DG2: Defense Grid 2 Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-03-22
  • Best Tower Defense Game
  • Interesting and Fun Gameplay
  • Extensive tower customization
  • Monetization of Steam Workshop
  • Sequel lacks original's charm
  • Tower issues and lack of variety
DG2: Defense Grid 2 header

Emotions

Archetypes

What players like:

Common complaints:

Gameplay feedback:

Performance notes:

Recommendations:

Other player notes:

Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

Best Tower Defense Game: This game is highly praised as one of the best tower defense games available. It offers classic tower defense gameplay with a modern twist, making it enjoyable for both new and experienced players.

Interesting and Fun Gameplay: The game is described as interesting and fun, with convincing gameplay and good map design. Players report having a good time playing it.

Multiplayer Modes: The game features a multiplayer component with various modes, including cooperative play, adding to its versatility and enjoyment.

Improved Graphics: The game features improved graphics, with graphical improvements and detailed graphics that enhance the overall experience.

Fun and Addictive: Players find the game fun and addictive, with strategic and addictive elements that keep them engaged.

Common complaints

Monetization of Steam Workshop: Players are unhappy with the monetization of the Steam Workshop, especially the selling of community-made maps.

Sequel lacks original's charm: The sequel is criticized for not being as good or fun as the original game. It lacks the charm and engagement that the first game had.

Tower issues and lack of variety: Towers are criticized for being a mixed bag and not well balanced. There is also a lack of new types of towers and diversity in enemy waves.

Story quality issues: The story is widely criticized for being less engaging, confusing, and not as good as expected. Many players find it uninteresting and poorly executed.

Poor UI and design: The user interface and menu system are considered poor and clunky. Players also note poor design choices and localization issues.

Gameplay and performance

Extensive tower customization: Players can modify and customize towers with a variety of types and upgrade systems. This includes different tower mechanics and placement strategies.

Multiple game modes: The game offers various modes, including multiplayer options for both competition and cooperation. There are also custom modes and competitive modes available.

Diverse tower defense mechanics: The game features a variety of tower defense mechanics, including upgradeable towers, route planning, and resource management. Players appreciate the detailed visuals and dynamic maps.

New maps and enemies: The game introduces new maps with different layouts and new enemy types, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Cooperative gameplay options: Cooperative modes offer different gameplay options, including mission-based and cooperative gameplay with unique mission designs.

Frequent game crashes reported: Multiple users have reported that the game crashes frequently, including occasional crashes and issues specifically noted during the beta phase.

Graphical and video issues: Players have experienced various graphical and video issues, affecting the visual quality and performance of the game.

Game runs well on most computers: The game is reported to run smoothly on many PCs, indicating good overall performance and optimization for a wide range of hardware.

Optimization needs improvement: There are reports indicating that the game's optimization needs improvement, particularly with performance issues when multiple towers are involved.

Visual and sound design improvements: Players have noted improvements in the visual and sound design, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Recommendations

Highly recommended tower defense game: This game is frequently praised as a must-have for fans of the tower defense genre. It is described as highly polished, enjoyable, and worth trying, especially if you like this type of game.

Recommended for fans of the series: Fans of the original Defense Grid game are particularly encouraged to try this sequel. It is seen as a massive improvement and a great follow-up to the previous game.

Good value for money: The game is considered a good purchase, particularly when bought on sale or for under 10 euros. It offers solid gameplay and is worth the investment for fans of the genre.

Community maps and mods: There is interest in community-created maps and mods, with players looking forward to trying them out. However, there are mixed feelings about the Steam Workshop.

Appeals to both veterans and newcomers: The game is designed to be enjoyable for both experienced players and those new to the tower defense genre, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

Buying context

Community fair range: $3.79 - $6.69.

Game completion: 50.0h.

Story completion: 10.0h.

Session length: 0.8h.

Endgame: 50.0h.

Defense Grid 2 is generally fun and addictive from the start, especially in co-op mode, but the enjoyment may drop due to repetitive gameplay.

Reported time to anchor: 10m.

Player profiles

Veteran Strategist: Strategic and completionist, aiming for high ranks and elite difficulties. Motivation: Challenge and depth of gameplay. Stance: sale.

Social Multiplayer: Cooperative and competitive multiplayer-focused. Motivation: Social interaction and cooperative/competitive play. Stance: buy.

Genre Enthusiast: Casual and genre-focused, enjoying the core mechanics. Motivation: Enjoyment of tower defense gameplay. Stance: sale.

Extra review signals

Monetization: Reviews explicitly mention no microtransactions.

Other review notes

VR version mentioned: There were mentions of a VR version of the game, indicating interest or availability of VR support.

Pirated versions before purchase: Some players mentioned that they played a pirated version of the game before deciding to purchase it.

Suggestion for 5-star rating: A suggestion was made for Steam to switch to a 5-star rating system, reflecting player preferences for rating methods.