EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 similar games & best alternatives

EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5

PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2019

Should you play it?

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.

What works
  • Fun and chaotic co-op gameplay
  • Varied classes and extensive weapon upgrades
  • High replay value with many missions
  • Over-the-top b-movie style charm
  • No third-party account required
Things to keep in mind
  • Dated graphics and animations
  • Some grind required for progression
  • Story is cheesy and nonsensical
  • Vehicle controls can be clunky
  • Solo play can feel overwhelming

What to play next

Similar games, hidden gems, and fresh directions from this game.

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Battlezone Gold Edition

  • Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced

  • C.A.S.T. (CHERNOZEM ANOMALY STRIKE TEAM)

  • UNLOVED

  • Heroes of Hammerwatch

  • Starship Troopers: Extermination

  • Mycopunk

  • SAMURAI WARRIORS 4 DX

  • Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition
Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Battlezone Gold Edition

  • Leviaclaw

  • MetaPhysical
If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot for a screenshot preview, score, and top score gaps; click to compare in the panel on the right.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5: A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Violence, Cooperation. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Exploration.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

    4

    "Players can choose among four distinct classes with unique playstyles and freely select weapons and strategies, supporting high player control and decision-making."

    Capsule for EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair

    "Players can choose from four distinct classes with unique playstyles and freely select weapons and strategies per mission."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    4

    "The game requires skillful piloting, aiming, and tactical use of weapons and consumables, with a learning curve and rewarding mastery."

    Capsule for EVERSPACE™ EVERSPACE™

    "The game requires skillful use of different classes and weapons, strategic planning for missions, and mastering mechanics like dodging and positioning."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

    -3

    "Focus is primarily on cooperative play and personal progression rather than direct competition or leaderboards."

    Capsule for Gloomhaven Gloomhaven

    "Focus is primarily on cooperative play and personal progression rather than direct competition or leaderboards."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    4

    "High replay value with many missions, weapon collection, and difficulty levels encourages long-term habitual play."

    Capsule for EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair

    "High replay value with over 100 missions, weapon and armor upgrades, and difficulty scaling encourages long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

    5

    "Strong emphasis on multiplayer co-op play, with shared screen and mechanics designed for teamwork."

    Capsule for Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos

    "Strong emphasis on multiplayer co-op with teamwork required to succeed on harder difficulties; split-screen and online co-op supported."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

    2

    "Customization of weapons, modules, and loadouts allows creative approaches to missions, though within predefined options."

    Capsule for Jet Lancer Jet Lancer

    "Customization of loadouts and weapon upgrades allow some creative approaches, though missions are fixed and structured."

  • Domination

    Game with the same Domination vibe

    -2

    "Interactions emphasize shared team play and cooperation rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

    Capsule for SYNTHETIK 2 SYNTHETIK 2

    "Interactions emphasize shared team play and mutual support rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

    4

    "Players use the game as an immersive escape into a chaotic sci-fi world, often roleplaying and enjoying cinematic battles."

    Capsule for Starship Troopers: Extermination Starship Troopers: Extermination

    "Players enjoy escaping into a chaotic, over-the-top sci-fi world with absurd weapons and enemies, providing stress relief and fun."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and intrinsic interest, with no indication of obligation or external pressure."

    Capsule for Overdungeon Overdungeon

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and intrinsic interest, with no external obligations or pressures noted."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

    3

    "Players experiment with different classes, weapons, and strategies to overcome challenges."

    Capsule for Killing Floor Killing Floor

    "Players experiment with different classes, weapons, and strategies to overcome varied enemy types and mission challenges."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

    1

    "Missions have large maps with destructible environments, but limited variety and no open-world exploration."

    Capsule for Panzer Knights Panzer Knights

    "Missions are fixed and not procedurally generated, but players explore diverse large maps with destructible environments."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

    2

    "Some character and weapon customization, but mostly standardized presentation."

    Capsule for Laika: Aged Through Blood Laika: Aged Through Blood

    "Some character and weapon customization including color options, though mostly standardized presentation."

