The 10 Best Horde Survival Strategy Games to Play in 2026
- Second Earth
The developers behind Terra Nil and Broforce, Free Lives, unveiled a promising horde-defense strategy game prototype in 2019. Despite its potential, Second Earth (https://squidcor.itch.io/second-earth) remains an unfinished gem. Thankfully, it's still accessible for free on itch.io, offering a glimpse into a genre-defining experience.
- Conan Unconquered
Conan Unconquered (https://store.steampowered.com/app/989690/Conan_Unconquered/) is a brutal base defense RTS, akin to They Are Billions. Set in the harsh world of Conan the Barbarian, players fortify settlements against relentless enemy waves. The key to success lies in scale: well-designed walls, towers, and kill zones are crucial. The game encourages strategic defenses, redundancy, and terrain utilization, a hallmark of the genre. Conan Unconquered also supports cooperative gameplay, allowing players to unite against the onslaught.
- 9 Kings
9 Kings (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2784470/9_Kings/) was hailed as one of the best strategy games of 2025. This auto-battler, with its minimalist pixel art, conceals a deep strategy game beneath its simple facade. It's a kingdom defense RTS hybrid, demanding smart unit and building placement on a limited grid. Players must consider long-term strategies and unit-building combinations. Unlike traditional RTS, 9 Kings thrives on constraints, making every decision critical. Poor choices can quickly lead to an insurmountable situation. This game has become a favorite, offering a unique blend of depth and accessibility.
