Games Like EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair

Stand and fight for humanity. This arcade shooter takes place in the year 2022, as the Earth Defense Force fends off an all-out attack by unknown life forms. Become an EDF soldier, battle against endless hordes of immense enemies, and restore peace to the earth.

Why similar: Mechs 18.1% ★, Third-Person Shooter 15.8%, Aliens 10.8%, Online Co-Op 9.8%, Co-op 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: The direct successor that refines the core gameplay loop with more weapons and classes.

Live the future of despair.The year is 2024 AD. The survivors fought against the remaining threats while trying their best to continue their recovery.Three years passed in the year 2027. In a new world without hope, the time has come to once again resist the fate of the Earth.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 29.3%, Online Co-Op 13.1%, Mechs 11.3% ★, Local Co-Op 9.6%, Co-op 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: The latest entry in the series, offering the most modern take on the classic EDF formula.

Starship Troopers: Extermination is an up to 16-player co-op FPS that puts you on the far-off frontlines of an all-out battle against the Bugs! Squad up, grab your rifle, and do your part as an elite Deep Space Vanguard Trooper to take back planets from the Arachnid threat!

Why similar: Aliens 26.4%, Online Co-Op 20.6%, Co-op 19.6%, Sci-fi 11%, Action 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Directly inspired by the same source material as EDF, focusing on massive-scale bug extermination.

The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 31.1%, Online Co-Op 20.1%, Co-op 14%, Sci-fi 7.5%, Multiplayer 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the exact same satirical, high-octane cooperative spirit of fighting massive alien threats.

Deep Rock Galactic is a 1-4 player co-op FPS featuring dwarven space miners, procedurally-generated destructible environments, and endless hordes of alien monsters. Explore cave systems, mine for minerals, and work together to survive!

Why similar: Co-op 55.5%, Sci-fi 17.8%, Shooter 14.4%, Action 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a similar cooperative horde-shooter experience with destructible environments and intense team-based combat.

Save the world without hope. Year 2040. An action TPS where you will become one of the EDF soldiers and fight against the invaders from outer space which ruined the world. In the world settings which differs from the original "EARTH DEFENSE FORCE" series, more than 50 missions in five difficulties await for your challenge.

Why similar: Mechs 18.7% ★, Third-Person Shooter 17.5%, Action 12.6%, Aliens 10.9%, Co-op 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A spin-off that offers a more polished, gritty take on the classic EDF alien-slaying formula.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a cooperative third-person survival game set in the iconic Alien Universe. Battle through hordes of different types of Xenomorph, customize your character and gear, and level-up as you try to contain this ever-growing threat.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 25.7%, Aliens 21.2%, Co-op 17.4%, Online Co-Op 13.2%, Sci-fi 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a focused, cooperative third-person shooter experience against iconic alien swarms.

HELLDIVERS™ is a hardcore, cooperative, twin stick shooter. As part of the elite unit called the HELLDIVERS, players must work together to protect SUPER EARTH and defeat the enemies of mankind in an intense intergalactic war.

Why similar: Online Co-Op 22.9%, Co-op 22.5%, Local Co-Op 17.8%, Mechs 10.1% ★, Sci-fi 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: The original top-down experience that defined the chaotic, friendly-fire-heavy cooperative shooter genre.

The Earth is in pieces...again! We've gotta do more to save the planet!

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 34.6%, Online Co-Op 12.4%, Action 12%, Aliens 11.9%, Co-op 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: Continues the voxel-based action with even more characters and missions to tackle.

A new EDF adventure begins! Only this time, the action unfolds in a parallel world where the Earth is made of digital blocks. This world has befallen into chaos, as the once peaceful square Earth has been shattered into pieces. Shape aside, it is an Earth nonetheless which needs to be defended.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 33.2%, Online Co-Op 13.8%, Action 12.5%, Co-op 12.3%, Aliens 10%

Why You'll Like It: A voxel-based spin-off that retains the series' core class-based combat and massive roster of characters.

Lost Planet 2, the sequel to Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition, the landmark third-person shooter that sold over 2.3 million units worldwide, is now available on Steam!

