Steam & Console Availability
Several EDF titles are readily available today on Steam. Older entries may require original hardware or region-appropriate copies.
Badge guide: OFFICIAL = currently sold at retail or digital storefronts LEGAL = legally obtainable (used copies, legitimate imports) EMULATION = original hardware or emulation only; no current official digital release
EDF 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair
Available on PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam. The most accessible modern entry and the recommended starting point for newcomers. The Steam version supports 4K and runs well on modest hardware.
Earth Defense Force 4.1 on Steam →
Earth Defense Force 5
Available on PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam. The series' critical high point. Supports four-player online co-op. A strong second purchase after EDF 4.1.
Earth Defense Force 5 on Steam →
Earth Defense Force 6
Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. The most recent mainline entry, released worldwide July 25, 2024.
Earth Defense Force 6 on Steam →
EDF: Iron Rain
Available on PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam. Yuke's-developed spin-off with a darker tone than the mainline series.
EDF: World Brothers
Available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. A lighter voxel-art spin-off, good for introducing friends to the series.
EDF: World Brothers on Steam →
EDF: World Brothers 2
Available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Released January 25, 2024.
EDF: World Brothers 2 on Steam →
Earth Defense Force 2017
Xbox 360 physical only. No digital re-release. Requires an Xbox 360 or a compatible Xbox console with backwards compatibility. Used copies are widely available.
EDF 1 / EDF 2 (original PS2 releases)
Japan-only PS2 releases. EDF 2 received a Western release on PlayStation Vita as Invaders from Planet Space, which may still be purchasable on the PS Store. The original PS2 releases require Japanese hardware or a region-modified console.
Co-op Setup Guide
EDF is best played with friends. Here's how to get started with co-op on PC (EDF 4.1, 5, 6).
Online Co-op (Steam)
- Purchase EDF 4.1, EDF 5, or EDF 6 on Steam. All three support online co-op.
- From the main menu, select Online Multiplayer or Network Game.
- Create a lobby or join an existing one. You can password-protect lobbies for friends-only sessions.
- Select your class before joining. You can bring your own character and weapons into any co-op session.
- EDF 5 and EDF 6 support up to four players online; EDF 4.1 supports two online players per session on some modes.
Local Co-op (Split-screen)
- Local split-screen is available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions of mainline EDF titles.
- Connect a second controller before launching the game.
- From the main menu, select Local Game or Offline Multiplayer.
- Each player selects their class independently. Class choices do not need to match.
- Performance may be reduced in split-screen mode during large enemy encounters; this is normal and part of the charm.
Class Recommendations for Co-op
- Ranger: All-rounder, good for beginners. Highest weapon compatibility.
- Wing Diver: Aerial mobility, energy weapons. Strong crowd control but fragile. Best paired with a Ranger.
- Air Raider: Support specialist. Calls in vehicles and air strikes. Requires coordination with teammates — not recommended for solo play.
- Fencer: Heavy armour, heavy weapons, slow movement. Devastating damage output at close range. Rewarding for experienced players.