Honey Guardian

4.3 / 5

19,521 plays

action Mobile Friendly

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.3/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 19,521

Mobile Support: Yes

About Honey Guardian

Step into the buzzing world of Honey Guardian, a heart-pounding browser-based action shooter that will keep your adrenaline pumping from start to finish! This indie gem thrusts you into a vibrant, pixel-perfect hive under siege. You play as Jenny, the hive's courageous sentinel on a mission to save her colony from relentless insect invaders. With only two minutes to make your mark, every second is a race against swarming enemies coming at you from every angle.

Forged for Gunner Parade Jam 2022 and refined for multiple platforms, Honey Guardian blends old-school caravan-style shmup action with fresh indie spirit. Each round is a lightning-fast score-attack challenge, where precision dodging and sharp shooting are rewarded with massive points. Power up Jenny's signature sting shot by collecting glowing honey crystals, unleashing impressive splash attacks that can clear the screen in a golden rush.

The game shines with smooth, responsive controls—whether you're playing on desktop browser, mobile device, or even a Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. Bursting with color and retro flair, the environment feels alive: bustling hives, dazzling projectiles, and waves of beautifully animated foes immerse you in a vibrant battle for survival.

Honey Guardian isn’t just about reflexes—it’s about strategy, split-second decisions, and the sweet satisfaction of climbing the leaderboards. Whether you're a seasoned shmup veteran or a newcomer looking for a quick thrill, it’s endlessly replayable and perfectly tuned for bite-sized gaming sessions. Protect the hive, perfect your run, and post your top score!

Join the swarm, feel the sting, and discover why Honey Guardian is creating so much buzz among online arcade fans. Will you rise to become the ultimate guardian in this exhilarating free browser shooter? Play now and get swept into the action!

How to Play

In Honey Guardian, your mission is simple: protect your hive and rack up the highest score possible! Each game session lasts exactly two minutes, and every move counts. As Jenny, you'll face waves of invading insects attacking from all directions. Your main weapon is the powerful sting shot, which you can upgrade by collecting honey crystals dropped by defeated foes.

Start by using a keyboard (arrow keys to move, Z/X to shoot/power up, or customize in settings), an Xinput controller, or, if you’re on mobile, intuitive on-screen controls. For Sega Genesis / Mega Drive players, classic D-pad and button controls ensure a retro experience.

Your primary objective is to shoot down as many invaders as you can and keep dodging incoming fire. As you gather honey crystals, your sting shot grows stronger and faster, letting you clear the screen more effectively. Be aware of enemy patterns—some swarm quickly, others launch unpredictable projectiles.

Beginner tips: Keep moving to avoid getting cornered, prioritize collecting honey crystals after big enemy waves, and always watch the timer so you can maximize your final push for a high score. Don’t be afraid to take risks for power-ups—bold play often yields the top spot on the leaderboard. Play, replay, and experiment with routes and strategies to improve with every round!

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Always keep an eye on your surroundings—enemies attack from every direction.
Collect honey crystals as soon as they drop to quickly power up your sting shot.
Use hit-and-run tactics to avoid being overwhelmed during heavy enemy waves.
Memorize enemy spawn patterns for higher scores and survival efficiency.
On mobile, leverage touch controls for faster dodging and tapping accuracy.
Don't stay in one place—constantly move to avoid surprise attacks.
Plan your final 20 seconds for a high-score blitz—unleash max firepower then!

Game Features

Fast-paced, 2-minute score-attack sessions perfect for quick play.
Retro-inspired pixel graphics and vibrant hive animations.
Tight, responsive controls across browser, mobile, and Genesis / Mega Drive.
Power-up system with honey crystals for supercharged sting shots.
Dynamic enemy waves with varied attack patterns and escalating challenge.
Global and local leaderboards to track and share your top scores.
Completely free to play—no downloads, just instant action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Honey Guardian really free to play?

Yes! Honey Guardian is 100% free to play in your browser or on mobile, with no downloads or paywalls. Just load the game and start defending your hive.

Are there different difficulty levels?

The game is set at a medium difficulty, balanced for both newcomers and shmup veterans. While you can't adjust the difficulty, savvy strategies and practice make it accessible to all.

How do I improve my high score?

Master dodging, prioritize honey crystal collection, learn enemy patterns, and use every second of the 2-minute timer efficiently. Replay often to refine your tactics.

My web version isn’t working in Firefox. What should I do?

If you encounter issues in Firefox, check the in-game notes for troubleshooting or visit the linked feedback thread on itch.io for community support and updates.