How to Play Space Huggers - Step by Step
The Space Huggers page loads a ~0.5 MB run-and-gun platformer in an iframe. Fight through a procedurally generated planet, shoot and dodge enemies, and clear every level to advance. Press Play to start.
Step 1 - press Play on this page
Press Play to inject the iframe (~0.5 MB: engine, levels, enemies, and the soundtrack). Space Huggers is a js13k competition entry by Frank Force, GPL-3.0 licensed; the LICENSE and credits ship beside the game files.
Step 2 - learn the controls
Space Huggers uses Arrow keys to move and jump, Z to shoot, X to dodge (also extinguishes fire on you), and C to throw one of your 3 grenades per life. Press R to restart. Up to 4 players can play local co-op with connected gamepads.
Step 3 - clear the level
Kill every enemy on the current level to advance. Levels are procedurally generated, so no two runs look the same. Gunfire and grenades break blocks and cover, and fire from explosions can spread across the level.
Step 4 - manage your lives
You start with 10 lives and earn 3 more each time you clear a level. Space Huggers is a roguelike with no fixed ending - the run continues until your lives run out.
Step 5 - play again
There is no save or progress persistence in Space Huggers - each session is a fresh run, and no high score is recorded anywhere. Close the tab and start a new run any time.
| Setting | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Download | ~0.5 MB | Same-origin iframe; cached after first load |
| Renderer | Canvas 2D | Vanilla JS, no WebGL required |
| Input | Keyboard (Arrow/Z/X/C/R) | Up to 4 gamepads for local co-op; no mouse, no touch |
| Levels | Procedurally generated | Roguelike, no fixed ending |
| Saves | None | Fresh run every session |
See when to play, comparisons, and Retro Arcade Shooter.
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