We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

Survivor-likes, bullet-heaven horde-games are everywhere after Vampire Survivors showed up and now one developer is attempting to do the same with a typing game in Glyphica: Typing Survival.

Here it's also a bit like a tower defense game with you in the middle and enemies coming at your from all angles. You have to type out their names to fire at them and eventually you'll level up, giving you a random set of upgrades to pick from like new weapons (some which fire automatically). It even has controller support, which is actually quite unique here with you pressing various button combos to fire instead of spelling out names on a keyboard.

Even the upgrade system needs you to get typing. Everything does. It's a real workout for your keyboard and your fingers and after playing a good few rounds this morning mine really ache. Smaller enemies are easy to deal with as you fire off small words, but then you start getting bigger and bigger enemies, requiring multiple words to take down their health. What a great idea for a game.

YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link

I tested the demo and it works great on desktop Linux with the new Proton 9. However, the developer has incorrectly tagged the game for Linux (noting Proton in the system requirements) which results in an empty download. Until they fix that, you need to manually select Proton in the Steam properties for the game. I've let them know. Update: that should be fixed now as they got my message.

Currently not really playable on Steam Deck as it has resolution issues, which I've also let them know about. But at least on desktop Linux it's a fun experience and certainly a little different.

Check out the clever demo on Steam.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
7 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly checked on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. You can also follow my personal adventures on Bluesky.
See more from me
All posts need to follow our rules. For users logged in: please hit the Report Flag icon on any post that breaks the rules or contains illegal / harmful content. Guest readers can email us for any issues.
6 comments

LoudTechie May 13
Creative solution for a popular genre.
ElTutucaZen May 13
That actually looks dope, fun and a great way to type faster
I'm not bad at typing, actually. This could be a game I wouldn't suck at!
I'm not bad at typing, actually. This could be a game I wouldn't suck at!
I'm GOOD at typing and got overwhelmed after 10 minutes.

The game's a blast, reminds of the more mature Flash games of the era, but more polished. The focus on typing is amazing!

Would be especially cool to see a way to play and control the game without leaving the home row, either through vim motions or just typing EVERYTHING out.

Would've missed it without this article, thanks!
I'm not bad at typing, actually. This could be a game I wouldn't suck at!
I'm GOOD at typing and got overwhelmed after 10 minutes.
Well, suckage is relative. If everyone else goes down after 5, then 10 minutes is good. If you're playing Stellaris, on the other hand, managing to lose after 10 minutes would be impressively, stupendously bad.
XM-Glyphica May 17
I'm not bad at typing, actually. This could be a game I wouldn't suck at!
I'm GOOD at typing and got overwhelmed after 10 minutes.
Well, suckage is relative. If everyone else goes down after 5, then 10 minutes is good. If you're playing Stellaris, on the other hand, managing to lose after 10 minutes would be impressively, stupendously bad.

As a developer on both these games, this comment has a special meaning for me.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
Login / Register