Choose ARSONATE
Choose ARSONATE if you want an Action game with LAN PvP, DualShock Controller Support, and Touch Only Option. On Steam, it's currently about 40% cheaper on the Steam Store. ARSONATE launched in 2026.
ARSONATE vs SIDE EFFECTS
ARSONATE and SIDE EFFECTS both land in Strategy on Steam, which is why they keep getting compared. The comparison below is built from each game's Steam metadata — release year, genres, categories, Steam Deck status, price, and review score — refreshed daily by imho.run's scraper. Headline differences: Both are Strategy games on Steam. SIDE EFFECTS (2025) is 1 year older than ARSONATE (2026). ARSONATE is currently ~40% cheaper on Steam than SIDE EFFECTS (2.99 USD vs. 4.99 USD). No login or purchase needed — scroll for the full table, the verdict FAQ, and links to ranked similar games for both titles.
Which should you pick?
Choose SIDE EFFECTS
Choose SIDE EFFECTS if you want an Indie experience. SIDE EFFECTS launched in 2025.
Both ARSONATE and SIDE EFFECTS sit in Strategy on Steam and both list Multi-player, Online PvP, and PvP, so either pick lands in the same broad neighborhood. Use the side-by-side table for the feature view, or follow the "Games like" links below to see ranked alternatives for either title.
Side-by-side comparison
 ARSONATE |  SIDE EFFECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2026 | 2025 |
| Genres | Action, Strategy | Strategy, Indie |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Steam Deck | Deck Verified | Deck Verified |
| Price | 2.99 USD | 4.99 USD |
| Steam reviews | — | 82.6% positive (386 reviews) |
| Multiplayer | Multi-player | Multi-player |
| Developers | Nash | hirohun, Mr.Pootsley, Jaybooty, Lofar42 |
Side by side
- Both are Strategy games on Steam.
- SIDE EFFECTS (2025) is 1 year older than ARSONATE (2026).
- ARSONATE is currently ~40% cheaper on Steam than SIDE EFFECTS (2.99 USD vs. 4.99 USD).
- Both are Deck Verified.
ARSONATE vs SIDE EFFECTS — FAQ
- Should I play ARSONATE or SIDE EFFECTS first?
- If you want chronology, SIDE EFFECTS (2025) came out before ARSONATE (2026). If neither is a sequel to the other, order doesn't really matter — start with whichever fits your current mood, since both share enough on Steam to make either a reasonable opener.
- Are ARSONATE and SIDE EFFECTS similar?
- They overlap on Strategy on Steam, so the catalogue groups them together — but "similar" depends on the specific mechanics. Use the genre + category rows above to decide whether the overlap matches what drew you to the one you've already played.
- Do ARSONATE and SIDE EFFECTS both run on Steam Deck?
- Yes — both are Steam Deck Verified, meaning Valve confirms they run with full controller support, legible text, and default settings out of the box.