Podvodsk (Ludum Dare 57)

4.5 / 5

22,309 plays

strategy Mobile Friendly

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.5/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 22,309

Mobile Support: Yes

About Podvodsk (Ludum Dare 57)

Take the plunge into the mysterious depths with Podvodsk, a standout indie strategy game crafted for Ludum Dare 57. In this deeply challenging browser-based gem, you become the mastermind of an ever-expanding underwater city, tasked with balancing resources, engineering ingenious builds, and surviving where the pressure is relentless and the stakes are as high as the ocean is deep.

With polished HTML5 graphics shimmering beneath the waves, Podvodsk immerses you in a world where every move could mean progress or disaster. The drag-and-drop schematic system puts city management at your fingertips; simply choose building plans from the top-right menu and drop them into your evolving metropolis. Every construction costs precious points, forcing you to strategize and adapt as you spiral deeper into the abyss. Will your city survive the crushing depths and uncover the ocean's secrets – or will your ambitious ambitions meet a watery grave?

Podvodsk stands out with its compelling blend of hardcore strategy and lovely indie aesthetics. The environment pulses with aquatic effects for a truly dynamic experience, and the atmospheric soundscape (with adjustable volume) draws you deeper into your submerged odyssey. A recently added tactical mode challenges even the sharpest commanders with more complexity, demanding smart placement and forward thinking to maximize efficiency and survival.

Pushing for leaderboards glory or aiming to unlock all eight unique medal endings, you’ll find every playthrough brings new challenges and discoveries. The game supports both English and Russian (TAB to switch), and is fully mobile compatible—meaning you can construct your undersea utopia anytime, anywhere. Whether you're a casual player curious about indie strategy or a hardcore gamer hungry for your next test, Podvodsk delivers a compelling, replayable journey. Aren't you ready to build your legacy at the bottom of the sea? Play now and see if you can master the secrets of Podvodsk’s depths!

How to Play

Getting started in Podvodsk is easy—but mastering its undersea strategy will challenge even seasoned veterans. First, launch the game in your browser or on your mobile device; Podvodsk is fully HTML5 compatible, so no downloads are required. To begin building your underwater city, look to the top right corner of the screen—there you'll find a range of schematic blueprints, each representing a unique building with its own cost and function. Drag and drop your chosen schematic onto the main city grid to construct it. Every building deducts points from your available total, so plan each move with care.

As your city grows, focus on establishing efficient layouts to maximize expansion potential and unlock deeper ocean zones. Clicking ‘Esc’ opens the in-game menu for settings or a quick exit, while 'TAB' lets you toggle between English and Russian for accessibility. Want to get fully immersed? Press 'F' or F2 to toggle fullscreen mode for a broader view of your metropolis, or use F1 to switch water animation effects on or off to suit your preference and device performance. New tactical game modes offer alternate playstyles—try them out for added challenge!

A key tip for beginners is to pace your building to avoid overspending points early on. Each construction decision affects your resource balance and, ultimately, how deep your city can go. Explore, experiment, and revisit strategies, as Podvodsk rewards creative thinking and ingenuity every step of the way.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Plan your city layout for future expansion—reserve space for advanced schematics.
Balance resource management: don't overspend points on one type of building early.
Try the tactical mode for a fresh challenge and deeper strategic play.
Keep an eye on special updates—recent patches add new features and tweak balance.
Switch language instantly with TAB for a smoother experience if you play bilingually.
Adjust volume and toggle effects for optimal performance, especially on mobile.
Aim for all eight endings: unlock medals by exploring different city-building strategies.

Game Features

Intuitive drag-and-drop schematic system for swift underwater city-building
Dynamic city expansion with hardcore difficulty that rewards strategy and experimentation
Multiple game modes, including a tactical mode for varied replayability
Vivid, atmospheric HTML5 visuals and water effects for true immersion
Supports both English and Russian, easily switched via TAB
Fully mobile-optimized—play seamlessly on smartphone, tablet, or desktop
Medal achievement system encourages exploration and mastery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Podvodsk really free to play online?

Yes! Podvodsk is 100% free to play directly in your browser or on your mobile device via itch.io. No downloads or payments required.

How do I save my progress or unlock endings?

Podvodsk tracks your progress automatically for each session. To unlock unique endings and medals, complete various city-building conditions in different playthroughs.

What makes the tactical game mode different?

The tactical mode introduces new mechanics and a greater emphasis on building placement, strategic planning, and resource efficiency for advanced players.

Can I play Podvodsk on my phone or tablet?

Absolutely! Podvodsk is fully mobile compatible—just open it in your device's browser and enjoy seamless touch controls.

I’m new to strategy games—will I enjoy Podvodsk?

Definitely! While Podvodsk has a challenging difficulty curve, the intuitive controls and engaging visuals make it rewarding for both newcomers and seasoned strategists.