Earth Defense Force 5 is an action shooter that places players in the role of EDF soldiers defending Earth from a massive alien invasion. Set in 2022, the game follows the arrival of the Primers, an intelligent extraterrestrial force that deploys starships and humanoid troops alongside swarms of giant insects. The core experience revolves around third-person combat against overwhelming enemy numbers across dozens of missions that advance a straightforward invasion story beginning in Japan's Kanto region.
Gameplay
Players select from four distinct classes before each mission and can switch freely between them to suit different objectives or playstyles. The Ranger focuses on versatile ground combat with standard firearms and support tools. The Wing Diver emphasizes aerial mobility and energy-based weapons for hit-and-run tactics. The Air Raider deploys vehicles, turrets, and heavy ordnance from a distance. The Fencer specializes in close-quarters melee and heavy armor for frontline engagements. Missions task soldiers with clearing enemy strongholds, protecting key locations, or surviving prolonged assaults while facing escalating threats that include armored insects and coordinated Primer units.
Combat emphasizes volume of fire and positioning against dense hordes. Enemies exhibit visible damage effects, with armor plates detaching under sustained fire and bodily fluids splashing across environments for added battlefield immersion. Weapon variety spans conventional guns, explosives, energy weapons, and class-specific gear, encouraging experimentation across repeated playthroughs. Missions feature large, destructible urban and underground settings where buildings and terrain interact with the chaos of battle. Local split-screen support allows two players to share a screen, while online co-op extends to four participants who can join any mission at any time.
Game Modes
The primary structure consists of a mission-based campaign that players complete in sequence to unlock subsequent stages and progress the narrative. Every mission supports both solo play and cooperative sessions, with no separate competitive or survival modes present. Online matchmaking connects players worldwide for joint operations, and local split-screen provides an offline alternative for two participants. Story advancement occurs through mission completion, with class selection influencing available strategies but not restricting access to content. The design prioritizes repeated runs with different classes and loadouts to tackle the same objectives under varying conditions.
Story and Setting
The narrative opens with an unexpected siege on an EDF base in the Kanto region of Japan. An alien fleet belonging to the Primers initiates the assault, followed by underground incursions from colossal insects that force the defense force deeper into fortified positions. Players experience the conflict through the eyes of EDF operatives who must repel both the intelligent humanoid invaders and the mindless swarm threats. The setting blends contemporary Japanese locales with sci-fi elements, highlighting the desperation of humanity's stand against an unprecedented extraterrestrial civilization.
Is It Worth Playing?
Earth Defense Force 5 delivers consistent positive reception from players who enjoy large-scale horde combat and cooperative action. Steam user reviews rate the title Overwhelmingly Positive based on thousands of submissions, with recent feedback remaining Very Positive. The game suits those seeking straightforward mission progression filled with escalating enemy encounters and class-based variety rather than complex narratives or competitive elements. Availability on PC includes ongoing support for co-op sessions, making it accessible for groups or solo players who appreciate the series' signature scale of battles. Those drawn to arcade-style shooters with extensive weapon options and replayable missions will find the experience aligns closely with its established strengths.
