Pokemon Survivor: How to Play
Which Pokemon Survivor game are you looking for?
"Pokemon Survivor" refers to several Pokémon-themed survivor games made by different developers. This page clarifies the differences and helps you find the one you want. The three main games are Poke Survivor (a browser game with starter picks at pokesurvivor.com), PokeTide (a browser game with egg-hatching and evolutions at poketide.com), and Pokemon Survivor Burst (a desktop app with a downloadable client). Each game has its own mechanics, so the "Pokemon Survivor" you want depends on what you prefer: browser vs desktop, starters vs eggs, and collecting vs quick runs.
This unofficial fan page at pokemonsurvivor.org does not host any of these games. It exists to clarify the differences, link to each game, and help you pick the one that fits your setup. If you already know which game you want, the sections below link to each one. If you are new to Pokemon survivor games, read the differences to see which mechanics appeal to you, then try the game that sounds interesting.
Poke Survivor: browser starter picker
Poke Survivor is a free browser game where you pick a starter, move around an arena, and your attacks fire automatically while waves of enemies close in. The game is hosted at pokesurvivor.com, and you can play it on the sister pagepokesurvivor.dev, which embeds the game and adds a guide. Poke Survivor runs are short, and the whole loop is pick a starter, survive waves, level up and choose upgrades. You only steer your character; attacks trigger on their own.
Poke Survivor works in any desktop browser with no download or install. A desktop browser with a keyboard gives smoother movement than a phone browser, which matters because positioning is the core skill. If you want a quick browser Pokemon survivor game that you can start in seconds, Poke Survivor is the easiest entry point. Visit pokesurvivor.dev to play it now, or read thePoke Survivor how-to-play guide for controls, starters and tips.
PokeTide: egg-hatching and evolutions
PokeTide is a free browser game where you hatch a partner Pokémon from an egg and evolve it mid-run. Your partner fights alongside you, and you collect hundreds of Pokémon including shinies and legendaries as you progress. PokeTide features item builds, periodic bosses, and a large roster to fill. The game is hosted at poketide.com, and you can play it on the sister page poketide.org, which embeds the game and adds a guide.
PokeTide works in any desktop browser with no download or install. If you want egg-hatching, mid-run evolutions, and a collecting focus instead of just surviving waves, PokeTide offers more long-term goals than a simple starter picker. Visit poketide.org to play it now, or read the PokeTide how-to-play guide for hatching, evolving, collecting and item builds.
Pokemon Survivor Burst: desktop app
Pokemon Survivor Burst is a separate Pokemon survivor game with a downloadable desktop app. Burst and the browser games (Poke Survivor and PokeTide) are made by different developers, so they are distinct games with different mechanics. If you want a desktop Pokemon survivor game that works offline, Burst is the downloadable option. The Pokemon Survivor Burst page on pokesurvivor.dev explains what Burst is, how it differs from the browser games, and where to find its download.
Burst requires a download and install, while Poke Survivor and PokeTide run in the browser with no setup. If you prefer playing in a browser tab over a desktop app, use Poke Survivor or PokeTide instead. If you want an offline Pokemon survivor game or prefer a standalone app, check the Burst page for its download link.
How to play: controls and basics
All Pokemon survivor games share the same core controls: movement keys (WASD or arrow keys) to steer, and automatic attacks that fire while you walk. You do not aim or manually trigger attacks; positioning is your main input. Click inside the game frame once before you start so keyboard input goes to the game instead of the page around it. The specific mechanics differ by game:
- Poke Survivor: Pick a starter, survive waves, level up and choose upgrades. Runs are short and focus on positioning and upgrade choices.
- PokeTide: Hatch a partner from an egg, evolve it mid-run, collect Pokémon and build with items. Runs have periodic bosses and a collecting goal.
- Burst: Desktop app with its own mechanics (see the Burst page for details, as this page focuses on the browser games).
Which game should you try?
Try Poke Survivor if you want a quick browser game with starter picks and automatic attacks. It is the easiest entry point, and runs are short enough to fit in a few minutes. Try PokeTide if you want egg-hatching, evolutions, and a collecting focus with shinies and legendaries. It offers more long-term goals than a simple wave survivor. Try Burst if you want a desktop app instead of a browser game, though you will need to download and install it.
If you are new to Pokemon survivor games, start with Poke Survivor or PokeTide in the browser, because they need no setup and you can try them immediately. Both are free, run in any desktop browser, and follow the same survivor formula with Pokémon themes. The sister pagespokesurvivor.dev and poketide.org embed each game at the top, so you can play without leaving the page.
Pokemon Survivor FAQ
How do you play Pokemon Survivor?
Pokemon Survivor refers to several Pokémon survivor games. Poke Survivor is a browser game where you pick a starter and survive waves while attacks fire automatically. PokeTide lets you hatch a partner from an egg and evolve it mid-run. Pokemon Survivor Burst has a downloadable client. Each game has its own controls and mechanics, so check the specific game's page for instructions.
What is the difference between Poke Survivor and Pokemon Survivor Burst?
Poke Survivor is a free browser game hosted at pokesurvivor.com with no download required. Pokemon Survivor Burst is a separate game with a downloadable desktop app. They are made by different developers and have different mechanics. Poke Survivor runs in your browser, while Burst needs an install.
Where can I play Pokemon Survivor?
You can play Poke Survivor free at pokesurvivor.dev (this site's sister page), PokeTide at poketide.org, or find Pokemon Survivor Burst on its official page. Each game runs in the browser except Burst, which has a desktop download. This page clarifies the differences and links to each game.
Is Pokemon Survivor like Vampire Survivors?
Yes, Pokemon Survivor games follow the survivor formula with automatic attacks, growing waves, and upgrades. The difference is the Pokémon theme and mechanics like starters, evolutions, and collecting. If you like Vampire Survivors, you will likely enjoy the Pokemon survivor games.
Can I download Pokemon Survivor?
Poke Survivor and PokeTide are browser games with no download. Pokemon Survivor Burst has a desktop app you can download. This page covers which games run in the browser and which have downloadable clients, so you can pick the version that fits your setup.
What is Pokemon Survivor on this page?
This page clarifies the different Pokémon survivor games and helps you find the one you want. Poke Survivor (.dev) is a browser starter picker. PokeTide (.org) features egg-hatching and evolutions. Burst is a desktop app. Each game is made by different developers and has its own mechanics.
Is this the official Pokemon Survivor game?
No. This is an unofficial fan page that clarifies the different Pokémon survivor games and links to them. Pokémon is a trademark of Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and Game Freak, and is not affiliated with this site or any of the games mentioned here.
Which Pokemon Survivor game should I try first?
Try Poke Survivor at pokesurvivor.dev if you want a quick browser game with starter picks and automatic attacks. Try PokeTide at poketide.org if you want egg-hatching, evolutions, and collecting. Try Burst if you want a desktop app instead of a browser game. This page links to each one.
