Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair (2026)
Every game below overlaps with EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5, which made by the same studio, SANDLOT.
- EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair is tagged Action, Third-Person Shooter, Co-op, Online Co-Op, Aliens, Mechs, Sci-fi, Local Co-Op by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5
Why it matched: made by the same studio, SANDLOT; both science fiction and difficult; shares 12 player tags including Online Co-Op, Third-Person Shooter and Mechs; released around the same time (2019).
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.
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 at a glance Released 2019 Studio SANDLOT Player sentiment 94% positive of 11,522 Price $59.99 Online Co-OpThird-Person ShooterMechsAliensShooterLocal Co-OpSci-fiSplit Screen
- 2
Serious Sam 3: BFE
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Gore, Comedy and Online Co-Op.
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!
Serious Sam 3: BFE at a glance Released 2011 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 88% positive of 28,656 Price $29.99 GoreComedyOnline Co-OpAliensShooterLocal Co-OpSplit ScreenDifficult
- 3
HELLDIVERS Dive Harder Edition
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2015).
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.
HELLDIVERS Dive Harder Edition at a glance Released 2015 Studio Arrowhead Game Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 33,376 Price $19.99 Online Co-OpLocal Co-OpSci-fiShooterComedyFunnyDifficultMechs
- 4
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Shooter, Gore and Comedy.
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is a visually upgraded and fully Steam supported remake version of the original high-adrenaline single-play and 16-player co-operative arcade-action FPS which was Gamespot's Game of the Year 2001 and which scored overall of 87% on Metacritic!
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter at a glance Released 2009 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,940 Price $14.99 ShooterGoreComedyOnline Co-OpAliensDifficultFunnySci-fi
- 5
Serious Sam II
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Comedy, Shooter and Gore; released around the same time (2012).
Serious Sam II is a shot of adrenaline to the hearts of first-person shooter fans across the world. This is serious!
Serious Sam II at a glance Released 2012 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 90% positive of 14,188 Price $9.99 ComedyShooterGoreFunnySci-fiOnline Co-OpDifficult
- 6
HELLDIVERS 2
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Third-Person Shooter and Shooter.
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.
HELLDIVERS 2 at a glance Released 2024 Studio Arrowhead Game Studios Player sentiment 75% positive of 1,159,493 Price $39.99 Online Co-OpThird-Person ShooterShooterSci-fiComedyGoreDifficult
- 7
Destroy All Humans!
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Aliens, Funny and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2020).
The cult-classic returns! Terrorize the people of 1950's Earth in the role of the evil alien Crypto-137. Harvest their DNA and bring down the US government in the faithful remake of the legendary alien invasion action adventure. Annihilate puny humans using an assortment of alien weaponry and psychic abilities.
Destroy All Humans! at a glance Released 2020 Studio Black Forest Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 11,497 Price $29.99 AliensFunnySci-fiComedyThird-Person ShooterDestructionGore
- 8
Alien: Isolation
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Sci-fi, Aliens and Difficult; released around the same time (2014).
Discover the true meaning of fear in Alien: Isolation, a survival horror set in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger.
Alien: Isolation at a glance Released 2014 Studio Creative Assembly Player sentiment 93% positive of 66,658 Price $11.99 Sci-fiAliensDifficultGoreShooter
- 9
SCP: Secret Laboratory
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Shooter, Online Co-Op and Memes; released around the same time (2017).
Deep within a secure underground facility, a sudden containment breach allows many of the secured anomalies to escape from their chambers. Assist the Foundation in re-securing the facility, help the Insurgency in their goal to capture it, or wreak havoc as an SCP in a frantic bid to escape.
SCP: Secret Laboratory at a glance Released 2017 Studio Northwood Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 234,020 Price Free ShooterOnline Co-OpMemesSci-fiDifficult
- 10
Tribes: Ascend
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Shooter, Sci-fi and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2012).
This edition packages weapon DLC from ten previous expansions as well new featured content.
Tribes: Ascend at a glance Released 2012 Studio Hi-Rez Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 8,582 Price Not listed ShooterSci-fiOnline Co-OpDifficultRobots
- 11
The Surge
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Sci-fi, Difficult and Mechs; released around the same time (2017).
Welcome to CREO, the megacorporation saving the world! A catastrophic event has knocked you out during the first day on the job… you wake up equipped with a heavy-grade exoskeleton, in a destroyed section of the complex.
The Surge at a glance Released 2017 Studio Deck13 Player sentiment 75% positive of 12,215 Price $14.99 Sci-fiDifficultMechsRobotsGore
- 12
The Surge 2
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Sci-fi, Difficult and Gore; released around the same time (2019).
In a bid to survive, explore the sprawling, devastated Jericho City. Fight ferocious threats in brutal, unforgiving combat, slashing and tearing the limbs off your opponents to steal their equipment.
The Surge 2 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Deck13 Player sentiment 75% positive of 9,558 Price $29.99 Sci-fiDifficultGoreMechsRobots
- 13
Cortex Command
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Local Co-Op, Sci-fi and Difficult; released around the same time (2012).
