Shmoup is a browser-based arcade game that runs instantly, with nothing to install. The core of it is shooting and escape. Everything runs client-side, so it starts fast even on a modest connection.
About Shmoup
Endless shoot'em up in space! With controller support Mouse & Keyboard Arrows/WASD --- Movement (Forward, Backwards, Strafe) Escape ------------ Pause Mouse ------------ Aim Mouse left ------- Shoot Controller D-pad / Left Stick --- Movement (Forward, Backwards, Strafe) Right Stick ---------- Aim Any Trigger -------- Shoot Start ---------------- Pause
How to play Shmoup
There is no tutorial to sit through — the game explains itself. The full control mapping is in the table below and takes a moment to skim. It fills the player in landscape, so use the fullscreen button on desktop and turn your phone sideways on mobile. If a round goes badly, restart — attempts are cheap and it is usually the fastest way to improve.
Controls
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Mouse | Aim |
| Left click | Fire |
| WASD | Move |
| R | Reload |
On mobile: Tap and swipe on screen. Turn your phone sideways — this game is designed for landscape and fills a horizontal screen.
Why it is worth playing
What makes Shmoup stick is that failure is informative. You can usually name the mistake, and that is what makes another attempt tempting. A browser game does not need to be more than that.
At a glance
- Free to play with no account required
- Runs in the browser — nothing to download or install
- Landscape layout with fullscreen support
- Keyboard and mouse on desktop, full touch support on mobile.
- Shooting gameplay — Aim, fire, repeat
- Escape gameplay — Find the clues, open the door
- Added to our catalogue from a 2023 release
Frequently asked questions
Is Shmoup free to play?
It is free. There is no trial, no unlock and no sign-up wall on Shmoup — the page you are on is the whole thing.
Do I need to download or install anything?
No. Shmoup is an HTML5 game that runs inside the page itself. There is nothing to install, no plugin and no launcher — it loads like any other web page.
Can I play Shmoup on my phone?
It works on phones and tablets. Tap and swipe on screen. Turn your phone sideways — this game is designed for landscape and fills a horizontal screen.
What are the controls for Shmoup?
Keyboard and mouse on desktop, full touch support on mobile. Mouse — aim; Left click — fire; WASD — move; R — reload.
Can I play Shmoup fullscreen?
Yes. Use the fullscreen button in the top-right of the game player to expand it to the whole screen, and press Escape to come back out.
What kind of game is Shmoup?
Shmoup is a arcade game built around shooting and escape. If that is the sort of thing you enjoy, the related games further down the page are picked using the same tags.
