Orcs and goblins: Top 20 video games about green creatures you must play

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - November 28th 2024, 12:30 GMT+1

Photo collage png — About this gallery:

To create this gallery, we focused on games where green creatures reign supreme – Orcs, half-orcs, goblins, you name it. As always, only one game per series, although you’ll quickly notice that Warhammer has a bit of a monopoly on these green-skinned troublemakers. Oh, and let’s just say *Orc Massage* didn’t make the cut for... obvious reasons.

Think we missed an essential game featuring the green and the mean? Drop it in the comments and let the debate begin!

Green An Orcs Life — 20. Green: An Orc's Life (2017)

This quirky indie gem puts you in the tattered boots of an orc trying to survive in a world that just won’t give them a break. You’re tasked with growing your tribe, making strategic (or hilarious) decisions, and dealing with the consequences of being an orc in a human-dominated world. It’s like *The Sims*, but with a lot more green and a lot less plumbing. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live the day-to-day grind of an orc, this game has you covered with charm, wit, and a touch of existential crisis. | © Orc Jam Studios

19. ORCS (2016)

This pixelated platformer puts you in control of a band of orcs on a side-scrolling rampage, and it's as chaotic as you'd hope. *ORCS* brings simple yet addictive gameplay where you bash, smash, and leap your way through vibrant levels packed with enemies and obstacles. The humor is tongue-in-cheek, the combat is delightfully messy, and the orcs are as rowdy as ever. It’s the perfect game for when you just want to let loose and embrace your inner green. | © Pixel vs Pixel

Cropped Warlords Battlecry III — 18. Warlords Battlecry III (2004)

The RTS that made you feel like a commander of the ultimate orcish army! *Warlords Battlecry III* doesn’t just give you orcs; it lets you lead them in campaigns filled with rich lore, strategic depth, and enough grunting battle cries to make your neighbors concerned. This classic strategy game has held up surprisingly well, proving orcs never go out of style when it comes to fantasy warfare. | © Enlight Software

17. Age of Wonders 4 (2023)

This game is all about ruling with style – and green fury. Whether you’re raising armies of goblins or creating your own custom orc empire, *Age of Wonders 4* lets you channel your inner overlord in a fantasy world brimming with possibilities. The strategy here is as deep as the orcish lore itself, and trust me, you’ll relish every second of watching your green-skinned warriors take over the map. World domination has never looked so good – or so green. | © Triumph Studios

16. Of Orcs And Men (2012)

Here’s a game that flips the script: *Of Orcs And Men* puts orcs and goblins as the oppressed underdogs fighting for freedom from the humans. The dynamic duo of Arkail, a hulking orc warrior, and Styx, a sneaky goblin assassin, make this action-RPG a must-play for anyone who loves a good “stick it to the man” story. The gameplay might be a little rough around the edges, but the narrative makes it a memorable green-powered adventure. | © Cyanide Studio

Styx Master of Shadows — 15. Styx: Master of Shadows (2014)

If sneaky goblins are your jam, *Styx: Master of Shadows* is the game for you. Styx isn’t just your average goblin – he’s a master assassin with a razor-sharp wit and a love for shiny things. This stealth game offers a delightful mix of sneaking, stabbing, and sarcastic one-liners, making it one of the most entertaining ways to live out your green-skinned espionage fantasies. Just don’t let the humans see you, or it’s game over! | © Cyanide Studio

Warhammer 40000 Speed Freeks — 14. Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks (2024)

Strap in and prepare for utter chaos. *Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks* combines high-octane vehicular combat with the absurdity of orkish engineering. You’re not just racing – you’re smashing, shooting, and laughing maniacally as you obliterate your opponents in the most over-the-top ways possible. It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s delightfully orky. | © Caged Element

Warhammer 40000 Dakka Squadron — 13. Warhammer 40,000: Dakka Squadron (2021)

Orcs in fighter jets? Yes, please! *Dakka Squadron* is a ridiculous yet exhilarating flight combat game where you pilot ramshackle planes crafted with orcish ingenuity (read: duct tape and hope). With high-speed dogfights and explosive chaos, this game lets you live out every orc's dream of taking to the skies to rain down destruction – because why not? | © Phosphor Games Studio

Cropped Blood Bowl 3 — 12. Blood Bowl 3 (2023)

Football and orcs? It’s a match made in brutal, chaotic heaven. *Blood Bowl 3* takes the beloved tabletop game and cranks up the carnage with a video game adaptation that’s equal parts strategy and comedy. Think fantasy football, but instead of touchdowns, you’re aiming for bone-crushing tackles and mayhem. Just don’t expect a fair game – this is orc-style sportsmanship at its finest. | © Cyanide Studio

Warhammer 40000 Shootas Blood Teef — 11. Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef (2022)

This 2D run-and-gun adventure lets you embrace your inner ork as you wreak havoc with ridiculous weapons and hilariously over-the-top antics. The cartoony art style and bombastic gameplay make *Shootas, Blood & Teef* a love letter to chaos, mayhem, and all things green. It’s pure fun, with an orky flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more dakka. | © Rogueside

