SIDE EFFECTS

3.7 / 5

16,632 plays

strategy Mobile Friendly

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

3.7/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 16,632

Mobile Support: Yes

About SIDE EFFECTS

Dive into the unpredictable world of 'Side Effects,' the indie strategy sensation that’s redefining browser gaming. In this gripping, turn-based pill roulette, you’re not just playing for points — you’re fighting for survival. Each round presents a dizzying array of colorful pills, some packed with potential, others hiding dangerous consequences, and a few that threaten game-ending disaster. It’s a high-stakes gamble every turn, as you balance risk and reward to stay alive just one round longer.

Side Effects drops players into a stark, minimalist interface that ramps up the tension with every decision. The stripped-down visuals let you focus on what truly matters: outsmarting the game and your own instincts. With each click, you may enhance your resistance with beneficial effects, power up with clever item use, or accidentally trigger a devastating downfall. Every pill alters your stats, directly impacting your chance of survival, adding a perfect layer of suspense and dark humor.

What makes Side Effects truly shine is its addictive gameplay loop and razor-sharp strategy. The game is blissfully easy to learn, welcoming both seasoned tacticians and casual players with simple, intuitive controls — ideal for quick sessions at home or on your phone. Yet, the dynamic item system and the ever-present element of chance guarantee deep, endlessly replayable challenges. One misstep could end your run, so every round feels like a fresh mental battle.

Topped off with regular leaderboards and social sharing options, Side Effects invites friendly competition and the urge to one-up your last streak. Whether you’re a fan of gritty indies, a strategy game junkie, or simply looking for your next mobile obsession, Side Effects guarantees moments of genuine suspense and satisfaction. Welcome to pill roulette. Are you ready to test your resistance?

Wishlist it on Steam to get notifications on future updates and expansions — or jump in now to see how long you can last!

How to Play

Getting started in Side Effects is a breeze, but true mastery will test your strategic wits. After launching the game on your browser or mobile device, you’re immediately placed at the center of the action: each round, a new selection of mysterious pills appears before you. Select a pill by clicking or tapping — once taken, its effect is instantly applied.

Some pills will boost your resistance, granting greater survivability, while others chip away at your health or throw you right into peril. Keep an eye on your resistance meter; dipping too low spells game over. Along the way, you'll unlock or find powerful items. Carefully deploy these to negate negative effects, enhance your resistance, or even manipulate the next round’s odds.

Controls are ultra-smooth: use your mouse or tap on mobile to make selections, activate items, and advance turns. Every detail — from pill type to items used — forces you to re-evaluate your strategy. For beginners, focus on learning each pill’s possible consequences and prioritizing resistance maintenance. Don’t burn through items too quickly, and pace yourself: victory here is about patience and reading the odds.

Remember, each round is unique thanks to randomized pills and unpredictable effects, so no play session ever feels the same. Survive longer, unlock new challenges, and share your highest resistance for bragging rights!

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Observe pill patterns and effects to learn which boosts or harms resistance.
Use items tactically—save them for when resistance is critically low or danger looms.
Prioritize keeping your resistance in the higher range to prevent sudden defeat.
Document unusual or especially risky pills—building your own reference helps survival.
Use early rounds to build up item reserves—don’t waste benefits on easy choices.
Study the resistance meter constantly; treat it as your lifeline.
Experiment with different item and pill combos to discover hidden synergies.

Game Features

Innovative turn-based pill roulette gameplay—risk and reward with every choice.
Complete mobile compatibility for gaming on the go.
Minimalist, tension-filled visuals and intuitive controls.
Ever-changing rounds with randomized pills and effects—fresh challenges every session.
Deep item system with strategic power-ups and saving throws.
Perfect balance of easy-to-learn gameplay and hard-to-master depth.
Social sharing and leaderboard features to fuel friendly rivalry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Side Effects really free to play online?

Yes, Side Effects is 100% free to play directly in your browser via itch.io. There’s no download required and no purchases needed to enjoy the full game.

Can I play Side Effects on my phone or tablet?

Absolutely! Side Effects is built in HTML5 and fully optimized for mobile devices, so you can dive in anywhere, anytime.

How do items work and when should I use them?

Items provide special effects such as boosting resistance, shielding you from bad pills, or altering future rounds. Use them strategically—especially during tough rounds or when resistance gets dangerously low.

Are the pill effects completely random?

Pill choices and some effects are randomized, ensuring every run is unique. Learning patterns and tracking outcomes can give you a strategic advantage.

How do leaderboards and sharing work?

After each run, you can compare your scores with others on leaderboards and share your survival streaks on social platforms—ignite some friendly competition!