Star Sweeper

Star Sweeper is a free arcade game that runs right in your browser. Sweep a grid of stars while avoiding the black holes hidden between them. There is nothing to install and no account to create: open the page, press Play, and you are in the action within seconds on a phone, a tablet or a desktop computer.

What makes Star Sweeper worth your time

Great arcade games are built on a loop you can learn in a minute and keep improving at for weeks, and Star Sweeper follows that rule closely. Rounds are short enough to fit into a coffee break, yet every attempt teaches you something about timing, positioning or planning that you carry into the next one. The difficulty rises gently, so early sessions feel welcoming while later stages still put up a real fight for experienced players.

Why it works on a phone

The whole game loads in a couple of seconds on an ordinary mobile connection, fits the screen without pinching or zooming, and keeps its controls within thumb reach. It also works just as well on a tablet or a big desktop monitor, where you get more room to see what is coming and a keyboard for finer control.

Who it is for

Newcomers get a gentle start with clear feedback on every move, while veterans of the genre will find enough depth in the later stages to keep coming back. If you have a spare five minutes and want something that respects your time, this is a good pick.

Tips for a higher score

• Learn the patterns before you chase points; consistency beats speed in Star Sweeper.
• Use the first seconds of each round to plan rather than react.
• Take a short break after a run of losses and come back with fresh eyes.
• Compare your best result with friends and try to beat it in fewer attempts.

Star Sweeper is part of the arcade collection on Portal, where every game is tested to load quickly and to work on real phones. If you enjoy it, browse the related games below for more titles with a similar feel.