Tidehold

4.2 / 5

22,284 plays

strategy Mobile Friendly

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: 22,284

Mobile Support: Yes

About Tidehold

Plunge into Tidehold, the indie strategy sensation that lets you command an underwater colony clinging to survival beneath the waves! Crafted in just 72 hours for Ludum Dare #57, this free browser game delivers a unique blend of resource management, base expansion, and mysterious adventure. As your colony’s leader, every decision matters—grow your population, balance oxygen production, and venture into darkness in pursuit of a mysterious signal that could hold the key to your future.

Tidehold’s gameplay is tense and rewarding, driving you to juggle the construction of farms, houses, and mines to keep citizens productive and fed. Expanding your colony isn’t just about numbers—it’s about managing the precious O2 that keeps everyone alive. Every new structure must be carefully planned; build too fast, and oxygen runs low, risking disaster.

But this isn’t just survival—the ocean is full of secrets and lurking dangers! As your reach extends deeper, use radars to navigate the abyss and detect threats before they strike. The haunting soundtrack and atmospheric pixel art create a truly immersive underwater world, where glowing lights pierce the endless blue and every expansion feels like a leap into the unknown.

Playable on desktop and mobile, Tidehold brings city-building and real-time strategy together in quick, satisfying sessions. Players will love the feeling of tension as they push the boundaries of their underwater territory and uncover the truth behind the enigmatic signal. Will your colony thrive, or will you be swept away by the dark currents below?

Accessible yet challenging, Tidehold rewards both meticulous planners and bold explorers. Whether you’re a diehard strategy fan or just diving in for a quick play, you’ll find yourself drawn back again and again to master the depths. Take charge, uncover secrets, outsmart dangers, and write your own saga beneath the sea—Tidehold awaits!

How to Play

Start your underwater adventure by clicking 'Play'—no downloads necessary! In Tidehold, you are tasked with growing and sustaining an aquatic colony. Begin by constructing essential buildings: farms provide food, houses shelter new citizens, and mines extract vital resources. Each building consumes and produces different amounts of oxygen, so keep an eye on your precious O2 reserves.

Expand your capabilities by building O2 tanks to increase oxygen storage, letting your colony reach further. As you grow, use the in-game radar structures to reveal new pathways and protect yourself from lurking underwater hazards. Prioritize balance: expanding too rapidly can stretch your resources thin, but moving too slowly may leave you unprepared for sudden threats.

Controls are simple—use your mouse (or tap on mobile) to select buildings, place structures, and manage resources via an intuitive interface. Monitor your resource bars at all times. Use caution when venturing toward the mysterious signal; revealing too much too quickly can alert dangerous creatures.

Beginners should focus on a strong foundation: ensure stable food and oxygen supplies, gradually unlock more advanced buildings, and pay attention to warnings. Keep your citizens safe and your colony thriving, all while following clues to the signal’s source. Adapt, strategize, and don’t be afraid to restart—each run teaches new lessons on surviving the depths!

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Balance resource production by keeping farms, houses, and mines upgraded equally.
Always keep spare O2 tanks—running out of oxygen is the fastest way to fail.
Build radars early to scout dangers and chart an efficient path toward the signal.
Prioritize repairs when hazards strike, or your colony’s capacity may drop dangerously.
Watch the oxygen bar closely when expanding; build additional tanks before you hit red.
Experiment with building placement for efficient growth—tight layouts minimize O2 loss.
Use early runs to learn enemy patterns and resource bottlenecks; every failure unlocks new strategies.

Game Features

Immersive underwater colony management with real-time strategy elements
Unique oxygen system creates high-stakes decisions for every expansion
Intuitive controls optimized for both desktop and mobile play
Chilling pixel art visuals and atmospheric music that bring the deep sea to life
Procedural map generation ensures a fresh challenge with every session
Quick, replayable sessions—perfect for fast-paced gaming or extended plays
Free to play in your browser, no downloads required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tidehold free to play?

Yes! Tidehold is a 100% free indie strategy game you can enjoy instantly via your browser—no downloads, no signups, ever.

Can I play Tidehold on mobile devices?

Absolutely. Tidehold is fully mobile compatible—just open the game in any modern browser on your phone or tablet for the full experience.

How do I expand my colony without running out of oxygen?

Carefully balance building new O2 tanks with each expansion, and monitor your oxygen reserves closely. Expanding too quickly without boosting O2 storage can doom your colony.

What happens if hazards aren’t dealt with quickly?

Unaddressed hazards can damage your structures, lower your resource output, and put your colony at risk. Use radars to anticipate threats and prioritize repairs to keep everything running smoothly.

Is there a way to win Tidehold or reach the signal?

There is a secret objective—reach the source of the mysterious signal! Effective colony management and strategic exploration will eventually lead you to victory and unlock the game’s hidden ending.