Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like ESEA (2026)
Every game below overlaps with ESEA 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: Splitgate: Arena Warfare, which both strategy.
- ESEA is tagged Utilities, Multiplayer, Mature, Competitive, e-sports, Co-op, Strategy 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.
- 9 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
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
Splitgate: Arena Warfare
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Competitive, e-sports and Strategy; released around the same time (2019).
Splitgate is a free-to-play, fast-paced multiplayer shooter that features player-controlled portals. This sci-fi shooter takes the FPS genre to a new dimension with its portal mechanics, delivering high-flying, multi-dimensional combat.
Splitgate: Arena Warfare at a glance Released 2019 Studio 1047 Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 110,493 Price Free Competitivee-sportsStrategy
- 2
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Competitive, e-sports and Strategy; released around the same time (2012).
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive at a glance Released 2012 Studio Valve Player sentiment 86% positive of 9,826,211 Price Free Competitivee-sportsStrategy
- 3
Battlerite
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Competitive, Strategy and e-sports; released around the same time (2017).
BATTLERITE is an action-packed team arena brawler. Experience the unique combination of top-down shooter meets fast-paced fighting game and challenge friends and foes in a battle of reaction. The Arena awaits!
Battlerite at a glance Released 2017 Studio Stunlock Studios Player sentiment 85% positive of 59,264 Price Free CompetitiveStrategye-sports
- 4
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including e-sports, Competitive and Strategy; released around the same time (2015).
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is an elite, tactical team-based shooter where superior planning and execution triumph.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege at a glance Released 2015 Studio Ubisoft Toronto Player sentiment 82% positive of 1,546,025 Price Free e-sportsCompetitiveStrategy
- 5
Dota Underlords
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Strategy, Mature and Competitive; released around the same time (2019).
Hire a crew and destroy your rivals in this new strategy battler set in the world of Dota. Introducing Season One: Explore White Spire and earn rewards on the Battle Pass. Pick from several different game modes, play on your own or with friends, and take advantage of crossplay on PC and mobile.
Dota Underlords at a glance Released 2019 Studio Valve Player sentiment 82% positive of 90,947 Price Free StrategyMatureCompetitive
- 6
Dota 2
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Strategy, e-sports and Competitive; released around the same time (2013).
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
Dota 2 at a glance Released 2013 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 81% positive of 2,768,190 Price Free Strategye-sportsCompetitive
- 7
Due Process
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including e-sports, Competitive and Strategy; released around the same time (2020).
A PVP tactical FPS about PLANNING & EXECUTION. Sound strategy and good teamwork are essential for victory because new PROCEDURALLY-GENERATED MAPS are delivered every week. You'll face a new tactical challenge every round.
Due Process at a glance Released 2020 Studio Giant Enemy Crab Player sentiment 81% positive of 8,556 Price $9.99 e-sportsCompetitiveStrategy
- 8
Heavy Metal Machines
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including e-sports, Competitive and Strategy; released around the same time (2018).
Heavy Metal Machines is a one of a kind Free-to-Play Multiplayer Vehicular Combat game where players engage in 4v4 intense battles, controlling lethal vehicles in post-apocalyptic arenas.
Heavy Metal Machines at a glance Released 2018 Studio Hoplon Player sentiment 75% positive of 3,953 Price Not listed e-sportsCompetitiveStrategy
- 9
Prime World
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Strategy, Competitive and e-sports; released around the same time (2014).
Prime World is a free online game in RPG / MOBA genre with a unique universe where tactical session battles, castle management, and hero development are mixed together. Gather your collection of talents, build an army of invincible heroes and become the champion!
Prime World at a glance Released 2014 Studio Nival Player sentiment 59% positive of 3,762 Price Not listed StrategyCompetitivee-sports
- 10
Artifact
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Strategy, e-sports and Competitive; released around the same time (2018).
Artifact now features two games: Artifact Classic, the original Dota 2 trading card game, and Artifact Foundry, a special edition with streamlined gameplay, new cards, new single-player content, and an improved new player experience.
Artifact at a glance Released 2018 Studio Valve Player sentiment 47% positive of 24,768 Price Free Strategye-sportsCompetitive
- 11
Counter-Strike
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Competitive, e-sports and Strategy.
Play the world's number 1 online action game. Engage in an incredibly realistic brand of terrorist warfare in this wildly popular team-based game. Ally with teammates to complete strategic missions. Take out enemy sites. Rescue hostages. Your role affects your team's success. Your team's success affects your role.
Counter-Strike at a glance Released 2000 Studio Valve Player sentiment 97% positive of 261,499 Price $9.99 Competitivee-sportsStrategy
- 12
Counter-Strike: Source
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 3 player tags including Competitive, e-sports and Strategy.
Counter-Strike: Source blends Counter-Strike's award-winning teamplay action with the advanced technology of Source™ technology.