Why similar: Mechs 30.5% ★, Third-Person Shooter 24.3%, Co-op 16.3%, Action 7%, Online Co-Op 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features massive boss battles and cooperative mech-based combat that mirrors the scale of EDF.

Serious Sam 4 reignites the classic FPS series in a high-powered prequel loaded with an explosive arsenal, intergalactic carnage, and perfectly timed one-liners.

Why similar: Co-op 29.5%, Action 14.1%, Gore 13.4%, Third-Person Shooter 11%, Shooter 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers the same thousands-of-enemies-on-screen arcade shooter intensity found in the EDF series.

Pilot your fully customizable Arsenal mech and join your fellow mercenaries in defending humanity from the corrupted machines and gigantic robots in this post-apocalyptic action game!

Why similar: Mechs 55.3% ★, Robots 10.9%, Action 8.7%, Third-Person Shooter 7.7%, Sci-fi 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-speed mech combat and deep customization, appealing to fans of EDF's mech-heavy missions.

Thousands of giant insects and aliens once again ravage the earth, and only the Earth Defense Force can stop them.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 40.4%, Co-op 14.2%, Online Co-Op 11.6%, Action 11.4%, Robots 9%

Why You'll Like It: A Western-developed take on the series that maintains the core premise of fighting giant bugs.

PlatinumGames’ revolutionary sci-fi action shooter slide-boosts onto PC. Battle legions of future-tech enemies using a vast arsenal of weapons, including all DLC. Fully unlocked framerate and gorgeous HD resolutions up to 4K. The definitive way to play: war has accelerated.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 41.1%, Mechs 21% ★, Sci-fi 12%, Action 10.2%, Robots 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers high-speed, arcade-style third-person shooting with intense sci-fi action.

Escape a chaotic alien planet by fighting through hordes of frenzied monsters – with your friends, or on your own. Combine loot in surprising ways and master each character until you become the havoc you feared upon your first crash landing.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 43.6%, Co-op 20.9%, Online Co-Op 11.9%, Multiplayer 8.5%, Action 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, fast-paced horde shooter that scales in difficulty, much like the escalating missions of EDF.

Take customization to the extreme with the Omega Customization System and battle with one-of-a-kind combat units in this all-new third-person shooter mecha game.

Why similar: Mechs 31.7% ★, Third-Person Shooter 23.5%, Online Co-Op 12.6%, Robots 5.4%, Co-op 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Allows for absurd levels of mech customization, matching the over-the-top spirit of EDF's weapon variety.

The year is 3015. The battlefields are dominated by war machines known as BattleMechs. Level entire cities and decimate the enemy in your BattleMech. Follow a quest for glory and revenge. Manage an expanding mercenary company. Fight alongside your friends with a four-player PvE co-op.

Why similar: Mechs 45.4% ★, Co-op 15.7%, Online Co-Op 13.5%, Destruction 12.7%, Action 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a more tactical, simulation-heavy approach to the mech combat found in EDF.

The story from behind the scenes of EDF 4.1 unravels here. The EDF series is back with new feelings of despair and bug-slaying satisfaction as you fight your way through never-ending swarms of giant insects in a vertical scrolling shoot 'em up!

Why similar: Action 100%

Why You'll Like It: A spin-off that translates the series' action into a classic arcade shoot-'em-up format.

SYNTHETIK is an unforgiving tactical shooter rogue-lite where freedom and experimentation is key. Fight in a world overrun by the Machine Legion and their Gods. Experience the next level in gun-play and dive into unparalleled build options and Android upgrades. Can you defeat the Heart of Armageddon?

Why similar: Online Co-Op 34.7%, Co-op 19.9%, Action 13.9%, Robots 10%, Difficult 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style shooter that emphasizes weapon variety and intense, fast-paced combat.

Join The Mobile Trench Brigade and protect humanity from the evil Monovision menace!

Why similar: Mechs 44.1% ★, Third-Person Shooter 20.6%, Co-op 15.9%, Action 10.2%, Online Co-Op 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of tower defense and mech-based third-person shooting that shares a similar aesthetic.

From the creators of Rogue Legacy comes a "true-cooperative" action RPG. FULL METAL FURIES puts an emphasis on team play with a unique combat system where everyone is important. Play on the couch, alone or with friends, or make it an online party for up to four players!

