Introduction
Horde survival real-time strategy games scratch a very specific itch, but the combination of both is a massive success amongst strategy players. The combination of long-term planning, resource management, crazy base and defense building, as well as the excitement (and panic) of watching thousands of enemies crash against your defenses and wondering if they will hold. Whether it’s zombies, monsters, aliens, or nightmarish horrors from another realm, the core fantasy is always the same: hold the line, or everything collapses.
This list ranks the 10 best horde survival RTS games to play in 2026, focusing on titles that emphasize turtling, base defense, overwhelming enemy numbers, and that uniquely satisfying moment when your fortifications finally hold.
If you’re a fan of these types of articles and would like more recommendations on which games to play in 2026, be sure to check out my other lists!
10 – Infection Free Zone
Infection Free Zone is one of the most unique strategy games ever created, like, of all time, and is essentially the video game equivalent of the scenario we all thought about in our heads when asked, “What would I do if a zombie outbreak started today?” Well, if you want to test that scenario out, boot up Infection Free Zone, pick up your real-world location, and watch the game turn the city or town you live in into real-life simulations of a zombie virus crisis, with real-life shops like pharmacies, department stores, and gunsmiths being transformed into their videogame counterparts as well. It’s a pretty cool system that works incredibly well, and in my review, I have praised it immensely for finally taking the old and tired zombie formula and creating something interesting with it.
9 – Kingdoms and Castles
Most of the games on this list feature zombies, nightmarish creatures from legend, multi-legged aliens, and all sorts of crazy shenanigans, so Kingdoms and Castles stands out for being the most grounded title in here, even with its trolls and dragons. As the ruler of a small (but soon to grow) medieval kingdom, players must act accordingly, build their town up, fortify it, and then defend it against raiding Vikings. It’s set apart from other titles by its modular wall-building, funny and goofy artstyle, as well as its city-sim aspect.
8 – Infested Planet
Do not be fooled by the Miniclip-like graphics of Infested Planet, because this is one of the most entertaining and challenging best horde survival strategy games you can play in 2026. Players are tasked with going over a lengthy campaign consisting of ever more challenging battles where they’re dropped into a hostile alien planet and have to root out thousands of alien creatures with an elite squad of soldiers. The gameplay ranges from desperate defenses and last stands to consistent and steady advances across the map in order to take out key enemy positions that constantly spawn new crawlers. There are plenty of weapons and equipment, a lot of soldier types, and it’s oh so satisfying to watch a plan come together, and just sit back and relax as your perfectly placed turrets and battle likes can easily hold off a large swath of enemies, while you plan your next move.
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