About GAARL!
GAARL! is a roguelike action platformer built around a chain gun. You use it to fight monsters in fast arcade combat, and you can also fire it into walls to haul yourself up through handcrafted arenas. One tool does the shooting and the moving, and that's the main idea.
Between fights you buy upgrades and put together odd builds. You can even buy health insurance. It's a difficult game with permanent death, so expect to lose runs and try again. It also supports local multiplayer, and a run lasts about half an hour.
You can play GAARL! online here with nothing to install, and GAARL! free is a fair way to try it before a desktop version. A controller is recommended. The web build has trouble with some of them, so you may need to rebind buttons.
How to Play GAARL!
- Use a controller if you have one, and rebind buttons if the browser misreads it.
- On keyboard, the first layout is WASD to move, J to jump, K to shoot and L to interact.
- The second layout uses the arrow keys to move, C to jump, X to shoot and Z to interact.
- Shoot enemies in arena fights, and fire into walls to climb.
- Spend what you earn on upgrades to build a run that suits you.
What to Expect in GAARL!
GAARL! gets its identity from one weapon with two jobs. A chain gun that also pulls you up walls turns each arena into a puzzle of movement as well as a shooting range. Learn that first.
The roguelike structure keeps runs varied. You buy upgrades, make strange builds and push deeper until the run ends, and since it's hard, each attempt teaches you something. The pixel look and arcade tone are playful, and the handcrafted arenas feel designed, not random.
The browser version may not feel as smooth as the desktop demo, so spend a minute on the controls before you decide it's too fiddly.
Tips for GAARL!
- Try both keyboard layouts and keep the one that feels better.
- Fire the chain gun at walls as well as enemies. Climbing is part of the design.
- If a controller does not respond, look for the rebind option.
- Plan your upgrades. The game rewards a build, not random picks.
- Bring a friend if you want to try the local multiplayer.
Who Made GAARL!
GAARL! was made by MatthewLacker, pancelor and released on itch.io. It was made by MatthewLacker and pancelor with Godot, Aseprite and Bfxr, and no AI was used. FunClicker embeds the creator's own version so you can play it here without downloading anything. We did not make the game, and the credit for its design, code, and art belongs to its creator. You can find the original on the GAARL! page on itch.io.
FAQ
Is GAARL! free?
Yes. You can play GAARL! in your browser for free, and there's no account to make.
How do you play GAARL!?
A controller is recommended. On keyboard, one layout uses WASD to move with J to jump, K to shoot and L to interact. The other uses the arrow keys with C to jump, X to shoot and Z to interact.
What is the goal in GAARL!?
You fight monsters with a chain gun, climb arenas by firing into walls, and spend your earnings on upgrades to build something stranger each run. Runs end with permanent death, so the aim is to get a little further every time.
Does GAARL! support controllers?
Yes, and a controller is the recommended way to play. The web build has issues with certain controllers, so you may need to rebind buttons. If your pad still misbehaves, the two keyboard layouts are the fallback.
Who made GAARL!?
GAARL! comes from MatthewLacker, who published it on itch.io. We embed that build and link to the original.
Can I play GAARL! on a Chromebook or phone?
A keyboard or controller is needed, so a laptop or Chromebook is the sensible choice. A phone is a poor fit for a fast platformer without touch controls. Plug in a controller if you have one.
Is GAARL! unblocked at school?
You can try GAARL! unblocked at school if your network allows this site. Nothing needs installing.
Does GAARL! have multiplayer?
Yes, it supports local multiplayer, so friends can share one computer. A controller for each player is the easiest way to give everyone their own buttons. Check the in-game options for how to join.
