PokéSurvivor is an action survival roguelite about staying mobile while your creature handles its active attack automatically. Move through enemy swarms, collect experience crystals, and choose upgrades that keep your build strong as the waves scale.
How to Play PokéSurvivor
Your main job is to survive enemy attacks while developing a combat build. Experience crystals fill your level gauge; each level-up offers three cards that can teach a new move, improve an active attack, or raise passive stats.
You can hold up to four skills, but only one active move fires at a time. Switch between moves to respond to enemy formations and elemental advantages. Focus early upgrades on your primary damage move instead of spreading cards across too many skills, so your damage keeps pace with stronger waves.
An eligible move can reach level 5 and then evolve when you select its required stat card during the same run. This unlocks a golden evolution card, such as transforming Ember into Fire Blast or Bubble into Surf.
Classic Survival sends you through endless enemy waves, while Expedition runs take place on three ten-minute maps with fusion mechanics. Classic mode also includes boss relics and partner talents. The Lantern Promise storyline connects two companions and three trails with branching routes, and co-op rooms support two or four players.
Tips for Surviving Enemy Waves
- Keep moving when enemies begin to surround you. Wide, continuous arcs pull the swarm into a predictable line and leave more room to change direction.
- Avoid corners and crowded areas. Preserve an escape route before the horde closes in.
- Watch for red warning rings and directional lines on the ground. These signals mark heavy attacks that you need to sidestep.
- Eliminate enemies that shield or heal their allies early. Leaving support enemies alive can make the rest of the swarm harder to manage.
- Choose upgrades that complement your current attacks, and select boss relics that strengthen the build you already have.
- Check your health and active damage before entering a Legendary Rift. These rare portals lead to dangerous arenas with legendary bosses.
- Adapt your move choices to changing arena weather, since weather can strengthen or weaken specific elemental attacks.
- In co-op, coordinate with teammates to control large enemy groups instead of pulling the whole swarm into the same space.
Game Controls
Use WASD or the arrow keys to move your creature. Keys 1 through 4 select a move, while Q and E switch between active moves. Press Esc to pause. On desktop, you can also click the move icon to switch attacks.