Castle Crashers stormed onto the gaming scene in 2008, charming players with its clever blend of hack-and-slash action and side-scrolling adventure. As one of the most popular indie games of its time, Castle Crashers brings back nostalgic memories of classics like Golden Axe and Battletoads.
But what happens when you’ve rescued all the princesses, unlocked all the animal orbs, and maxed out your characters? Where can you get your next fix of chaotic multiplayer battles and cartoon carnage games like Castle Crush?
Luckily there are lots of great games out there similar to Castle Crush that provide that strategic, army-building excitement. I’ve dug up 9 awesome Castle Crush alternatives that you should definitely check out. These games will satisfy your cravings with their castle sieging, army collecting, and resource managing gameplay.
9 Best Offline Castle Crush Similar Games
Here are 9 games to play if you love Castle Crashers.
1. Full Metal Furies
- Developer: Cellar Door Games
- Publisher: Cellar Door Games
- Release Year: 2018
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Genres: Action, Indie
- Platforms: Xbox One, PC
Full Metal Furies puts a fresh spin on the brawler genre with its team-based mechanics. Up to 4 players gang up to take down titans and hordes of enemies across 17 stages. You can switch between 4 distinct character classes on the fly to combo abilities together.
With a charming art style and crisp animations, Full Metal Furies nails that signature indie charm. The combat feels meaty as you juggle foes, unleash flashy attacks, and time parries. Boss fights turn frantic as you dash around titanic foes. And the challenge ramps up steadily thanks to a dynamic difficulty system.
Like Castle Crashers, Full Metal Furies infuses its beat ‘em up action with a quirky sense of humor. The banter between characters and over-the-top enemy designs will raise more than a few laughs.
- Satisfying combo-based combat
- Cool class switching mechanics
- Hilarious writing and visuals
- Co-op for up to 4 players
2. Shank 1 & 2
- Developer: Klei Entertainment
- Publisher: Klei Entertainment
- Release Year: 2010, 2012
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Genres: Action, Hack and slash, Platform
- Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac OS
For a healthy dose of blood-soaked 2D action, look no further than the Shank series. Armed with knives, guns, and killer wrestling moves, you slice and blast through swarms of thugs and gangsters across a gritty, crime-ridden city.
Shank’s combat feels intuitive, with simple light and heavy attacks that let you string together combos. Environments are destructible, letting you toss enemies into explosive barrels for added carnage. And cinematic finisher moves dispatch beefy foes in visceral fashion.
With a dark, graphic novel style, Shank stands out for its hyper-violent art direction. Execution moves result in gratuitous amounts of gore. And the mature revenge story is packed with f-bombs and dark humor. Play it if you like your brawlers bloody.
- Brutal, fast-paced combat
- Violent finishing moves
- Mature story and visuals
- Local co-op
3. River City Girls
- Developer: WayForward
- Publisher: Arc System Works
- Release Year: 2019
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Beat ’em up
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
River City Girls puts the spotlight on the leading ladies of retro beat ‘em ups. When Kyoko and Misako’s boyfriends are kidnapped, they set out on a mission across River City to rescue them – with plenty of brawling along the way.
With an art style and gameplay inspired by classics like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage, River City Girls overflows with nostalgia. The combat is instantly enjoyable thanks to simple combos and weapon pick-ups. Local co-op lets you team up or face-off against a friend.
But River City Girls stands out for its stellar chiptune soundtrack and witty writing. Kyoko and Misako’s banter during fights often steals the show thanks to excellent voice acting and laugh out loud dialogue.
- Retro pixel art style
- Local co-op campaign
- Humorous writing and voice acting
- Addictive beat ‘em up gameplay
4. Hammerwatch
- Developer: Crackshell
- Publisher: Jochumsson
- Release Year: 2013
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Genres: Action, Indie, RPG
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Hammerwatch takes hack-and-slash action and smashes it together with roguelike dungeon crawling. As one of 4 distinct classes, you battle through random levels stuffed with traps, enemies, and secrets. Loot improves your offense, while leveling up boosts your defense.