Shadowrun Dragonfall — 10. Shadowrun: Dragonfall (2014)

Orcs and goblins meet cyberpunk in *Shadowrun: Dragonfall*, a tactical RPG that fuses fantasy and futuristic tech. You’ll encounter orcs with cybernetic enhancements and goblins hacking their way through the digital matrix. The gritty storytelling and strategic gameplay make it an unforgettable experience, proving that orcs and goblins aren’t just for medieval times – they’re ready to embrace the future with a vengeance. | © Harebrained Schemes

9. Battle for Middle Earth 2 (2006)

One of the best RTS games of its time, *Battle for Middle Earth 2* lets you lead epic armies of orcs and goblins straight out of Tolkien’s universe. Whether you’re tearing through Elven defenses or building your own fortress of doom, the game captures the chaos and majesty of orc warfare. If commanding a green horde into glorious battle doesn’t thrill you, are you even a fantasy fan? | © Electronic Arts

Cropped Total War Warhammer — 8. Total War: Warhammer (2016)

In *Total War: Warhammer*, commanding an orc Waaagh! is equal parts hilarious and devastating. From brawling goblins to towering trolls, the Greenskin faction is chaos incarnate on the battlefield. Add the game’s massive scope and strategic depth, and you’ve got the ultimate playground for unleashing your inner warlord. Plus, the orcs’ love of violence and loot adds just the right touch of personality. | © Creative Assembly

Cropped Warhammer 40000 Dawn of War — 7. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War (2004)

In the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, orcs are still causing trouble – because of course they are. *Dawn of War* is a landmark RTS that puts you in the middle of massive sci-fi battles, and the orcs steal the show with their crude humor and over-the-top weapons. Whether you’re defending against them or commanding their chaotic hordes, these green-skinned warriors are endlessly entertaining. | © Relic Entertainment

Cropped Warcraft 3 — 6. Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos (2002)

The game that gave us Thrall, Grommash, and the deep lore of the orc clans. *Warcraft 3* redefined the RTS genre with its rich storytelling, diverse factions, and unforgettable campaigns. The orcish storyline, in particular, is an emotional rollercoaster, blending honor, betrayal, and redemption. Plus, this is the game that helped spawn *World of Warcraft*, so it’s basically the green gift that keeps on giving. | © Blizzard Entertainment

Orcs Must Die 3 — 5. Orcs Must Die! series (2011 – present)

Who knew tower defense could be this much fun? The *Orcs Must Die* series takes the classic formula and injects it with humor, over-the-top traps, and waves of green-skinned invaders. Whether you’re frying them with lava or flinging them off cliffs, there’s no shortage of creative ways to thin the horde. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and endlessly replayable. | © Robot Entertainment

Cropped World of Warcraft — 4. World of Warcraft (2004)

Orcs are practically the poster children of *World of Warcraft*, with Thrall leading the charge as one of the game’s most iconic figures. Whether you’re exploring Azeroth as a proud orc or battling them as an Alliance hero, these green-skinned warriors are at the heart of the game’s lore. With sprawling landscapes and epic quests, *WoW* offers an immersive orc-filled experience like no other. | © Blizzard Entertainment

Middle earth Shadow of Mordor — 3. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014)

What’s better than slaying orcs? Manipulating them to build your own army, of course. *Shadow of Mordor* revolutionized gaming with its Nemesis System, turning random orcs into unforgettable rivals – or allies. The game’s brutal combat and dark Middle-earth setting make it a must-play, proving that orcs can be as compelling as any hero or villain. | © Monolith Productions

Cropped the elder scrolls skyrim — 2. The Elder Scrolls series (1994 – present)

From Orsinium to Skyrim, the orcs of *The Elder Scrolls* series are more than just brutish warriors – they’re a proud race with a rich history and complex culture. Whether you’re exploring their strongholds or playing as one yourself, these green-skinned fighters are integral to the franchise’s deep lore. Plus, who doesn’t love a good orc blacksmith? | © Bethesda Game Studios

Cropped Baldurs Gate 3 — 1. Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)

While full-blown orcs might be missing, *Baldur’s Gate 3* makes up for it with half-orcs who bring all the muscle, grit, and charm of their green-skinned heritage. Whether you're playing a half-orc character yourself or encountering them in the world, their presence adds layers to the game's rich lore and roleplaying possibilities. Plus, the sheer depth of the story and jaw-dropping visuals make this D&D masterpiece a must-play – even if it’s only halfway green. | © Larian Studios

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Ah, orcs and goblins – the green MVPs of the fantasy world. Whether they’re charging at you with oversized axes, grumbling over a treasure chest, or plotting some mischievous chaos, these creatures have been stealing (and hoarding) the spotlight in video games for decades. Love them or loathe them, you can't deny they've got character... and occasionally bad dental hygiene.

This list dives into the top 20 games where orcs and goblins shine as the heroes, villains, or just the lovable troublemakers we can't get enough of. From epic battles to comical capers, these games prove that green isn’t just a color – it’s a way of life. So grab your enchanted sword, or maybe just a bag of popcorn, and let’s dive into the chaotic, magical world of orc and goblin greatness!