Space Defense
Play a free online space shooting game — retro arcade galaxy shooter action. Blast alien waves, dodge bullets, chase the high score. No download or signup.
Shoot down the alien fleet in this retro space shooter.
How to Play Space Defense
- Move your ship with the arrow keys (desktop) or by dragging (mobile).
- Fire with the spacebar on desktop; on mobile your ship auto-fires while you touch the screen.
- Higher rows are worth more points. Dodge enemy shots and the descending fleet.
- Wipe out the fleet to advance to the next wave — chase your high score on three lives!
About Space Defense
Space Defense is a free space shooter game that captures the golden age of fixed shooters that ruled 80s arcades. Slide your ship left and right and blast the descending alien fleet.
The fleet marches side to side, creeping ever lower while raining down shots. And just like the classic alien shooting games, the fewer aliens remain, the faster they move.
Each cleared wave brings a faster, more aggressive fleet. How many waves can you survive on three lives? Your best score is saved.
Tips & Strategy
- Pick off the aliens from the outer edges first so the fleet's width shrinks, giving you more room to dodge its descent and incoming shots.
- The remaining aliens speed up as the fleet thins out, so don't get careless with the last few — keep your ship moving and aim steadily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which enemies should I shoot first for more points?
Aliens in the higher rows are worth more points. But since the fleet moves faster as fewer aliens remain, you'll want to balance your firing order between score and safety.
How do I fire?
On desktop you fire with the spacebar, and on mobile your ship auto-fires while you hold the screen. You move your ship with the arrow keys or by dragging.
When does the game end?
You start with three ships and lose one when an enemy shot hits you or the fleet descends to your level. Lose all three and it's game over, with your best score saved.
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Before your first round
In Space Defense, concentrating only on firing can leave your ship with no escape route. Watch incoming attacks as well as enemies and keep room to move sideways. Check the on-screen controls first: desktop and mobile use different firing inputs.