Why similar: Co-op 35.6%, Local Co-Op 28%, Online Co-Op 17.9%, Action 13.6%, Difficult 2%

Why You'll Like It: A cooperative action game that focuses on team synergy and chaotic combat encounters.

Generation Zero is a stealth-action shooter where you wage guerilla warfare against lethal mechanical enemies. Explore a vast open world map inspired by the Swedish Cold War era, take part in the resistance alone or with up to three friends in seamless co-op.

Why similar: Mechs 37.8% ★, Co-op 19%, Robots 13.7%, Sci-fi 9.5%, Multiplayer 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features cooperative combat against massive, varied machines in an open-world setting.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance is a multiplayer Gundam action RPG where you can smash foes solo or with friends in thrilling mechanized combat. Acquire new mobile suits, power them up, and take them into battle in various missions!

Why similar: Mechs 36.7% ★, Online Co-Op 13.9%, Co-op 13.1%, Robots 11.1%, Sci-fi 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers fast-paced, mission-based mech action with a focus on cooperative PvE gameplay.

In KILLING FLOOR 2, players descend into continental Europe after it has been overrun by horrific, murderous clones called Zeds that were created by rogue elements of the Horzine Corporation. 6-player Co-Op & 12-player VS Zed-slaughtering mayhem.

Why similar: Online Co-Op 28.5%, Co-op 28%, Gore 11.7%, Action 10.7%, Shooter 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A wave-based cooperative shooter that emphasizes survival against relentless, grotesque enemy swarms.

MOTHERGUNSHIP is a bullet-hell FPS where you craft your own guns, fight gigantic bosses, and defeat a robotic alien armada that conquered Earth. Face off against overwhelming odds in brutal, non-stop combats where thinking on your feet is the only way to survive.

Why similar: Online Co-Op 30.8%, Co-op 29%, Sci-fi 15.4%, Action 13%, Difficult 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: An intense, bullet-hell-inspired FPS that focuses on absurd weapon customization and massive boss fights.

Commander, customize and build your Mechanical Assault Skeleton Suit (M.A.S.S.) and lead the fight against an alien invasion bent on exterminating the human race. The fate of humanity is in your hands.

Why similar: Mechs 37.6% ★, Third-Person Shooter 20.8%, Robots 11.9%, Sci-fi 7.8%, Anime 6.8%

The world has been thrown into chaos by an ancient evil from another dimension. As one of the last remnants of humanity, you must set out alone or alongside up to two other survivors to face down hordes of deadly enemies to try to carve a foothold, rebuild, and retake what was lost.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 33.5%, Co-op 24.4%, Online Co-Op 16.5%, Action 9.3%, Multiplayer 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines challenging cooperative shooting with boss-focused gameplay and sci-fi world-building.

Hypercharge is a first and third-person shooter action figure game you've always dreamed of! Grab your friends, complete objectives, defend the Hypercore against waves of weaponized toys, and defeat Major Evil together in the story campaign!

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 30.9%, Split Screen 25.3% ★, Local Co-Op 18.2%, Online Co-Op 15.9%, Shooter 6%

Why You'll Like It: A cooperative wave-based shooter that captures the fun, arcade-like feeling of defending objectives.

Granvir is a 3rd person action roguelite mech-builder with co-op multiplayer. Scavenge the battlefield for parts to replace and upgrade your Granvir and weaponry. PIlot your Granvir and manage your campaign between battles to find the best equipment and stay supplied while fighting a guerilla war.

Why similar: Mechs 34.2% ★, Third-Person Shooter 24.5%, Online Co-Op 15%, Robots 10.4%, Sci-fi 6%

Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 47.9%, Online Co-Op 14.3%, Co-op 14.2%, Action 10.1%, Sci-fi 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, sci-fi cooperative shooter with massive scale and deep character progression.

This is a fight for survival. Xenomorphs swarm in overwhelming numbers. Every room could be your last.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 41.6%, Co-op 17.4%, Action 13.2%, Online Co-Op 10.5%, Shooter 9.6%

NOW AVAILABLE! When the Earth falls to an extra-terrestrial invasion, humanity becomes an endangered species. Earthfall is a four-player cooperative shooter that challenges players to survive hordes of ruthless alien drones and their inscrutable masters.

