Every Earth Defense Force title, mainline and spin-off
Full Reference
Game Catalogue
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Mainline Series
Earth Defense Force (EDF 1)
2003PS2Sandlot
Published as Simple 2000 Series Vol. 31: The Earth Defense Force,
this was the franchise's debut. Released in Japan on December 25, 2003, it never
received a Western release. The core formula — third-person shooting,
destructible cities, overwhelming enemy numbers — was born here.
Key Facts
Developer
Sandlot
Publisher
D3 Publisher
JP Release
December 25, 2003
Western Release
None
Director
Shirō Kuroda
Earth Defense Force 2 / Invaders from Planet Space
2005 (JP) / 2015 (West)PS2VitaSandlot
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 81 in Japan (September 15, 2005). The Western version,
subtitled Invaders from Planet Space, launched on PlayStation Vita in
North America (October 20, 2015) and Europe (October 21, 2015), published by Agetec.
Key Facts
Developer
Sandlot
Publisher
D3 Publisher (JP) / Agetec (West Vita)
JP Release
September 15, 2005 (PS2)
Western Release
October 20, 2015 (Vita)
Earth Defense Force 2017
2006 / 2007Xbox 360Sandlot
The game that made EDF a cult franchise in the West. Released on Xbox 360 in Japan
(December 7, 2006) and North America (March 6, 2007). Its chaotic two-player co-op
and absurd weapon variety earned critical acclaim and word-of-mouth devotion.
Key Facts
Developer
Sandlot
Publisher
D3 Publisher (JP) / Crave Entertainment (NA) / Zoo Digital (EU)
The fourth mainline entry (Chikyuu Boueigun 4), EDF 2025 introduced the
four-class system: Ranger, Wing Diver, Air Raider, and Fencer. Released July 4, 2013
in Japan and February 18, 2014 in the West via XSEED Games.
Key Facts
Developer
Sandlot
Publisher
D3 Publisher (JP) / XSEED Games (NA/EU)
JP Release
July 4, 2013
NA/EU Release
February 18, 2014
Director
Shirō Kuroda
Composer
Jun Fukuda
EDF 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair
2015 / 2016PS4PCSandlot
An enhanced PS4 port of EDF 2025 with reworked visuals, new missions, and improved
performance. Released April 2, 2015 in Japan; August 4, 2015 in the West;
December 6, 2016 on PC via Steam. Widely considered the best entry point for new players.
The series' commercial and critical high point. EDF 5 introduced new enemy factions,
refined the four-class system, and delivered the best co-op in the franchise.
Released December 7, 2017 in Japan; December 11, 2018 in the West; July 11, 2019 on PC.
The most ambitious EDF yet. Time-travel mechanics, a record mission count, and
refined classes define EDF 6. Released August 25, 2022 in Japan; July 25, 2024 worldwide.
Simple 2000 Series Ultimate Vol. 18. A strategy spin-off set in the EDF universe,
released October 27, 2005 in Japan. Turn-based tactical combat replaces the
series' usual real-time shooting.
Key Facts
Developer
Sandlot
Publisher
D3 Publisher
JP Release
October 27, 2005
Genre
Strategy / turn-based
EDF: Insect Armageddon
2011Xbox 360PS3PCSpin-off
Developed by US studio Vicious Cycle Software — the only mainline-adjacent EDF
entry made outside Japan. Released July 5, 2011 in North America. Introduced a
structured progression system but divided series fans.
Key Facts
Developer
Vicious Cycle Software
Publisher
D3 Publisher (JP) / XSEED Games (NA/EU)
NA Release
July 5, 2011
JP Release
November 10, 2011
EDF: Iron Rain
2019PS4PCSpin-off
Developed by Yuke's (known for WWE wrestling games), Iron Rain takes a darker,
more grounded approach to the EDF formula. Worldwide release: April 11, 2019 (PS4);
July 17, 2019 (PC). Available on Steam.
A voxel-art spin-off with a light-hearted tone and broad platform release.
Japan: January 14, 2021; West: May 27, 2021 (PS4/Switch); June 24, 2021 (PC).
Available on Steam.