Getting Started

Get started with Glitch Arena

Getting Started with Glitch Arena

Install Glitch Arena

Glitch Arena is available on Steam and as a direct download for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Steam

  1. Search for "Glitch Arena" on Steam
  2. Click Install
  3. Launch from your library

Direct download

  1. Visit the piqadot website and click Download Glitch Arena
  2. Extract the archive
  3. Run the executable for your OS

Your save progress is stored locally.

Your first match

When you launch, you'll see the main menu:

  • New game — Start a fresh run
  • Continue — Resume your last run (if in progress)
  • Leaderboards — See top scores
  • Settings — Adjust difficulty, controls, audio

Click New game to start.

Controls

  • Mouse/Controller — Aim and look around
  • WASD / Left stick — Move
  • Left click / RB — Fire weapon
  • Right click / LB — Secondary ability
  • Space / A — Jump
  • E / X — Interact / pick up items

The game supports both keyboard/mouse and controller. Choose in the settings.

Your first arena

You spawn in a procedurally generated arena. Your goal:

  1. Defeat enemies — Kill all enemies on the map
  2. Survive — Don't get hit too much (3 hits and you're done this run)
  3. Find upgrades — Collect ability cards that drop from defeated enemies
  4. Reach the exit — Portal appears once enemies are cleared

Each arena you clear gets harder. See how far you can go.

Understanding upgrades

As you defeat enemies, they drop ability cards:

  • Temporary — Lasts only this run (stacks with other temp abilities)
  • Permanent — Unlocked forever (compounds across runs)

Collect enough to shape your playstyle. A good combination of abilities carries you further.

Next steps

  • Read about Glitch Arena's Features to learn more
  • Check the Roadmap to see what's coming
  • Try local co-op with a friend on the same screen
  • Compare your scores on the global leaderboard