It was originally released for the Microsoft Windows operating system, and was later ported to the PlayStation, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Color.

The game takes place on a destructible and customizable two-dimensional board and is characterized by cartoonish graphics and a unique brand of humour.

As a result the game is very similar to Worms 2 but has a new single-player mode and adds a number of pieces of new content[6][7] as well as being released on a wider variety of platforms.

Worms Armageddon was acclaimed by critics, who praised the refined gameplay and stylized graphics, and it has been featured in a number of "greatest games of all time" lists.

In August 2024, a port of the PC version to then-current and last generation consoles, titled Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition, was announced for release on 26 September.

Worms can walk and jump, as well as (when the proper items are available) swing by rope, parachute, teleport, and bungee.

[10] Each worm begins the round with a specific amount of health, which is predefined by the chosen game options or by scripting in campaign levels.

Some are based on real-life arms, such as the shotgun, bazooka, and hand grenade; others are rather fanciful and cartoonish, such as the sheep, which serves as a mobile explosive, and the skunk, which releases poisonous gas.

Local multiplayer allows the player to select which teams participate in the battle as well as the number of worms and handicaps, which options and weapons are used, and the level to be played on.

The player can also change the team's special weapon, grave marker, flag, victory fanfare, and voice set.

[17] Despite its age, Worms Armageddon still receives periodic updates, mainly from two programmers known as Deadcode and CyberShadow, recruited by Team17.

Among his only criticisms are that the AI-controlled worms do not utilize their full arsenals and that the player would wish that there were more weapons, more diverse graphics and sound, and more content.

"[55] Tom Chick of GamePro said, "For all its similarities to previous cans of Worms, Armageddon is still a classic example of the joy of computer gaming.

It's right up there with rare, benevolent gems like RollerCoaster Tycoon and Grim Fandango--games that'll make you smile and even giggle like a schoolgirl.

"[56][c] Dan Toose of Hyper gave it 87%, calling it "A fitting end to an excellent series of games [and a] perfect blend of serious strategy and ludicrous humour.

He also pointed out that the worms' high-pitched voices are "only mildly cute" and can potentially be annoying, but praised the soundtracks for lending in realism to an otherwise unrealistic experience and the background music for helping players stay on task.

[40] Joel Durham Jr. of AllGame gave it four stars out of five, saying, "With fabulous gameplay and a stunning amount of options, Worms: Armageddon [sic] is sure to please.

"[60] Cam Shea of Hyper gave it 79%, saying, "if this is the kind of no frills PC port we can expect for the Dreamcast, don't toss out your N64 just yet.

"[61] Jeff Nash of The Electric Playground gave the PlayStation version nine out of ten almost a year after it was released, calling it "a wonderful breath of fresh air for strategy gaming.

With a multi-player mode thrown in for good measure, this game has a fantastic one-two punch of great gameplay, and an easy setup for sharing it with others, making it a very fun experience.

With a liberal dose of humor present as well, this game is a wonderful romp through the grueling world of worm warfare.

[64] Jason White of AllGame gave it three stars out of five, saying that it "has so much going for it in the fun department that the odd controls and sometimes hard to navigate terrain will be easily forgotten.

[50] Lou Gubrious of GamePro said that the game's European import "won't dazzle you with graphics or stun you with sound, but it will suck you in with its simple playability.

"[66][d] Arthur Adam of Hyper gave the same Nintendo 64 version 89%, saying, "This strategy game has proved to be dynamite on the N64, making it possibly the best multi-player title for the console.