Choose between different factions, with their own set of expendable soldiers, mechas, and weapons. Protect your brain, mine gold, and destroy the enemy cortex in his bunker complex!
Cortex Command at a glance Released 2012 Studio Data Realms Player sentiment 72% positive of 6,034 Price $19.99 Local Co-OpSci-fiDifficultGoreSplit Screen
- 14
Duke Nukem Forever
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Shooter, Aliens and Comedy.
The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, giant explosions and pure unadulterated fun!
Duke Nukem Forever at a glance Released 2011 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 69% positive of 11,615 Price $19.99 ShooterAliensComedySci-fiFunnyGoreMemes
- 15
War Robots: Frontiers
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Third-Person Shooter, Mechs and Robots.
Gear up for tactical mech action in War Robots: Frontiers, a free-to-play multiplayer mech shooter. Construct and customize, squad up with Pilots online, and fire up your engines in massive intergalactic battles.
War Robots: Frontiers at a glance Released 2025 Studio MY.GAMES Player sentiment 66% positive of 4,884 Price Free Third-Person ShooterMechsRobotsSci-fiShooterOnline Co-OpDestruction
- 16
Mighty No. 9
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Anime, Robots and Difficult; released around the same time (2016).
Mighty No. 9 is a 2D Side-scrolling Action game that takes the best elements from 8 and 16-bit classics that you know and love and transforms them with modern tech, fresh mechanics, and fan input into something fresh and amazing!
Mighty No. 9 at a glance Released 2016 Studio Inti Creates Player sentiment 50% positive of 3,453 Price $19.99 AnimeRobotsDifficultSci-fiComedy
- 17
Borderlands 2
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Shooter, Funny and Comedy; released around the same time (2012).
The Ultimate Vault Hunter’s Upgrade lets you get the most out of the Borderlands 2 experience.
Borderlands 2 at a glance Released 2012 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 90% positive of 312,170 Price $19.99 ShooterFunnyComedyOnline Co-OpMemesSci-fi
- 18
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Comedy, Third-Person Shooter and Funny; released around the same time (2013).
Experience the insane antics of Saints Row IV. The Saints have gone from the Penthouse to the White House - but Earth has been invaded and it’s up to you to save it with an arsenal of superpowers and strange weapons, in the wildest open world game ever.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected at a glance Released 2013 Studio Deep Silver Volition Player sentiment 88% positive of 77,585 Price $4.99 ComedyThird-Person ShooterFunnyOnline Co-OpAliensSci-fi
- 19
Half-Life
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Sci-fi, Shooter and Aliens.
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
Half-Life at a glance Released 1998 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 96% positive of 163,786 Price $9.99 Sci-fiShooterAliensGoreDifficult
- 20
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Robots, Funny and Online Co-Op.
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone is a robot voxel slice-em-up where any part of your body can be sliced off. With your mind downloaded into a robot gladiator, you must survive the sinister trials of the arena.
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone at a glance Released 2021 Studio Doborog Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 39,400 Price $6.99 RobotsFunnyOnline Co-OpDifficultComedy
- 21
Resident Evil: Revelations
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Third-Person Shooter, Online Co-Op and Shooter; released around the same time (2012).
Resident Evil® Revelations returns redefined for PC complete with high quality HD visuals, enhanced lighting effects and an immersive sound experience.
Resident Evil: Revelations at a glance Released 2012 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 81% positive of 18,426 Price $19.99 Third-Person ShooterOnline Co-OpShooterGoreSci-fiAnime
- 22
Resident Evil Revelations
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Third-Person Shooter, Online Co-Op and Shooter; released around the same time (2013).
Resident Evil® Revelations returns redefined for PC complete with high quality HD visuals, enhanced lighting effects and an immersive sound experience.
Resident Evil Revelations at a glance Released 2013 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 81% positive of 18,430 Price $19.99 Third-Person ShooterOnline Co-OpShooterGoreSci-fiAnime
- 23
STAR WARS Battlefront
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Shooter, Sci-fi and Third-Person Shooter; released around the same time (2020).
The STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Ultimate Edition includes the STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Deluxe Edition as well as the STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Season Pass.
STAR WARS Battlefront at a glance Released 2020 Studio DICE Player sentiment 79% positive of 5,869 Price $19.99 ShooterSci-fiThird-Person ShooterOnline Co-OpSplit ScreenAliens
- 24
Returnal
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including Online Co-Op, Third-Person Shooter and Shooter.
BREAK THE CYCLE Fight to survive as this award-winning third-person shooter brings Selene’s story to PC. Take on roguelike challenges. Engage enemies in bullet hell-fuelled clashes. Share your journey through Returnal™ with another player.
Returnal at a glance Released 2023 Studio Housemarque Player sentiment 81% positive of 11,035 Price $59.99 Online Co-OpThird-Person ShooterShooterSci-fiDifficult
Common questions
What game is most like EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair?
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, SANDLOT. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair do?
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 is also from SANDLOT, and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.