Space Invaders
Defend Earth from the descending fleet.
Space Invaders
How to play Space Invaders
Goal: Destroy every invader before they reach the ground.
- 1Move your cannon along the bottom and shoot upward.
- 2Invaders speed up as their numbers shrink.
- 3Dodge their bombs. You have three lives.
- 4Clear a wave and a faster one arrives.
On a computer
← → to move, Space to fire
On a phone
Use the on-screen move and fire buttons
Play a free Space Invaders style shooter. Move your cannon, dodge bombs and destroy waves of descending aliens.
About Space Invaders
Our Space Invaders style game puts you in control of a cannon at the bottom of the screen. Rows of aliens march side to side and step down toward you, dropping bombs. Shoot them all before they land. You have three lives, and each cleared wave brings a faster one.
Fixed shooter games like this exploded in popularity in arcades in 1978 and became one of the defining games of the era. Our free version is an original tribute to that classic style, with hand drawn pixel aliens and simple controls.
It is a fun test of timing and aim. Use the arrow keys and Space on a computer, or the on-screen buttons on a phone.
The challenge in fixed shooters comes from managing time and space: the fleet keeps moving closer, and every alien you remove makes the rest faster. Learning when to clear the edges and when to thin out the lowest rows is the key to surviving later waves. Arcade Pantry is free to play with no sign up and no download. Your best results are saved only in your own browser.
Space Invaders tips and strategy
- Clear one side of the formation first. The fleet takes longer to reach the edge and step down.
- The fewer aliens left, the faster they move. Be ready for the last few.
- Keep moving to dodge bombs, but do not stray too far from the center.
- You can only have two shots on screen at once, so time your shots rather than spamming fire.
- Top row aliens are worth more points, but clearing low rows buys you time.
Space Invaders FAQ
How do you play Space Invaders style games?
Move your cannon left and right and fire upward to destroy the alien fleet before it reaches the ground.
Why do the aliens get faster?
The fleet speeds up as its numbers shrink, and each new wave starts faster than the last.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. Use the left, right and Fire buttons under the game.
Is this the original Space Invaders?
No. It is our own free game inspired by the classic and is not affiliated with any company.
How many waves are there?
There is no limit. Each new wave is a little faster, so see how far you can get.