The top-down perspective gives Hammerwatch an arcade feel compared to Castle Crashers’ side view. But the frantic combat still delivers that addictive beat ‘em up vibe. Slashing through swarms of monsters and unleashing flashy special attacks feels great.
With permadeath enabled, Hammerwatch turns tense as you push deeper into the dungeon. Do you go all in against the boss to grab that sweet loot? Or play it safe and live to fight another day? Either way, with 4 player online and local co-op, battling through Hammerwatch’s dark dungeons is a blast.
- Roguelike randomly generated levels
- Deep character customization
- Challenging boss battles
- Online and local 4 player co-op
5. Hyper Light Drifter
- Developer: Heart Machine
- Publisher: Heart Machine
- Release Year: 2016
- Mode: Single-player
- Genres: Action role-playing, hack and slash
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux
For a more somber adventure, check out the critically acclaimed Hyper Light Drifter. This top down action-RPG crafts a melancholy world oozing with retro appeal. With its dreamlike pixel art and synthwave soundtrack, every area paints an entrancing atmosphere.
Drifter packs a surprisingly deep combat system of sword slashes, dashes, blasts, and more. Enemies move and attack intelligently, so you’ll need sharp reflexes and smart positioning to stay alive. Boss fights turn frantic as you learn attack patterns and wait for openings to strike.
While its world and characters are shrouded in mystery, Hyper Light Drifter’s somber tone provides a poignant contrast to Castle Crashers’ zany hijinks. If you want thoughtful action mixed with melancholy, Drifter is a must-play.
- Gorgeous pixel art visuals
- Deep, satisfying combat system
- Cryptic, thought provoking world
- Emotive synthwave soundtrack
6. Cuphead
- Developer: StudioMDHR
- Publisher: StudioMDHR
- Release Year: 2017
- Mode: Single-player, co-op
- Genres: Run and gun, shoot ’em up
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
For cartoon carnage with a retro twist, battle your way through the gorgeous hand-drawn world of Cuphead. Inspired by 1930s animation, Cuphead’s visuals burst with personality. As you shoot and dash through clever side-scrolling levels, prepare for a true test of skills.
With relentless bosses and minimal margin for error, Cuphead marries the intensity of bullet hell shoot ‘em ups with run and gun platforming. Pattern recognition and quick reflexes are key as you pour out firepower and carefully weave through projectiles.
Approachable 2 player co-op lets you tag team bosses with a pal. But playing solo is an equally enthralling test of concentration. If you crave a pretty game with tough as nails gameplay, Cuphead hits the spot.
- Beautiful hand-drawn visuals
- Challenging shoot ’em up gameplay
- Epic boss rush
- Play solo or 2 player co-op
7. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Year: 2010
- Mode: Multiplayer
- Genres: Beat ’em up
- Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360
Scott Pilgrim vs The World brings Bryan Lee O’Malley’s beloved graphic novel series to life in video game form. As Scott Pilgrim or his quirky companions, you battle your way through waves of enemies to fight for love.
With its comic book visual style and references to classic games, Scott Pilgrim oozes retro appeal. Pummeling themed enemies like skateboarders and rockers feels like a playable beat ‘em up cartoon.
Combat is simple but satisfying thanks to responsive controls and fun abilities. Coins let you buy stat boosts and powerful special attacks. And multiplayer allows up to 4 players to team up, adding to the chaotic clash of fists and feet.
For a lighter brawler embellished with gaming culture and nerdy humor, Scott Pilgrim hits a sweet spot.
- Stylized comic visuals
- Video game themes and references
- Simple but satisfying combat
- 4 player local multiplayer
8. Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
- Developer: Iron Galaxy
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Year: 2013
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Genres: Beat ’em up, hack and slash
- Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC
For a double dose of co-op monster bashing, pick up Chronicles of Mystara. This HD remake bundles together arcade classics Tower of Doom and Shadow Over Mystara. Like Castle Crashers, these old school beat ‘em ups support 4 players.
