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SHEPHERD

4.3 / 5
25,946 plays
indie

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: 25,946
Mobile Support: No

Tags

indie (178) mouse (1038) keyboard (1038) easy (376) 2D (0) indie (1038) free (1038) html5 (1020)

About SHEPHERD

Dive into the heart-pounding mystery of SHEPHERD, a free online indie game that shatters genre expectations and delivers a spine-tingling narrative adventure. Step into the shoes of Field Team A513-2, a squad uniquely skilled but unprepared for the surreal challenges lurking within a closed military laboratory. What starts as a routine data retrieval for Jody, Nova, and Cooper soon transforms into a brain-bending odyssey. In SHEPHERD, reality twists—teammates disappear, clocks run out of sync, and memories clash over what truly happened. As the handler, you wield every mission-critical choice: Will you prioritize the safety of your crew or risk it all to get to the bottom of the growing enigma?

SHEPHERD delivers a masterful blend of atmospheric storytelling and intuitive gameplay. Navigate sleek, minimalistic HTML5 graphics directly in your browser, immersing you in an environment thick with tension and dread. Every click unravels new layers of the facility’s secrets, punctuated by eerie audio cues and subtle visual glitches. But beware: this game’s puzzles don’t just challenge your logic—they test your perception of what’s real. Perfect for fans of narrative-driven games and ARG enthusiasts, SHEPHERD keeps you guessing, questioning, and exploring with each twist.

Whether you’re a newcomer to indie browser games or a veteran itching for a low-commitment yet unforgettable experience, SHEPHERD’s easy difficulty and user-friendly controls make it accessible, while its branching story and unpredictable events offer deep replay value. Experience razor-sharp writing, clever environmental storytelling, and a hauntingly interactive atmosphere. Conquer the labyrinth, safeguard your team, or push deeper to expose the truth—every playthrough is a new chance to challenge the unknown. Embark on your mission and see if you can shepherd your team to safety… or uncover what the facility is truly hiding.

How to Play

Start your mission by launching SHEPHERD directly in your web browser—no downloads or sign-ups required. Begin as the handler for Field Team A513-2, monitoring your squad's progress as they navigate the abandoned military laboratory. Use your mouse or keyboard arrows to interact with the environment: click to select dialogue options, investigate suspicious objects, and instruct your team. As anomalies unfold, you'll receive communications from team members—choose your responses carefully, as they alter the sequence of events and directly affect each member’s fate.

Stay alert for environmental clues, shifting timestamps, and unexpected messages. These subtle details can change the course of the story. The interface is clean and intuitive: story segments are clearly presented, and key choices are presented as bold options you can select with a click. Explore every area for hidden notes and payoff hints to unlock additional endings. Whenever in doubt, pause and review your team’s log for a recap of the storyline and your prior decisions.

Beginners should focus on keeping their team together and prioritizing safety, while more experienced players can experiment with different dialogue choices to discover all narrative branches. Replayability is a cornerstone of SHEPHERD, so don’t be afraid to start over and try new strategies. Will you escape unscathed or fall prey to the facility’s secrets? The path is yours to decide.

Controls

mouse
keyboard

Tips & Tricks

  • Always review your team’s communications—subtle clues can prevent catastrophic outcomes.
  • Experiment with divergent choices to uncover hidden scenes and alternate endings.
  • Don’t ignore environmental anomalies; interact with everything for maximum story depth.
  • Keep track of any time inconsistencies—these usually hint at evolving game mechanics.
  • Log your choices in a notebook to optimize future playthroughs and master the story branches.
  • Prioritize team cohesion in early runs to get a feel for story pacing before riskier plays.
  • Refresh the game after each ending—you’ll spot new details on repeated playthroughs.

Game Features

  • Atmospheric, immersive storytelling packed with psychological twists
  • Multiple endings based on your choices and actions
  • Sleek, minimalist HTML5 design for seamless browser play
  • Branching conversations and dynamic team management
  • Replayability with layered mysteries and secret unlocks
  • Free to play on itch.io—no downloads, no registrations
  • Surreal audio cues and visual effects that enhance suspense

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SHEPHERD really free to play?

Yes! SHEPHERD is completely free to play in your browser via itch.io, with no downloads or hidden fees.

Do my choices affect the outcome?

Absolutely. Every major decision you make will impact your team's safety and the final outcome, offering several unique endings.

Can I play SHEPHERD on mobile devices?

Currently, SHEPHERD is only compatible with desktop browsers and is not optimized for mobile devices.

How long does it take to complete a playthrough?

Most playthroughs take 15-30 minutes, but exploring alternative choices and endings adds significant replay value.

Is there a way to save my progress in the game?

Progress is session-based. If you leave the page, you may need to restart, but the short playtime encourages multiple enjoyable runs.

Game Info

Rating 4.3/5
Plays 25,946
Category indie
Difficulty easy
Mobile No
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