Horse Divorce - GMTK Game Jam 2021

4 / 5

12,236 plays

puzzle

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 12,236

Mobile Support: No

About Horse Divorce - GMTK Game Jam 2021

Step into the abstract and hilarious world of Horse Divorce, a mind-bending puzzle game birthed from the GMTK 2021 Game Jam. In this truly original indie title, you’re not just guiding a horse—you’re managing the emotional rollercoaster of two horse halves separating, rejoining, and puzzling their way through a whimsically surreal landscape. Designed and developed under intense 48-hour creativity by Peyton Lee, Neha Nagvekar, and their talented team, Horse Divorce mesmerizes with its simple yet challenging mechanics, evocative animations, and an emotionally charged soundtrack.

Horse Divorce taps into the trend of narrative-driven puzzles, letting you take control of both sides of a hilariously elongated horse navigating breakups and makeups. Unlike traditional puzzlers, these conjoined characters can only move forward by overcoming their own differences—maneuvering around obstacles that symbolize relationship hurdles. Each level intricately weaves clever level design with dynamic challenges, creating an unforgettable sense of cooperation… with yourself!

The game’s standout art style melds quirky 2D animation with expressive, almost meme-worthy horse faces and backgrounds oozing absurdity. Vivid visuals pair beautifully with a moody, atmospheric soundtrack by Yerin Yang, establishing a tone that’s both comedic and touching. Every level offers a fresh twist: sometimes you’ll need to tug the halves apart, sometimes you’ll force them to work together, but always you’ll be laughing and scratching your head in delight.

No downloads required—just hop in via your browser on PC. Whether you’re an indie fan searching for your next narrative oddity, or a puzzle gamer looking to challenge your brain, Horse Divorce delivers bite-sized, replayable fun that feels both personal and innovative. It’s ideal for a quick break or a deep-dive session where you strive for that perfect synergy (or comedic separation) between your equine protagonists.

Dive into Horse Divorce and discover a new favorite in the free, browser-based indie scene—a surreal journey of love, loss, and laughter you’ll want to share.

How to Play

Starting Horse Divorce is effortless—just launch the game in your browser (PC recommended) and dive right into the first puzzle. You control both halves of a surprisingly long horse, each mapped to a different set of keyboard controls. Usually, the arrow keys move one half and the WASD keys move the other. Your singular goal: navigate the two halves through a series of increasingly tricky obstacle courses, often needing to synchronize or separate their movements.

Each puzzle room is laid out like a quirky labyrinth, with objects and barriers representing symbolic relationship challenges. Some obstacles can only be moved if both halves push together, while others demand clever timing to maneuver one half while the other waits or pivots. You’ll often find yourself thinking several moves ahead, strategizing how to position both sides for maximum progress without getting stuck.

For beginners, it’s smart to experiment with individual movements first before attempting complicated synchronizations. Watch for visual cues—such as highlighted tiles or cues in the environment—to identify when joining together or pulling apart will solve the puzzle. If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to reset the level and try a different approach. Horse Divorce rewards experimentation and lateral thinking.

Pro tip: Listen to the shifting soundtrack and quirky sound effects—they can indicate when you’re on the right track or about to trigger an important in-game event.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Alternate control between halves to avoid getting stuck on narrow passages.
Use obstacles creatively—sometimes you need to push, sometimes to block!
Watch for visual and sound cues that hint at the correct move sequence.
Don’t rush—patience is key to synchronizing the horse halves effectively.
Reset levels freely; each attempt helps you uncover new puzzle solutions.
Pay close attention to the shape of levels—edges often hide unexpected paths.
Master the timing of split and rejoined movements to breeze through tougher sections.

Game Features

Surreal, narrative-driven puzzle gameplay centered on conflict and cooperation.
Unique two-character control for an innovative puzzle-solving experience.
Expressive, hand-drawn animations and whimsical, meme-worthy art style.
Dynamic soundtrack and quirky SFX that enhance the emotional journey.
Intuitive, browser-based play—no downloads or installs required.
Short, snackable puzzles with replay potential and endless charm.
Developed in just 48 hours for the GMTK Game Jam 2021—true indie spirit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Horse Divorce on my phone or tablet?

Currently, Horse Divorce is not mobile compatible. For the best experience, play on a PC browser.

Is Horse Divorce really free to play?

Absolutely! Horse Divorce is a free browser-based indie game hosted on itch.io. No payment or download required.

What makes Horse Divorce different from other puzzle games?

Horse Divorce stands out with its surreal premise, dual-character controls, and creative puzzles that explore themes of connection and separation in a uniquely humorous way.

How difficult is the game for beginners?

The difficulty is moderate—new players can quickly pick up the basics, while each puzzle introduces fresh challenges to keep even puzzle veterans engaged.

Who created the music and artwork for the game?

The game features original animations and assets by Matt Grinnell and Claire Kim, with music and sound design composed by Yerin Yang. The full team poured their creativity into every aspect!