Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like METAL SLUG DEFENSE (2026)
Every game below overlaps with METAL SLUG DEFENSE 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: Kingdom: Classic, which both strategy and relaxing.
- METAL SLUG DEFENSE is tagged Free to Play, Action, 2D, Tower Defense, Multiplayer, Strategy, Adventure, Pixel Graphics 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.
- 18 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
Kingdom: Classic
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Strategy and 2D; released around the same time (2015).
Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic.
Kingdom: Classic at a glance Released 2015 Studio Noio Player sentiment 91% positive of 22,707 Price Free Free to PlayStrategy2DPixel GraphicsCasualTower Defense
- 2
Bloons TD Battles
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Tower Defense and Strategy; 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 Free to PlayTower DefenseStrategyCasual2DMassively Multiplayer
- 3
CS2D
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, 2D and Shooter; 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 Free to Play2DShooterCasualPixel GraphicsStrategy
- 4
Mitos.is: The Game
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer and Strategy; released around the same time (2015).
Step into the microscopic world of Mitos.is! Eat or be eaten—become the ultimate cell in a highly addictive multiplayer game. Diverse modes, daily tournaments, guilds, and gear await! The BEST game of 2015 is back!
Mitos.is: The Game at a glance Released 2015 Studio Freakinware Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 12,054 Price Free Free to PlayMassively MultiplayerStrategy2DCasualArcade
- 5
Battle Islands
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Free to Play and Casual; released around the same time (2014).
Battle friends over air, land and sea in this epic WW2-themed battle strategy game.
Battle Islands at a glance Released 2014 Studio DR Studios Player sentiment 75% positive of 3,469 Price Free StrategyFree to PlayCasualTower DefenseShooter2D
- 6
GUNS UP!
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Strategy and Tower Defense; released around the same time (2018).
GUNS UP! is a free-to-play side-scrolling strategy game that pits players against each other in a battle to destroy enemy bases to increase their own army’s strength. GUNS UP! combines the fun of enemy base invasion with tower–defense, for an experience like no other!
GUNS UP! at a glance Released 2018 Studio Valkyrie Entertainment, LLC Player sentiment 75% positive of 6,679 Price Not listed Free to PlayStrategyTower DefenseCasualMassively MultiplayerShooter
- 7
Ninja Kiwi Archive
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Casual, Arcade and Strategy.
Enjoy some of the best loved Flash games of the past in this awesome time capsule of over 60 Ninja Kiwi classics. Experience a piece of history and play the original Flash games that spawned the worldwide phenomenon of Bloons TD.
Ninja Kiwi Archive at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ninja Kiwi Player sentiment 93% positive of 5,804 Price Free CasualArcadeStrategyTower Defense2DPixel Graphics
- 8
Soda Dungeon
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Pixel Graphics and Casual; released around the same time (2017).
Pop the top on some legendary action with Soda Dungeon, the fresh and fizzy hit mobile RPG adventure, now available on your desktop! Manage your team as you raid the local dungeons, upgrade your tavern, and attract new party members. Gold, legendary items, and more await you.
Soda Dungeon at a glance Released 2017 Studio AN Productions Player sentiment 94% positive of 6,332 Price Free Free to PlayPixel GraphicsCasual2DStrategy
- 9
Transformice
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer and 2D; released around the same time (2015).
Transformice is an MMO platformer about dozens of mice running to bring back the cheese! Will the almighty Shaman help you or just ruin everything? Millions of levels, hectic physics, skill trees, and more importantly... hats!
Transformice at a glance Released 2015 Studio Atelier 801 Player sentiment 88% positive of 28,934 Price Free Free to PlayMassively Multiplayer2DCasualStrategy
- 10
Time Clickers
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Casual and Shooter; released around the same time (2015).
Time Clickers is what's called an 'incremental game'. There's always a fun upgrade to look forward to, and the numbers keep getting bigger! Hire a team to fight for you, even when you're offline!
Time Clickers at a glance Released 2015 Studio Proton Studio Inc Player sentiment 87% positive of 5,126 Price Free Free to PlayCasualShooterStrategyTower Defense
- 11
Realm Grinder
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Pixel Graphics and Strategy; released around the same time (2017).
Grow your realm, build alliances, and explore one of the deepest idle RPGs ever!
Realm Grinder at a glance Released 2017 Studio Divine Games Player sentiment 87% positive of 7,441 Price Free Free to PlayPixel GraphicsStrategy2DCasual
- 12
Worm.is: The Game
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Casual and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
Unleash the apex worm in you! Join a world where you eat to grow and aim to become the largest worm around. Dodge viruses, cut off enemy paths, and indulge in addictive multiplayer action. Custom skins, game modes, and more await!
Worm.is: The Game at a glance Released 2016 Studio Freakinware Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 4,723 Price Free Free to PlayCasual2DStrategyArcade
- 13
Real Pool 3D - Poolians
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Casual and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2018).
