Pixel Platformer
TideShift: Wade, Switch, Swim.
A free offline pixel-art platformer. Double jump across the shallows, find the hidden SWIM switch, then dive back for the stars that wading can't reach. 500 levels in 10 worlds.
- Free to Play
- 500 Levels
- Plays Offline
- No Account Needed
- Currently Ad-Free
Swimming Is Something You Earn
Every level starts with no swimming. Explore, find the red SWIM switch, then go back for the stars under the water.
Wade and Double Jump
Run, jump and double jump across gaps. In water you wade slowly and can only hop from the floor, so deep pools are out of reach at first. Steps at each end mean you can never get stuck.
Find the SWIM Switch
A red button labelled SWIM is hidden somewhere further along the level. Step on it and swimming unlocks for the rest of that level.
Dive for the Stars
Float, dive and stroke through the pool to collect the star below the surface, then swim out and head for the exit door.
What's Inside
A small, polished platformer made for quick sessions on your phone.
500 Levels, 10 Worlds
From the Shallows to the TideShift Core, with 50 levels in each world. Levels get harder as you go, but never unfair.
3 Stars Per Level
Reach the exit to clear a level, or hunt every star for a perfect score. Your best result is saved for each level.
Tight Double-Jump Controls
Jump, double jump, dive and swim with simple two-thumb touch controls in landscape. Touch controls can be switched off in Settings.
Crabs, Fish, Birds and Hawks
Stomp the ones you can, dodge the ones you can't, and watch the sky for hawks that warn before they dive.
Chiptune Music and Effects
A calm 8-bit soundtrack that softens when you go underwater, plus retro sound effects. Both can be turned off in Settings.
Offline and Private
No account, no sign-in and no internet needed to play. Your progress is saved on your device.
10 Worlds to Explore
Each world has 50 levels and its own look.
- 1 Shallows
- 2 Coral Gardens
- 3 Kelp Forest
- 4 Sunken Ruins
- 5 Twilight Zone
- 6 Frozen Depths
- 7 Storm Reef
- 8 Amber Caves
- 9 The Abyss
- 10 TideShift Core
Field Guide to the Locals
Learn how each creature behaves and you'll know when to stomp, swim or run.
Crab
On the ground
Patrols back and forth. Stomp it from above to defeat it and bounce, but touch its side and you lose.
Fish
In the water
Wanders its pool, then hunts you in any direction when you swim close. It can't be defeated, so time your swim.
Bird
In the air
Glides over the level at a safe height for walking beneath. Land on its back to take it out.
Hawk
Later worlds
Shakes and shows a red warning, then dives where you were standing. Move and it misses, or stomp it as it comes down.
See It in Action
TideShift FAQ
Quick answers about swimming, levels and privacy.
What is TideShift?
TideShift is a free offline pixel-art platformer for Android. You run, double jump and wade through water, find a hidden SWIM switch to unlock swimming, then dive for stars that wading can't reach.
How does swimming work in TideShift?
Swimming is locked at the start of every level. Step on the red SWIM switch to unlock it for the rest of that level. Then you can float, dive and stroke through pools to reach stars under the surface and leave the water.
How many levels does TideShift have?
TideShift has 500 levels in 10 worlds, with 50 levels in each world. Levels get harder as you progress, and every level has 3 optional stars to collect.
What are the controls in TideShift?
TideShift is played in landscape with two-thumb touch controls: jump and dive on the left, and move left and right on the right. You can turn the touch controls off in Settings.
What enemies are in TideShift?
Crabs patrol the ground, fish hunt you underwater, and birds and hawks fly overhead. You can stomp crabs, birds and hawks from above. Fish cannot be defeated, so swim away from them.
Does TideShift work offline?
Yes. You can play TideShift without an internet connection, and your progress is saved on your device.
Is TideShift free?
TideShift is free to play. It has no ads at the moment, and this page and the privacy policy will be updated if ads are added.
Does TideShift collect my data?
No. TideShift does not require an account and does not collect personal data. Your stars, unlocked levels and settings are stored only on your device. Read the TideShift Privacy Policy.
Is TideShift available on iPhone?
TideShift is built for Android phones. An iPhone version has not been announced.
Where can I download TideShift?
Download TideShift from Google Play by searching for TideShift by Synkn, or use the download link on this page when it is available.