Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance is the newer game, and its biggest gameplay difference is that you can command two heroes in each stage. It also brings Linirea’s defenders and the Dark Army together against a new threat. Kingdom Rush Vengeance, released in 2018, instead puts you in control of Vez’nan and his army. Both are tower-defense games, so the choice mainly comes down to hero strategy, story framing, and which game’s available content and price suit you.
Alliance vs. Vengeance: the main differences
| What differs | Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance | Kingdom Rush Vengeance |
|---|---|---|
| Listed release date | July 25, 2024, according to Ironhide’s game page. | November 22, 2018, according to Ironhide’s game page. |
| Story premise | Linirea’s heroes and the Dark Army ally to face a new threat. | Vez’nan returns and leads his army toward Linirea. |
| Heroes | You can command two heroes in a stage. The official presskit lists 16 heroes. | The cited game page does not give a directly comparable current roster count. Nintendo’s Switch listing says 15 heroes for that platform listing; it is not a like-for-like launch-count comparison. |
| Towers | The official presskit lists 18 towers, including Paladins, Archers, Demon Pits, Dwarven Flamespitters, and Eldritch Channelers. | Ironhide’s game page lists 16 tower options, which players can unlock and switch between. |
| Published content figures | The presskit lists 25 campaign stages, three game modes, 45+ enemies, five boss fights, and 58+ achievements. | The cited sources do not establish comparable current totals for stages, enemies, bosses, or achievements. |
Alliance’s tower and campaign figures come from its official presskit. They are published counts, not a verified current inventory across every update or DLC. Likewise, the tower counts above come from official pages that do not establish a same-date, same-edition comparison after updates.
Which game lets you use two heroes?
Alliance is the one with two heroes per stage. That is its most immediate strategic distinction: you can direct two hero units while also deciding how to build and use your defenses. Its official presskit lists 16 heroes, but that figure should not be directly compared with Vengeance’s platform-specific Switch listing as if both were current, edition-matched counts.
How do the stories connect?
Vengeance centers on Vez’nan’s campaign. Alliance shifts the framing: Linirea’s heroes and the Dark Army join forces against a new threat. Ironhide developers have said Alliance begins a few months after Vengeance and that its timeline overlaps with Legends of Kingdom Rush for part of the story; Alliance later continues from where that game leaves off. The developer explanation is on Ironhide’s Alliance Q&A.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Do you need to play Vengeance before Alliance?
No. The story connection gives returning players context, but the cited developer explanation does not make playing Vengeance—or every intervening game—a requirement to understand Alliance. Choose Vengeance first if you want to experience Vez’nan’s campaign before the later alliance, or start with Alliance if its two-hero mechanic and joint-defense premise appeal more.
Which one should you buy?
Choose Alliance if…
- You want to command two heroes in each stage.
- You prefer the premise of Linirea and the Dark Army defending against a shared threat.
- You want to start with the newer installment.
Choose Vengeance if…
- You want to play a campaign focused on Vez’nan and his army.
- You would rather begin with the earlier of these two games’ listed releases.
- You are choosing based on the specific platform or store where Vengeance is available to you.
Both games are listed on Steam, and Nintendo lists Vengeance for Switch. Ironhide’s July 5, 2024 launch announcement is an announcement date; it does not replace the July 25, 2024 release date listed on the Alliance game page. Check your regional storefront for current platform availability, price, and included content, since a complete current platform-and-price comparison is not established here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