Real Pool 3D (Poolians) is one of the best online pool games. Play against the computer or real players all over the world! It supports 8 different types of pool games and team play mode.
Real Pool 3D - Poolians at a glance Released 2018 Studio Poolians.com Player sentiment 76% positive of 19,904 Price Free Free to PlayCasualMassively MultiplayerStrategyShooter
- 14
Zula Global
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Shooter and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2018).
Zula is an intense free-to-play FPS in which you can play cooperatively with your teammates to overthrow the enemy side. You can enjoy new content weekly and receive gifts every day. Variety of maps and weapons from the real world so you can immerse yourself 100%.
Zula Global at a glance Released 2018 Studio Madbyte Games Player sentiment 69% positive of 7,946 Price Free Free to PlayShooterMassively MultiplayerStrategyCasual
- 15
Balatro
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, Pixel Graphics and Casual.
The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Balatro at a glance Released 2024 Studio LocalThunk Player sentiment 98% positive of 197,690 Price $14.99 StrategyPixel GraphicsCasual2DArcade
- 16
Zuma
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Arcade, 2D and Strategy.
Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it's up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.
Zuma at a glance Released 2003 Studio Oberon Media Player sentiment 96% positive of 6,806 Price $4.99 Arcade2DStrategyCasualShooter
- 17
Soda Dungeon 2
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Pixel Graphics and Casual.
Everyone’s favorite laid-back dungeon crawler returns in Soda Dungeon 2. Featuring a new adventure, a whole town to upgrade, crafting, new classes, alternate dimensions, and more! It’s everything you loved about the original plus all the stuff you’ve been asking for.
Soda Dungeon 2 at a glance Released 2020 Studio AN Productions Player sentiment 94% positive of 5,665 Price Free Free to PlayPixel GraphicsCasual2DStrategy
- 18
ShellShock Live
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, 2D and Shooter.
Demolish your friends with hundreds of upgradable weapons shot from your customizable tank in this action-packed online multiplayer tanks game. Earn XP to level up and unlock new tanks, weapons, and gear. Fight against or alongside your friends for strategic team or free-for-all matches.
ShellShock Live at a glance Released 2020 Studio kChamp Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 35,594 Price $9.99 Strategy2DShooterCasualMassively Multiplayer
- 19
BRAIN / OUT
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, 2D and Shooter; released around the same time (2017).
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!
BRAIN / OUT at a glance Released 2017 Studio Desertkun Player sentiment 82% positive of 15,226 Price Free Free to Play2DShooterPixel GraphicsMassively MultiplayerCasual
- 20
Mr.Mine
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, Casual and 2D.
Explore the depths of the earth and uncover hidden treasures in this addictive idle mining game. Unlock the power of your drill with hundreds of upgrades, discover mysterious relics, and unearth priceless gems. Can you master the mines and reveal their deepest secrets? Dive in and dig deep!
Mr.Mine at a glance Released 2020 Studio Playsaurus Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,635 Price Free StrategyCasual2DPixel GraphicsFree to Play
- 21
Bombergrounds: Battle Royale
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Arcade, Massively Multiplayer and Casual.
BOMBERGROUNDS: Immerse in a free-to-play massive multiplayer action-packed arena inspired by classic bomber games. Dash, bomb, bat, and explode your way to victory. Your realm of relentless arcade action is just a click away—dive in and rule the grounds!
Bombergrounds: Battle Royale at a glance Released 2022 Studio Gigantic Duck Games Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,340 Price Free ArcadeMassively MultiplayerCasualFree to PlayStrategy
- 22
Pixel Strike 3D
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Shooter and Pixel Graphics.
Pixel Strike 3D is a Multiplayer First-Person Shooter that features fast-paced gameplay and a wide variety of player customization. Battle friends and foes from all around the world in over 20 unique game modes, with over 70 available weapons.
Pixel Strike 3D at a glance Released 2020 Studio Vulcron Player sentiment 74% positive of 12,507 Price Free Free to PlayShooterPixel GraphicsCasualMassively Multiplayer
- 23
Baba Is You
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Pixel Graphics, 2D and Casual; released around the same time (2019).
Baba Is You is a puzzle game where the rules you have to follow are present as blocks you can interact with. By manipulating them, you can change how the game works, repurpose things you find in the levels and cause surprising interactions!
Baba Is You at a glance Released 2019 Studio Hempuli Oy Player sentiment 98% positive of 24,536 Price $14.99 Pixel Graphics2DCasualStrategy
- 24
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Pixel Graphics, 2D and Strategy; released around the same time (2013).
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Papers, Please at a glance Released 2013 Studio Lucas Pope Player sentiment 97% positive of 80,337 Price $9.99 Pixel Graphics2DStrategyCasual
Common questions
What game is most like METAL SLUG DEFENSE?
Kingdom: Classic, on the evidence we have. It both strategy and relaxing. 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 METAL SLUG DEFENSE" 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 METAL SLUG DEFENSE. 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.