Why similar: Aliens 24%, Co-op 22.7%, Online Co-Op 22.5%, Action 10.5%, Shooter 6.2%

Old friends and bitter enemies await as you invade Earth alongside a Mothership full of alien friends! Blast, beam, and bite your way through an endless swarm of enemies as you and up to three of your fellow hominids cause mayhem with a huge arsenal of weapons, mutations, and acrobatic maneuvers.

Why similar: Aliens 29.8%, Online Co-Op 28.8%, Co-op 22.5%, Multiplayer 9.1%, Action 8.7%

Driven to the brink of extinction on ice-covered wastelands, humankind fights to survive. Battle to survive against gargantuan alien Akrid and treacherous Snow Pirates on the vast and frozen landscape of EDN III.

Why similar: Mechs 38.6% ★, Third-Person Shooter 31.9%, Action 11.4%, Sci-fi 8.8%, Robots 4.4%

From Space is a solo and co-op action-shooter for squads up to four players. Take on the challenge of liberating the earth from an alien infestation with your friends, using over-the-top weaponry in a post-apocalyptic world with awesomely stylized graphics. The apocalypse has never been so much fun!

Why similar: Co-op 26.5%, Online Co-Op 25.9%, Sci-fi 11.1%, Action 10.1%, Multiplayer 9.3%

This is a free-to-play team battle action game based on the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series of the Universal Century. Whether by land or by space, lay waste to your foes using either your favorite Mobile Suit or roam the battlefield as infantry and capture important objectives.

Why similar: Mechs 37.3% ★, Third-Person Shooter 28.1%, Robots 13.2%, Shooter 4.9%, Co-op 4.8%

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 68.3%, Third-Person Shooter 9.7%, Co-op 8.5%, Aliens 6.5%, Online Co-Op 2.2%

Take down hordes of alien invaders with your Power Shot, Truxton Beam, Thunder Laser, Homing Shot, Star‑mine Shot, and more! Don't forget to breathe as you face off against gigantic bosses in the ultimate battle for humanity’s survival!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 34.8%, Co-op 26.7%, Sci-fi 16.5%, Shooter 9%, Action 8%

Set in futuristic Tokyo, take control of the robotic community before they control everything!

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 49.8%, Robots 16%, Sci-fi 12.3%, Action 11.2%, Shooter 4.8%

Blast your way through Nogari Island as Echo Squad. Utilize a devastating array of weapons and special abilities to crush everything that stands in your way. Features a fully Co-op enabled Campaign for up to 4 Players, as well as a variety of 8 Player Versus multiplayer modes!

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 47.8%, Co-op 22.7%, Action 14.7%, Sci-fi 6.8%, Shooter 4.3%

Granvir: Zero Front is a 3rd person action roguelite mech-builder with co-op multiplayer. Experience the prelude to Granvir as the resistance response to the Millennium Company invasion. Pilot your Granvir, manage your campaign between battles to find the best equipment, and stay in the fight.

Why similar: Mechs 28.1% ★, Third-Person Shooter 21.1%, Online Co-Op 12.7%, Co-op 11.1%, Robots 8.9%

Crypto is back with a license to probe. The alien invader returns, groovier than ever. Experience the swinging ‘60s in all its chemical-induced glory and take revenge on the KGB for blowing up your mothership. You’ll have to form alliances with members of the very species you came to enslave.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 27.9%, Aliens 21.9%, Co-op 15.3%, Destruction 8.9%, Sci-fi 8.3%

Pilot an experimental mech and shoot giant grenades to blow up sneaky aliens. Stomp their guts, destroy their base, and save the day!

Why similar: Mechs 32.8% ★, Local Co-Op 15.7%, Aliens 13.2%, Co-op 8.1%, Sci-fi 7.8%

Launch a counteroffensive to take back the Earth from alien invaders in this mecha action RPG.

Why similar: Mechs 48.3% ★, Robots 12.7%, Online Co-Op 12.5%, Sci-fi 8%, Anime 7.8%

Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced couch co-op action shooter with SHMUP/Brawler gameplay and RPG elements. Choose your mechs, weapons & upgrades then soar through space, defeat evil & save the future... from itself!

