Waves

Waves

Squid In A Box Ltd · November 16, 2011 · Bullet Hell, Shoot 'Em Up, Twin Stick Shooter, Shooter, Arcade

Waves is free to play — no purchase needed. We track it so you know if that ever changes.

PC
Overwhelmingly Positive95% · 1,56882Metacritic
Best price
Free
Get it free on Steam

Prices last checked

Cheapest Waves keys — keyshops

Keyshops are third-party marketplaces — keys are resold and can be region-locked or a different edition. Check the listing's region & edition before buying.

Gameseal
Standard Edition · Steam
$2.93
Buy
CJS CD Keys
CJS CD Keys
Standard Edition · Steam
$4.50
Buy

Screenshots

Waves price

Waves is free to play — there is no purchase price, on Steam or anywhere else we track. We keep watching it, so if it ever stops being free the price history on this page will show when that happened and what it changed to.

About Waves

✦ AI summary

Blast through waves of digital enemies in this neon-soaked twin-stick shooter where precise timing and combo chains turn you into an unstoppable force. Deep gameplay mechanics like the Time Buffer slow-motion system and seven distinct modes offer endless challenge for hardcore fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.


Waves is a twin-stick shooter that can be played by anyone, but with a high enough skill threshold to keep even the most hardened shooter fan entertained.

Set in a Neo-Cyberspace arena your system is being overrun by bugs, errors, and viruses. The only solution is to kill every rogue process before it kills you!

Clear the arena of enemies while racking up a big fat Combo with swift kills and well-timed Bombs. If it all gets a bit too much you can use your Time Buffer to slow down the action and turn defeat into victory. Players can compete across seven different game modes with online high-score tables and Achievements in their pursuit of twin-stick perfection.

Waves — game info

Platforms
Windows
Steam Deck
Verified
Player modes
Single-player
Controller
Full controller support
PC Game Pass
Not included

Waves in the rankings

DLC & expansions

What Steam players say

Recent verbatim reviews from Steam — separate from playze.io community reviews below.

✦ AI summary

Waves is praised by players as a fun, polished arcade twin-stick shooter with striking neon visuals and compelling gameplay that rewards skill and reflexes. The minimalist design and free-to-play nature are appreciated, and players particularly enjoy modes like Bombing Run, Chase, and Hold for their replayability. Some sentiment reflects respect for the game's developer and their legacy rather than criticizing actual gameplay elements.

Recommended Jun 4, 2026
peanut would love some pets and treats :)      🌸>  フ      |  _  _ l     /` ミ_xノ     /      |    /  ヽ   ノ   │  | | | / ̄|   | | | | ( ̄ヽ__ヽ_)__) \二つ
7 found this helpful
Recommended Aug 15, 2026
In the game, you must constantly retreat and dodge flying enemy balls. It seems easy, but different balls move along different trajectories: some dodge the cursor, while others appear around you, encircling you and preventing you from retreating.
6 found this helpful
Recommended Jun 5, 2026
Developed and published by Squid In A Box Ltd, Waves is a visually striking twin-stick shooter that demonstrates how a simple concept can evolve into an exceptionally compelling arcade experience. Set within a glowing digital battlefield filled with geometric enemies and vibrant neon effects, the game focuses entirely on fast reflexes, survival, and score mastery. While it lacks a traditional narrative or expansive progression systems, it succeeds by delivering pure arcade action that rewards skill, concentration, and constant improvement. The premise is intentionally minimalist. Players enter a virtual arena where waves of hostile entities continuously emerge from all directions. The objective is straightforward: survive as long as possible while eliminating enemies and achieving the highest score possible. However, beneath this simple foundation lies a remarkably deep gameplay system that constantly pushes players to balance aggression with caution. The game quickly transforms from a basic shooter into an intense test of awareness, positioning, and split-second decision-making. Movement and combat feel exceptionally fluid. The twin-stick control scheme allows players to move in…
1 found this helpful
Recommended Aug 9, 2026
I like it.
Recommended Aug 3, 2026
meh, it's not bad and its free.
Recommended Jul 18, 2026
Thank you 🙏

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