Stickboy Defender

Shooting games are about aim and timing, and not much else gets in the way. Targets appear, you point and fire, they disappear or they shoot back. Ammo matters. Position matters. Some games are side-on with waves of enemies, others put the crosshair in the middle of the screen. Either way, a session is a steady escalation until your reflexes run out.

• Tap and drag units to the wall to place them Drag identical units onto each other to merge them into a stronger unit Tap buttons to upgrade damage income and prices and to buy new troops

1. 1Find the fire and aim controls on the start screen; usually the mouse aims and clicks fire on desktop, and tapping the target fires on phones.
2. 2Shoot the nearest or fastest threat first, not the biggest. Big targets usually take several hits anyway.
3. 3Reload or switch weapons during quiet moments rather than in the middle of a wave.
4. 4Keep moving if the game allows it. A stationary player is the easiest target in any shooter.

• Free to play, nothing to install, no account needed
• Loads in the browser tab and opens full screen when you press Play
• Plays best with the phone turned sideways or on a wider screen
• Touch controls on phones and tablets, mouse and keyboard on a computer
• Listed under Shooting

Stickboy Defender is a sharp, focused test of aim that runs free in the browser with no download or login. Sessions are short and intense. It is a good way to spend ten minutes if you want something that pushes back, and there is nothing to clean up when you are done.

Suits players who enjoy quick aiming and a bit of pressure, typically teens and adults. Fans of arcade shooters and target games will settle in quickly. Not aimed at young children.

How do I aim in Stickboy Defender?

On desktop, move the mouse to aim and click to fire. On phones and tablets, tap where you want to shoot, or use the on-screen controls if the game provides them.

Is it suitable for children?

Shooting games on this site are cartoonish rather than realistic, but they do involve shooting. Check the thumbnail and description if choosing for a younger player.

Does it have levels or just waves?

Both styles exist in this category. Some progress through stages, others are endless waves with a score. The start screen usually makes it clear.