SpiderHeck

SpiderHeck is a physics-based arena brawler in which spiders fight each other with laser swords, firearms and explosives. Instead of fixed attack combos, movement, momentum and timing decide the outcome of a duel. The game is from Neverjam and was published by tinyBuild.

You can tackle challenges and enemy waves alone. With friends, you can choose between competitive duels and cooperative battles.

SpiderHeck was released on Sep 22, 2022 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. All six versions released on the same date.

A dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 version is not among the released versions. The Switch version can be played on Switch 2 via backward compatibility.

SpiderHeck is available for Windows PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. The Microsoft Store supports Xbox Play Anywhere and Smart Delivery. This means a shared Xbox license with matching versions for Xbox One and Series X|S, not just playing an older game through backward compatibility.

The PC version offers access to the Workshop via Steam. The console versions support local and online matches, although some platforms may require an online subscription.

The spiders swing through the arena on silk threads, run across walls and ceilings and use their own momentum for quick changes of direction. Collisions, explosions and the trajectory of weapons follow the game's physics. If you attack clumsily, your own weapon can put you in danger.

A single hit can already mean game over. That is why dodging and positioning in the room are just as important as aiming.

The add-on pack SpiderHeck: Show Your Support includes three cosmetic hats for the spiders. It changes neither the basic principle of combat nor the number of game modes. The main game is required for the pack.

The PC version of the pack was released on Dec 16, 2022. Console versions are also available, some with their own release dates.

On PC, SpiderHeck requires Windows 10 64-bit according to Steam, at least an Intel Core i3-2125 at 3.30 GHz, 4 GB RAM and a GeForce GTX 550 Ti. DirectX 11 is required for graphics. Around 1.1 GB of storage space is needed, as well as an internet connection for online matches.

Up to four people can compete against each other locally or online. In Versus mode, the winner is whoever dodges enemy attacks and strikes at the right moment. In co-op mode, the spiders fight together against consecutive waves of enemies and unlock upgrades during a run.

The online mode is no replacement for local four-player play: SpiderHeck offers both forms of play. The Nintendo eShop lists one to four players per console or online, respectively.

Laser swords are suited to immediate attacks, while firearms and explosives create distance or drive enemies out of cover. The weapons lie ready in the arenas and can also become dangerous to whoever uses them.

Steam lists 25 different weapons. Their interaction with the level obstacles means that even the same battlefield always allows new situations.

Fights take place on compact platform arenas. Moving obstacles, chasms and physical hazards make it hard to stay on a safe spot for long. In Versus mode, movement mistakes and unintended chain reactions also gain importance.

The Steam version offers 55 arenas according to the store description. Additional maps built by players can be added via the Workshop.

SpiderHeck can also be played alone. Besides the survival fight against waves of enemies, there are themed combat and parkour challenges. Players there practice using weapons, silk and physics independently of a multiplayer match.

With the level editor you can create your own arenas, parkour courses and combat challenges. The PC version supports the Steam Workshop, where users can find more maps.

The editor adds lasting new ways to play to the regular arena offering, without requiring an official DLC.

SpiderHeck combines precise changes of direction with swinging on spider silk. Quickly switching between ground combat, jumps and wall movement is central to the gameplay. Because attacks and obstacles react physically, the outcome of a duel cannot be determined by memorizing a fixed button combination alone.

SpiderHeck offers German on-screen text. Japanese, English, French, Italian, Spanish and other languages are also available on Nintendo Switch. The German Nintendo version is rated USK 12.

Language support may differ between the platform versions.