Why similar: Mechs 42.3% ★, Local Co-Op 20.8%, Robots 8.7%, Anime 8.7%, Shooter 7.4%

Cut through fungal aliens in this hyper-customizable, mission based looter shooter. Hundreds of hand-crafted upgrades, 4-player co-op, and a little roach man. What’s not to love?

Why similar: Online Co-Op 36.6%, Co-op 23%, Action 16.6%, Shooter 11.3%, Funny 7.2%

Swear your oath as a GOD EATER and drive back the supernatural harbingers of Earth’s destruction. Buy GOD EATER 2 Rage Burst and get GOD EATER Resurrection FOR FREE

Why similar: Co-op 33.3%, Anime 28.8%, Action 18.2%, Online Co-Op 9.9%, Multiplayer 9%

Discover the original co-op shooter-looter, crammed with new enhancements! As one of 4 trigger-happy mercenaries with RPG progression, equip bazillions of guns to take on the desert planet Pandora.

Why similar: Co-op 29.2%, Online Co-Op 27.8%, Shooter 11%, Action 7%, Sci-fi 6.5%

Take the challenge of surviving waves of increasingly difficult evil MuTecs! Grab a friend to hunt and slay them. Crush each wave with randomly dropped weapons & gadgets. Earn Achievements, new maps and top ranks in this Community-driven, solo-dev project. Help shape the future of this game!

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 23.8%, Co-op 17.2%, Aliens 16%, Robots 11.5%, Shooter 7%

HARDCORE MECHA is a 2D platformer action focusing on a better handling. The Campaign mode offers rich gameplay and seamless in-game cut-scenes for an immersive experience. Choose your favorite mecha, experience the fast-paced hardcore competitive battle of steel in Multiplayer!

Why similar: Mechs 43.2% ★, Online Co-Op 10.1%, Action 10%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Local Co-Op 8.6%

Experience piloting and customizing massive armored units called Wanzers while engaging in high-intensity battles driven by a compelling story. The battle begins now!

Why similar: Mechs 62.3% ★, Third-Person Shooter 17.4%, Action 8.3%, Shooter 4.5%, Robots 4.2%

You & your friends are the deadliest killers in the galaxy – the US Colonial Marines. It’s up to you to not just survive, but wipe out the Xeno infestation.

Why similar: Aliens 33.7%, Co-op 20.3%, Action 12.2%, Sci-fi 10%, Online Co-Op 9.3%

Use Nukes, Electricity, Heat Rays and powerful Minions in this wave-based first person shooter providing endless hours of Ghost-slaying entertainment, solo or Co-Op. Only Ghosts stand in the way of your invasion of Earth.

Why similar: Aliens 22.2%, Action 20.6%, Co-op 16.1%, Online Co-Op 13.8%, Shooter 13.7%

The greatest rock-racing, tower defense, art history game is back! Like the title says, Bigger & Boulder cranks up the surrealism and gameplay with chaotic 4P multiplayer, new time periods, and improved graphics, physics, and destructibility powered by UE4 to be, well… BIGGER AND BOULDER.

Why similar: Split Screen 20.9% ★, Action 15.4%, Co-op 14.4%, Comedy 14.1%, Multiplayer 12.4%

Fight’N Rage is a brand new old-school side-scroller beat’em up. Inspired by the classics from the “golden age”, and with an art style that mimics the aesthetic from the 90's arcade gems, this game pays homage to all classic gameplay features that makes this genre one of the best from its time!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 50.4%, Action 19.1%, Anime 17%, Difficult 12.1%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Get into your Flying Tank and shoot 'em up like it's the good old days! Kill strange bosses, drop bombs from above and build an arsenal of fun, powerful weapons. Reclaim the stolen Earth - alone or with a friend - in a rich action-packed side-scrolling shmup!

Why similar: Local Co-Op 27.5%, Co-op 24.2%, Aliens 17.6%, Anime 10.3%, Action 6.9%

Serious Sam 3: BFE is a prequel to the original indie fast action FPS and Game of the Year sensation - Serious Sam: The First Encounter!

Why similar: Co-op 18.5%, Aliens 14.5%, Online Co-Op 12.1%, Split Screen 10.3% ★, Action 9.8%