. Soldier at heart. Choose a faction and deploy and command your army into massive physics-driven WWII battles to the last man standing. Destroy everything on sight with an insane amount of units that will behave tactically.

Why similar: Strategy 78%, Sandbox 10.4%, Physics 4.5%, Action 3.3%, Indie 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A physics-based sandbox game that lets you command large armies in massive, destructible historical battles.

The zombie apocalypse is upon us and it's up to you to evacuate everyone before they fall prey to the undead. Conduct massive rescue operations with a helping hand from snipers, artillery crews, orbital bombardments, and more.

Why similar: Strategy 51.2%, Moddable 15% ★, Sandbox 10.1%, Local Co-Op 9.8%, Local Multiplayer 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A real-time tactical game that requires managing units and base defense against massive waves of enemies.

Rewrite history as you take control of the brutal Vikings, the devious Aztecs or the crafty Chinese in their global quest to win the favour of the Gods! Swords & Soldiers is a side-scrolling strategy game that lets you control an entire army and lets you wield devastating magical abilities.

Why similar: Strategy 99%, Indie 0.3%, 2D 0.3%, Action 0.3%, Multiplayer 0.1%

Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling RTS that simplifies base management while keeping the focus on unit deployment and lane-based combat.

The ultimate mash-up of Real-time Strategy and Tower Defense!

Why similar: Strategy 80.5%, Sci-fi 4.2%, Indie 3.2%, Pixel Graphics 2.8%, Action 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A deep tower defense game with resource management and tech-tree progression that feels rewarding and strategic.

"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...

Why similar: Strategy 92.9%, RTS 2.2%, Sci-fi 2%, Difficult 1.1%, Indie 1%

Why You'll Like It: A massive-scale RTS that focuses on asymmetric warfare and strategic base defense against an overwhelming AI opponent.

A 2D multiplayer sandbox game revolving around industry, innovation, factions, combat and emergent gameplay. Design factories, customize tools and weapons, fight or trade with other players or get viciously murdered by an angry badger.

Why similar: Physics 33.7%, Sandbox 32.8%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Action 9.1%, 2D 7.5%

A perfect-information strategy game inspired by RTS, deckbuilders, and board games. Choose from three distinct technology classes and outwit your foes by snowballing your starting resources into a powerful cybernetic army. ABSOLUTELY NO PAY-TO-WIN.

Why similar: Strategy 91.2%, Sci-fi 3.7%, Indie 3.6%, Multiplayer 1.2%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Build bases, lead an army of robots, and squash brains in this radical hybrid between RTS and third-person shooter. Join a duo of quirky heroes on a mission to save Earth, smash an evil alien corporation, and complete their comic book collection.

Why similar: Strategy 59%, Local Co-Op 12.5%, Local Multiplayer 6.9%, Split Screen 6.5% ★, Sci-fi 5.2%

Stories: The Path of Destinies is an Action RPG, an enchanted storybook filled with madcap fantasy tales, each told by a zippy narrator attuned to the player’s choices and actions.

Why similar: Action 53.9%, Indie 40.4%, Singleplayer 5.7%

Eador is a universe made of countless shards of land drifting in the Great Nothing. Each of the shards is a little world unto itself, with geography and denizens of its own. The power over the shards is bitterly contested by Masters, the immortal beings mortals believe to be gods.

Why similar: Strategy 99.7%, Indie 0.2%, Difficult 0.1%, Singleplayer 0%, Multiplayer 0%

The ultimate 2D Physics War Game - War just got fun, build your army with tanks, guns, spies, flame tanks and helicopters. Then embark on battles of mass destruction and tactical rescues. Bring peace to faction island by destroying all your enemies!

Why similar: Strategy 49%, Physics 23%, Action 8.2%, 2D 6.6%, Indie 6.5%

A fully moddable city sandbox with jobs, NPCs, apartments, garages, gangs, and more. Broke Protocol is an open-world action game focused on roleplaying and custom content. Define your goals and identity in a persistent, reactive world where you write your own story.

Why similar: Moddable 48.2% ★, Sandbox 29.3%, Action 7.1%, Indie 5.7%, Violent 4.9%

Hyperdrive Massacre is an 80s inspired arcade fragfest in Spacewar sauce designed around local multiplayer, focused on kinestetics, tactical and shooting skills at a frenzied pace.

Why similar: Action 59.1%, Strategy 20%, Local Co-Op 7.6%, Local Multiplayer 7.1%, Indie 3.6%

Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.

Why similar: Strategy 70.8%, Sandbox 13.7%, Sci-fi 6.9%, RTS 5.3%, Multiplayer 2.4%

Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.

Why similar: Strategy 84.4%, Sandbox 7.2%, Moddable 6.2% ★, Multiplayer 1%, RTS 0.9%

Control your Hero to aid your Turrets and Traps in battle in this grim, dark Tower Defense & Action RPG with a scifi-grindhouse aesthetic. Create deadly weapon barrages and fuse together Bleed, Burn, Shock, Freeze, Stun and many more elements to annihilate your enemies.

Why similar: Strategy 81.6%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%, Sci-fi 4.5%, 2D 3.3%, Indie 3.3%

A rogue-like river journey through the backwaters of a forgotten post-societal America. Forage, craft, evade predators.

Why similar: Strategy 50.6%, Indie 22.2%, Action 15.2%, Difficult 9.2%, Singleplayer 2.7%

Selected by the fickle finger of fate, Abe™, floor-waxer first class for RuptureFarms, was catapulted into a life of adventure when he overheard plans by his boss, Molluck the Glukkon™, to turn Abe and his fellow Mudokons into Tasty Treats as part of a last-ditch effort to rescue Molluck's failing meat-packing empire.