  • Fantasy

    Game with the same Fantasy vibe

    5

    "Strongly rooted in imaginative sci-fi B-movie fantasy with giant insects, robots, kaiju, and over-the-top scenarios."

    Capsule for EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair

    "Strongly rooted in imaginative sci-fi B-movie style with giant insects, aliens, mechs, and exaggerated scenarios."

  • Fellowship

    Game with the same Fellowship vibe

    4

    "Community and social play are important; players enjoy shared experiences and group achievements."

    Capsule for Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2 Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2

    "Community and social play are important, with shared experiences, cooperative achievements, and group camaraderie."

  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

    4

    "Players develop skills in combat, learn mechanics, and progress through unlocking abilities and upgrading equipment."

    Capsule for Shiro Enkai Shiro Enkai

    "Players develop skills in combat tactics and weapon mastery, and progress by upgrading weapons and armor."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    -4

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

    Capsule for AI LIMIT AI LIMIT

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

    -3

    "Requires active engagement and focus during missions; not designed for casual or background play."

    Capsule for Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon

    "Requires active focus and continuous engagement during missions; not suited for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

    2

    "Some social interaction and camaraderie in co-op, but limited emotional depth in relationships."

    Capsule for Rocketbirds 2 Evolution Rocketbirds 2 Evolution

    "Some social interaction and camaraderie in co-op, but limited evidence of deep emotional or close personal relationships."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

    1

    "Some strategic coordination in co-op, but no explicit leadership roles or authority."

    Capsule for Fortified Fortified

    "Some strategic coordination in co-op, but no strong emphasis on formal leadership roles or authority."

  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    5

    "Strong progression systems with unlocking classes, weapons, runes, factions, and meta upgrades driving player advancement."

    Capsule for Conquest Dark Conquest Dark

    "Strong progression system with weapon upgrades, armor acquisition, and unlocking new gear driving player advancement."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    2

    "Gameplay can be chaotic and intense but also provides satisfying flow and catharsis."

    Capsule for Apocalypse Party Apocalypse Party

    "Gameplay balances chaotic action with moments of flow and catharsis, though some missions can be tense and challenging."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    4

    "High sensory stimulation from detailed graphics, sound design, and explosive action."

    Capsule for Battlefield™ V Battlefield™ V

    "High sensory stimulation with explosive visuals, ragdoll physics, and intense sound design."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

    -3

    "Focus is on cooperative play and personal enjoyment rather than social recognition or popularity."

    Capsule for EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair

    "Focus is on cooperative play and personal enjoyment rather than social recognition or popularity."

  • Story

    Game with the same Story vibe

    1

    "Story is light and humorous, serving as backdrop rather than deep narrative immersion."

    Capsule for Wheel World Wheel World

    "Story is cheesy and campy, serving mostly as a humorous backdrop rather than deep narrative immersion."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

    3

    "Requires tactical planning, weapon loadout choices, and team coordination."

    Capsule for After the Fall® After the Fall®

    "Requires tactical planning, loadout selection, and situational awareness to succeed, especially in co-op and harder difficulties."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

    3

    "Players experience excitement from hordes of enemies and challenging combat encounters."

    Capsule for Zombie Shooter 2 Zombie Shooter 2

    "Players experience excitement and tension from overwhelming enemy hordes and challenging missions."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    4

    "Offers extensive content, replayability, and quality gameplay, considered worth the price by players."

    Capsule for Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition

    "Offers extensive content, replayability, and fun gameplay, considered worth the price especially on sale."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around violent combat, gore, and destruction of alien enemies."

    Capsule for Alien Shooter 2: Reloaded Alien Shooter 2: Reloaded

    "Core gameplay revolves around combat, destruction, and explosive violence against alien enemies."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    3

    "Players must manage threats, resources, and strategic defense to avoid defeat."

    Capsule for Solium Infernum Solium Infernum

    "Players must manage threats and survive overwhelming enemy forces, requiring strategic defense and resource use."

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Last update: 01/06/2026