Here is how to play Pokemon Survivor: open the game in a browser, pick a partner and move; your Pokemon fires its moves on its own. There is nothing to download, and it works on PC, tablets and phones.
This page covers the controls, the main menu, accounts and saves, and the things on the map. New to the game? Start with the Pokemon Survivor guide.
Where to play
The game runs in the browser at pokesurvivor.com, with a copy on itch.io. You do not need to install anything. If you want an app icon, use Add to Home Screen in your browser and the game installs as a web app.
On a phone or tablet, turn the device sideways: the game is built for landscape. It shows in English or Spanish depending on your browser language, and you can change the language in Settings.
How to play Pokemon Survivor: controls
Your Pokemon attacks alone with the active move, or with every move in a bonded group. You never aim. Aiming is done by where you stand and which move you have active; see the moves list for what each one does.
| Action | PC | Phone or tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Move | W, A, S, D or the arrow keys | Drag a finger anywhere; the joystick appears where you touch |
| Switch the active move | 1 to 4, Q and E to cycle, or click the move icon | Tap a move at the bottom of the screen |
| Pause | Esc or P | Top-right button |
| Attack | Automatic | Automatic |
The main menu
| Menu item | What it does |
|---|---|
| Play | Starts a run in the dungeon. |
| Pokemon | Your collection by region, where you choose your partner. |
| Upgrades | Permanent boosts you buy with coins, per Pokemon. See upgrades. |
| Gacha | Nine banners, one per region, paid with tickets. See the gacha guide. |
| Missions | Daily and weekly missions, achievements and your profile. |
| Friends | Add friends by nickname and play in a group of up to four. See multiplayer. |
| Leaderboard | Who survives the longest, solo or in a group. |
| Settings | Sound, graphics, controls and account. |
Accounts and saving
You can sign in with a name and password, sign in with Google, or play as a guest. An account saves your collection, coins, upgrades and stats in the cloud, so you can continue on any device. The in-game guide says nothing is saved for guests, so create an account if you plan to keep playing.
A name must be 3 to 16 letters, numbers or underscores, and a password needs at least 6 characters. The game offers to link your Gmail to a name-and-password account: if you forget the password later, you sign in with Google instead. Your nickname for friends and the leaderboard is unique and cannot be changed once saved.
Settings worth knowing
- Sound settings control the game's audio.
- Graphics quality has an automatic mode that adapts to your device, which helps on older phones.
- Damage numbers and a lower screen shake are options if the screen feels busy.
- An FPS counter is available if you are tuning performance.
- The account section is where you sign in, link your Gmail and see your nickname.
What is on the map
- Rocks, chests and tall grass can be broken, and they drop items.
- Walls and trees block enemy shots, so you can use them as cover.
- Water slows you down and lava burns, and both affect enemies as well. The type chart and arenas show who is immune to what.
- Power altars and healing springs sit around the map, and locked chests open if you stay beside them for a few seconds.
- Traps hurt enemies too, and rifts open for legendary fights; see rifts.
How to play Pokemon Survivor FAQ
How to play Pokemon Survivor with friends?
Add a friend by nickname in the Friends menu, invite them to a room, and the host starts the run. Up to four players can join; see Pokemon Survivor multiplayer.
Can I play Pokemon Survivor on my phone?
Yes, in landscape. Put a finger anywhere on the screen and drag to move, tap a move at the bottom to switch to it, and use the top-right button to pause. You can also install it from the browser with Add to Home Screen.
Do I need to download anything?
No. The game runs in your browser on PC, tablet and phone.
How do I switch moves?
On PC press 1 to 4 or cycle with Q and E, or click the move icon. On a phone tap the move at the bottom of the screen.
Is my progress saved?
With an account, yes: your collection, coins and upgrades are saved in the cloud. The game's own guide says guests have nothing saved.