The combat is simple – walk, jump, attack, and use magic. But variety comes from choosing one of 4 distinct character classes. Customize your fighter, cleric, dwarf or elf with weapons, armor, magic attacks, and more.
With branching paths, hidden secrets, and RPG-lite elements, Mystara’s fantastical dungeons have depth. Grindy leveling keeps you coming back for that next upgrade. And slaying dragons and beasts with friends never gets old.
- Remastered retro D&D beat ‘em ups
- Local 4 player co-op
- Fantasy setting with character classes
- Unlockable weapons/abilities
9. Magic: Manastorm
- Developer: Wizards of the Coast
- Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
- Release Year: 2021
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Genres: MOBA
- Platforms: iOS, Android
For Lane battling action on mobile devices, Magic: Manastorm delivers satisfying real-time combat. This Magic: The Gathering spin-off simplifies the MOBA formula for quick 5 minute brawls.
Select from an ever-growing roster of heroes and monsters inspired by Magic cards. Blast your foes with fireballs and lightning as you push to destroy their towers. Cast spells and abilities with intuitive touch controls. Each character plays differently, giving you plenty of options for your party.
Magic: Manastorm condenses the MOBA experience into fast-paced, bite-sized matches you can play on the go or through short bursts at home. If you enjoy multiplayer battles but don’t have hours to invest, Manastorm is a great pick.
- MOBA battles distilled for mobile
- Quick 5 minute matches
- Intuitive touch controls
- Heroes and monsters from Magic: The Gathering
Conclusion
Part of what makes Castle Crashers memorable is its playful personality and diversity of gameplay. One moment you’re slicing foes to gibs, the next you’re riding a deer through explosions like a maniac. Its blend of colorful charm and branching level paths give Castle Crashers an idiosyncratic identity.
While none of these games Castle Crush will replicate the exact same formula, they offer their own spins on multiplayer mayhem, cartoony graphics, and lighthearted absurdity. So assemble your party, pick your favorite medieval melee machine, and prepare to crush these 9 Castle Crashers alternatives.
FAQs about Castle Crashers
Should I choose the Royal Guard or Thief starting class?
Go Royal Guard if you want higher starting defense to take more hits. Pick Thief to begin with a dagger for quicker attacks and a bow for ranged options.
What do the various animal orbs do when I find them?
Different orbs unlock new animal companions with unique abilities. Like the Eagle for air recovery or the Hawk for a horizontal dash attack.
How does the leveling system and skill tree work?
Gain XP by defeating enemies and complete levels to earn skill points. Upgrade strength for damage, defense for resilience, agility for critical hit chance, or wizardry for magic.
What’s the deal with weapons and upgrading them?
As you progress, you’ll unlock new weapon types with unique combos. Use collected coins to upgrade weapons for more power.
Should I replay levels to grind coins and XP?
It’s worthwhile to replay levels and try branching paths to collect more coins, find secrets, and level up your character.
How does the Arena mode work with AI and versus battles?
Take on AI enemies or go head to head against friends with new rules like time limits. It’s a fun way to hone skills and get competitive.
Is there a single player mode in Castle Crush?
Yes, there are singleplayer campaigns and challenge modes that let you battle AI opponents using pre-made decks. These teach you strategies to use in PVP battles.
How do you unlock new arenas?
You unlock new arenas by earning trophies. Reach the trophy requirement to unlock each new arena, which gives access to new cards.
Can you play Castle Crush on PC?
No, Castle Crush is only available on mobile – iOS and Android. But you can mirror your phone’s screen or use an emulator to play on a PC.
How long do battles last in Castle Crush?
Battles are very quick, usually lasting under 2 minutes. This makes it easy to fit a match or two within a few minutes of time.
