Microbes

• Tap, hold and swipe on phones and tablets
• Mouse or trackpad on a computer; arrow keys or WASD where the game asks for movement
• Press Escape or the exit button to leave the full-screen player

1. 1Press the Play button, then wait for the game to point at what to do first.
2. 2Tap or drag as shown. If nothing happens, try tapping something else that is moving or glowing.
3. 3Watch for the celebration that confirms a correct answer, then wait for the next task.
4. 4Use the home or back button to switch activities if one stage is not holding attention.

• Free to play, nothing to install, no account needed
• Loads in the browser tab and opens full screen when you press Play
• Designed for a phone held upright
• Touch controls on phones and tablets, mouse and keyboard on a computer
• Listed under Kids

Microbes gives a young child a safe, simple thing to do on a screen. It is free, runs in the browser with no download or account, and parents can see the whole game at a glance. The gentle pace suits short attention spans and does not wind anyone up.

Suits children aged roughly three to eight. The youngest will need an adult to start the game and read any prompts; older children will manage alone after a stage or two.

Is Microbes safe for my child to use?

Games in this category are chosen for young children and contain nothing unsuitable. As with any website, a parent should be nearby, especially for the youngest players.

What if the game will not start?

Refresh the page and press Play again. If it still does not load, make sure the browser is up to date and try another tab.

Can two children take turns?

Yes. There is no account or profile, so passing a tablet back and forth works fine. Most stages are short enough that turns come around quickly.