Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.2/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 40,723

Mobile Support: Yes

About Shleep

Fall into the mind-bending world of Shleep, a thrilling, indie action game forged in just 72 hours for Ludum Dare 57: Depths. Taking the simple idea of counting sheep and cranking it to full-throttle chaos, Shleep cleverly inverts a peaceful bedtime ritual into a dazzling test of your reflexes, quick-thinking, and strategy. As your restless character struggles to sleep, waves of fast-moving, unpredictable sheep storm the screen. Your goal? Harness clever upgrades, precision placements, and sharp instincts to shepherd the flock—and your dreams—into organized tranquility.

Crafted in expressive, pixel-perfect style, Shleep's visuals strike a bold balance between charmingly nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Layers of quirky animations, fluid effects, and punchy sound design pull you into a whimsical yet challenging universe. Each night grows tougher, with new depths, patterns, and strategic layers emerging the longer you survive.

With seamless browser play and full mobile compatibility, Shleep invites you to chase that elusive 'deepest sleep' from anywhere. While the downloadable version boasts peak performance and polish, the HTML5 web build lets you dive right in with just a click. The game’s snappy left-click/right-click controls are intuitive for speedrunners and casual players alike—yet mastering Shleep demands serious twitch skill, clever upgrades, and adapting to wild, ever-escalating chaos.

Are you ready to outwit the endless stampede and fall into the best sleep of your (gaming) life? Whether you're a hardcore completionist, an indie lover, or a mobile gaming adventurer, Shleep delivers the late-night adrenaline rush you crave. Share your speedruns, climb the leaderboard, and experience why Shleep is the insomnia-fueled indie sensation everyone’s talking about!

How to Play

Getting started with Shleep is simple yet deeply challenging. You play as a sleepless dreamer desperate for deep rest. To help, wave after wave of restless sheep appear. Your objective: buy, place, and position various sheep (and upgrades) with a left-click. Plan placements wisely on the evolving game board—their interactive effects will help corral the chaos and keep the sheep flowing smoothly.

Use the right-click for special actions, including activating upgrades, managing sheep, or triggering unique friction points as the level challenges ramp up. Strategy is key: each sheep type better suits a different purpose, and their powers combine for maximum effect. Learn enemy patterns, optimize your placements, stack upgrades, and chase that elusive high score.

As nights progress, more sheep flood in, upping the speed and intensity. Tweak your tactics! Remember, the downloadable version offers smoother performance for the most hectic nights. Submit your best runs, try for speedrun glory, and refine your reflexes. For beginners: start by observing sheep patterns before making purchases, and experiment with combinations early. Casuals and pros alike will find plenty to master in Shleep.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Focus on sheep synergies—some upgrades interact for huge efficiency boosts.
Save resources early for advanced upgrades that handle late-game floods.
Use right-click actions judiciously—timing can make or break a deep run.
Don’t be afraid to restart and experiment! Each round builds your tactical edge.
Optimize placement near high-traffic paths; positioning is everything as chaos escalates.
If you experience lag, switch to the downloadable version for smoother performance.
Study top speedruns for pathing secrets and meta strategies.

Game Features

Fast, frantic sheep-placing action with deep, evolving challenge.
Distinctive indie pixel art brimming with character and playful animations.
Playable instantly in your browser—no installs required.
Hardcore difficulty that rewards quick thinking and sharp reflexes.
Mobile compatible: play anywhere, anytime, on any device.
Unique upgrade systems and sheep synergies to master.
Designed for speedrunners—submit your runs and compete globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shleep require installation or can I play in my browser?

Shleep is fully playable online via HTML5 in your browser! For the most polished experience—especially in later, more chaotic levels—try the downloadable version from itch.io.

Is Shleep mobile-friendly?

Absolutely! Shleep is optimized for mobile devices, so you can enjoy its frantic sheep-chasing action on your phone or tablet without missing a beat.

What makes Shleep so difficult?

Shleep’s challenge scales quickly, with increasing sheep waves, new upgrade combos, and unpredictable patterns. Mastering timing, placement, and resource management is essential for deep runs.

Can I submit speedruns or compete with friends?

Yes! Shleep supports speedrun submissions—hone your skills, perfect your tactics, and post your best times to see how you stack up globally.

Why does Shleep sometimes lag in the browser?

Browser performance can dip during intense, late-game moments due to resource demands. For the smoothest gameplay, download the itch.io version—which is recommended for speedrunning and high-score chasing.