Why similar: Platformer 34%, 2D 30.4%, Difficult 14%, Gore 6.9%, Action 6.2%

Cannon Brawl is action RTS and artillery hybrid. Pilot an airship, command powerful weapon emplacements and use the destructible terrain to out think and destroy your enemy! It's a new take on artillery strategy!

Why similar: Strategy 70.6%, Local Multiplayer 8.5%, 2D 5%, RTS 4.9%, Indie 4.2%

The unique cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun has gained a huge cult following since its creation nearly 25 years ago. Now, creator Jordan Weisman returns to the world of Shadowrun, modernizing this classic game setting as a single player, turn-based tactical RPG.

Why similar: Strategy 71.2%, Moddable 16.3% ★, Sci-fi 8.3%, Indie 3.5%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Galactic Thunderdome is a 2D sci-fi platform brawler with a focus on physics-based mayhem. Best your friends with a vast array of weapons and gadgets in a world rich with emergent gameplay, explosive antics, and bloody remains.

Why similar: Local Co-Op 27.7%, Physics 27.6%, Local Multiplayer 13.4%, Action 8.3%, Sci-fi 7.6%

Assemble your crew, take to the skies in the premier PvP airship combat game. Guns of Icarus Online is all about flying massive airships, shooting big turret weapons, and working as a team for supremacy of the skies. Everyone as one, victory or death, together.

Why similar: Strategy 71.5%, Action 11.6%, Multiplayer 9.7%, Indie 7.2%

CortexGear:AngryDroids is a clasic 3d Sci-Fi shooting sidescroller in which quick tactics and skills need to be in harmony the beat the game. A run-and-gun shooter with both mouse and keyboard. This game does not negotiate!

Why similar: Strategy 85.5%, Action 4.8%, Indie 4.1%, Platformer 2.9%, Multiplayer 2.7%

Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.

Why similar: Sci-fi 33.5%, Difficult 24.9%, 2D 21.5%, Indie 15.3%, Singleplayer 4.8%

Lock and Load! It's time to Kick-Ass. Grab your machine gun, flamethrower, rocket launcher, and grenades. Assault the enemy base and free commandos to join your team while you destroy everything in sight. Make your way through enemy bunkers to rescue your comrades, and kill everyone you encounter!

Why similar: Strategy 79.5%, Action 5.5%, Pixel Graphics 4.6%, Indie 4.2%, Gore 2.8%

Unique fusion of a top-down shooter and tower defense strategy. You are the invader! Use destructive weapons or lead your enemies into a maze of towers. Strategize in the build mode by carefully selecting various types of alien towers or throw yourself right into the heat of the battle.

Why similar: Strategy 72%, Local Co-Op 12.4%, Sci-fi 5.4%, Action 3.5%, Difficult 3.2%

The unstoppable alien force known as The Creeper has returned, devouring thousands of worlds in its path, and yours is next. Battle against the Creeper fluid in a groundbreaking pixel-level simulation to prove that humanity will rule the galaxy forever!

Why similar: Strategy 57%, Sandbox 12.9%, Physics 11.5%, RTS 5.4%, Sci-fi 3.6%

Go back to the awesome glory days of Real-Time Strategy games. Crush Your Enemies has everything you love of the genre: Planning, choosing different types of units, managing resources, taking enemy territory and outwitting your opponent with the ingenious formations of your men.

Why similar: Strategy 85.7%, Action 4.3%, RTS 4.2%, Indie 3.7%, Pixel Graphics 2%

Mine asteroids, salvage space debris, design your own small or massive spacecraft using individual functional components, complete missions, and engage in battles against enemies in a vast galaxy with realistic physics based on orbital mechanics or in a classic physics mode.

Why similar: Strategy 73.7%, Sandbox 13.7%, Sci-fi 5.2%, Action 4%, Indie 3.4%

Control two characters simultaneously! Survive, gather, collect upgrades, fight all sizes of one-eyed Martians, build defensible outposts and conquer Mars, in this glorious mix between roguelite and tower defense.

Why similar: Strategy 75.2%, Sandbox 10.9%, Sci-fi 5.7%, Action 4.1%, Indie 3.4%

Fight for control of a frontier world. Gather resources, build your base, and command your forces in battle. Survive long enough to unleash your ultimate weapon - THE EPIC.

Why similar: Strategy 85.7%, RTS 6.2%, Sci-fi 5.8%, Multiplayer 1.5%, Singleplayer 0.4%

In Salvagers, you command a small crew of greedy explorers that land on abandoned space stations that litter the galaxy, and it's your job to loot them for anything worth a credit. Scrap tech, lost weapons, forgotten treasures - everything has a price.

Why similar: Strategy 75%, Pixel Graphics 5.1%, RTS 4.8%, Action 4.4%, Physics 3.9%

Lead an armored squad through the perils of this reversed tower defense action-strategy game!

Why similar: Strategy 90.4%, Sci-fi 3.3%, Action 2.4%, Indie 2.3%, RTS 1.2%

Jotun is a hand-drawn action-exploration game set in Norse mythology. In Jotun, you play Thora, a Viking warrior who died an inglorious death and must prove herself to the Gods to enter Valhalla. Impress the Gods!

Why similar: Difficult 28.3%, Action 27.3%, Indie 21.8%, 2D 18.2%, Singleplayer 4.4%