Playdate Staff Picks

Pullfrog Playdate Deluxe

by Amano

Staff note: Imagine being trapped inside a falling-bricks game. Now also imagine that you are a long-tongued frog. That's how good this game is!

A Balanced Brew

by Robert Curry

Staff note: Complete each level by balancing on a unicycle with a crank to get the guy to the coffee cart. Straightforward but challenging!

Mars After Midnight

by Lucas Pope

Staff note: The most eagerly anticipated new Playdate game is here—it's a charming, silly, gorgeous take on what it's like to be alien, and what's it like to be human.

P-Racing

Staff note: P-Racing is a pinnacle of technical achievement on the Playdate, and the addition of the ghost system has made it possible to race against friends and competitors from the Playdate community. It's easy to lose track of time while you're shaving seconds off your track records.

Shift II

by Scenic Route Software

Staff note: This sequel is as fun as the first game! Shift II adds a twist to the original, with more shapes to match and more modes. Our favorite new mode is The Tactical, where you must maintain your streak to keep playing!

Root Bear

by TEAM ROOT

Staff note: Root Bear became an overnight sensation on TikTok, and it's easy to see why: it's the perfect game to share with friends. Approachable, immediately understandable, and extremely funny.

Loona Landa

by Dale Thomas

Staff note: You're an alien in a spaceship attempting to collect a bunch of adorable rabbits. Don't let the cuteness fool you, though, as maintaining your health and fuel can get challenging!

oom

by Gregory Kogos

Staff note: If you liked the Season One game Omaze and you want more puzzles, check out this spiritual successor with a new rhythm component. It feels like making music.

Factory Farming

by Tim Martin

Staff note: This title will satisfy your cravings for a challenging strategy game! Build a farm and automate it–your space will be filled with endless conveyor belts in no time.

Detective Face

by Chris Subagio

Staff note: Bring your Playdate to your next hangout or family gathering and play this game for some in-person quality time together! Be warned: things can get pretty competitive as you race to figure out who the spy is before the other person does.

Core Fault

by SquidGod and davemakes

Staff note: A Survivors-like on Playdate where you use the crank for movement is a genius dream idea, and the dev duo of SquidGod and davemakes absolutely deliver on the promise with a game that has us always coming back for more.

Mega Dystopia Micro Architect

by Gytis Žaltauskas

Staff note: A relaxing, pocket-sized city puzzler with a chill soundtrack. It's infinitely replayable.

Under The Castle

by Dani Diez, ZCorbs, VolcanoBytes

Staff note: Complete dungeons and gather more items to take with you as the quests get more difficult. This game was beautifully made in every way!

EYELAND

by Ron Lent

Staff note: This short but charming lo-fi adventure features light puzzles, marvelous visuals, and soothing chirps. Its highly anticipated sequel is already in development!

Reflections: Nightingale

by Kodiak Games

Staff note: This title stands out for its immersive, thoughtful storytelling around hospitalization and illness. (Check the content warnings beforehand if dark themes are not what you're looking for.)

Space Master

by Snask

Staff note: It's a punishingly fast space shooter. Keep cool under pressure… there will be lots of it!