Counter-Strike: Source at a glance Released 2004 Studio Valve Player sentiment 96% positive of 193,040 Price $9.99 Competitivee-sportsStrategy
- 13
Age of Empires II (Retired)
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Competitive; released around the same time (2013).
Age of Empires II has been re-imagined in high definition. With the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, this product will not be updated further.
Age of Empires II (Retired) at a glance Released 2013 Studio Skybox Labs Player sentiment 96% positive of 102,820 Price $19.99 StrategyCompetitive
- 14
HuniePop
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Mature and Strategy; released around the same time (2015).
HuniePop is a unique sim experience for PC, Mac and Linux. It's a gameplay first approach that's part dating sim, part puzzle game, with light RPG elements, a visual novel style of presentation, an abrasive western writing style and plenty of "plot".
HuniePop at a glance Released 2015 Studio HuniePot Player sentiment 96% positive of 31,679 Price $9.99 MatureStrategy
- 15
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Mature; released around the same time (2018).
A digital voyeur simulator where you watch strangers through surveillance cameras. Invade their privacy and witness their most intimate moments, but don’t interact with the subjects – anything could happen if you dare feed the monkeys!
Do Not Feed the Monkeys at a glance Released 2018 Studio Fictiorama Studios Player sentiment 94% positive of 12,706 Price $15.99 StrategyMature
- 16
Insurgency
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Competitive; released around the same time (2014).
Take to the streets for intense close quarters combat, where a team's survival depends upon securing crucial strongholds and destroying enemy supply in this multiplayer and cooperative Source Engine based experience.
Insurgency at a glance Released 2014 Studio New World Interactive Player sentiment 92% positive of 124,644 Price $14.99 StrategyCompetitive
- 17
Bloons TD Battles
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Competitive; released around the same time (2016).
Go head to head with other players in a Bloon-popping battle for victory. From the creators of best-selling Bloons TD 6, this all new Battles game is specially designed for multiplayer combat, featuring the ability to control bloons directly and send them charging past your opponent's defenses.
Bloons TD Battles at a glance Released 2016 Studio Ninja Kiwi Player sentiment 91% positive of 29,313 Price Free StrategyCompetitive
- 18
Chinese Parents
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Mature; released around the same time (2018).
In this casual sim set in China, you step into the shoes of an average kid from birth towards the end of your high school. Study hard, have fun, make friends and face your ultimate challenge, the “Gaokao”. What will your life be after that? And when you have a child, will you be a Tiger Parent?
Chinese Parents at a glance Released 2018 Studio 墨鱼玩游戏 Player sentiment 91% positive of 27,000 Price $9.99 StrategyMature
- 19
Guns of Icarus Online
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Competitive and Strategy; released around the same time (2012).
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.
Guns of Icarus Online at a glance Released 2012 Studio Muse Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 14,674 Price $4.99 CompetitiveStrategy
- 20
Hearts of Iron IV
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Competitive; released around the same time (2016).
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history.
Hearts of Iron IV at a glance Released 2016 Studio Paradox Development Studio Player sentiment 90% positive of 375,658 Price $49.99 StrategyCompetitive
- 21
CS2D
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Competitive; released around the same time (2017).
CS2D is a free fast-paced top-down multiplayer shooter. Featuring many different game modes, a built-in map editor and much more.
CS2D at a glance Released 2017 Studio Unreal Software Player sentiment 90% positive of 10,349 Price Free StrategyCompetitive
- 22
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Mature; released around the same time (2018).
Discover a brand new RPG from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Facing an imminent invasion, Meve — war-veteran and Queen of Lyria and Rivia — is forced to once again enter the warpath and set out on a dark journey of destruction and revenge.
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales at a glance Released 2018 Studio CD PROJEKT RED Player sentiment 90% positive of 17,339 Price $19.99 StrategyMature
- 23
911 Operator
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Mature; released around the same time (2017).
Game about the difficult work of people that manage emergency lines and services. Answer incoming calls and react properly - give first aid instructions, advise, dispatch correct number of firemen / police / ambulances, or sometimes - just ignore the call. Play on ANY CITY in the world!
911 Operator at a glance Released 2017 Studio Jutsu Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 19,785 Price $14.99 StrategyMature
- 24
War of Rights
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 2 player tags including Strategy and Mature; released around the same time (2018).
War of Rights is a first person multiplayer game featuring massive 400 player battles with a focus on historical authenticity, teamplay and immersion. It is set during the perilous days of the American Civil War, in the Maryland Campaign of September, 1862.
War of Rights at a glance Released 2018 Studio Campfire Games Player sentiment 88% positive of 15,040 Price $29.99 StrategyMature
Common questions
What game is most like ESEA?
Splitgate: Arena Warfare, on the evidence we have. It both strategy. 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 ESEA" 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 ESEA. 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.
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.