Sub Dragon

4.1 / 5

20,433 plays

action

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.1/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 20,433

Mobile Support: No

About Sub Dragon

Gear up for a pulse-pounding throwback with Sub Dragon, a slick action shooter that melds retro vibes with incredible innovation. Inspired by the legendary Saint Dragon on the Atari ST, Sub Dragon puts you in command of a living ship that’s equal parts weapon and shield! Your mission: weave, twist, and shape-shift your way through swarms of relentless enemies, using both brains and reflexes to survive.

What sets Sub Dragon apart from any ordinary arcade shooter is its dual-sided gameplay mechanic. Your dragon-ship boasts a white left side that’s completely invulnerable, actively gobbling up enemy bullets, and a red right side decked out with heavy artillery but as fragile as glass. You’ll have to think fast and move even quicker, shifting your form and switching sides to deflect deadly strikes and unleash devastating barrages of firepower. It’s a delicate dance of risk and reward that keeps your adrenaline peaking every second of play.

Crafted during the intense 48-hour Ludum Dare game jam, Sub Dragon shines with pixel-perfect HTML5 graphics, tight controls, and a challenging yet accessible difficulty curve that invites new players but rewards mastery. The game’s quick movement and snake-like maneuvers deliver pure arcade bliss, while each enemy wave offers fresh patterns that test your ability to adapt and improvise.

Whether you’re an old-school shooter fan looking for the next leaderboard conquest or a newcomer drawn to indie gems, Sub Dragon delivers an experience that’s impossible to put down. With no downloads and zero paywalls, this browser-based shooter is ready when you are—jump in, shape-shift, and show the galaxy your skills! Are you ready to command both the dragon’s strength and its vulnerability to become the ultimate survivor?

How to Play

Sub Dragon makes it easy to dive right into the action, but mastering its clever mechanics sets top players apart. You’ll control a snake-like dragon ship as you dodge, weave, and obliterate waves of enemies, toggling between offensive and defensive stances in real time.

For optimal control, use a gamepad: maneuver with the left stick and press the A button to freeze your current shape, allowing you to block or shoot with precision. Keyboard players use the arrow keys for movement and the Space bar to hold position.

The white (left) side of your ship is your shield, able to absorb enemy fire and protect your vulnerable core. The red (right) side is your damage dealer—with heavy weapons, but it can’t withstand a direct hit. As you fly through the battlefield, pivot your ship’s sides to intercept attacks or aim your guns, using quick, snake-like shifts to evade incoming threats. Adjust your formation often to suit new enemy patterns, and always be prepared to freeze your shape when timing a perfect block or barrage.

Beginners should experiment with shape-shifting and freezing to find a style that suits their reactions. Focus on using your invulnerable side to lead, especially against dense bullet patterns, and unleash the red side’s firepower only when you have a safe angle. Rapid reflexes and bold moves will help you rack up higher scores and unlock the thrill of ultimate survival.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Lead with your white side to block and deflect tricky bullet spreads.
Use the freeze function to hold your advantageous shapes in tight spots.
Watch enemy attack patterns—anticipate, then shape-shift to counter.
Don’t rush; patience and smooth movement avoid unnecessary hits.
Prioritize high-damage enemies first when openings appear.
Switch between offense and defense quickly to maintain momentum.
Replay stages to master layouts and substantially improve your score.

Game Features

Innovative dual-sided ship with shape-shifting mechanics
Retro-pixel graphics inspired by classic shooters
Responsive, intuitive controls—gamepad or keyboard
Bullet-hell action with easy pick-up, satisfying mastery
No downloads required—play instantly in your browser
Challenging, wave-based enemy patterns and creative bosses
Fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay made in 48 hours for Ludum Dare

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sub Dragon different from other shoot-'em-ups?

Sub Dragon’s unique dual-sided ship lets you switch between a defensive (invulnerable) side and an offensive (fragile) one, requiring quick thinking, shape-shifting, and timing to master both survival and attack.

Can I play Sub Dragon on my mobile device?

Currently, Sub Dragon is only compatible with desktop browsers and does not support mobile devices.

Is Sub Dragon really free to play?

Yes! Sub Dragon is 100% free-to-play—there are no downloads, no hidden fees, and no paywalls. Just jump in and start blasting!

What controls are recommended for the best experience?

Gamepad is highly recommended for optimal control, allowing smoother movement and quick freezing of your ship’s shape, but the keyboard offers a solid alternative for desktop players.

Are there different difficulty levels or unlockable upgrades?

Sub Dragon offers a single, well-balanced difficulty level that’s beginner-friendly yet challenging to master. Focus is on skillful play and achieving high scores—power comes from player mastery!