Hiveswap is a hand-drawn tribute to '90s point-and-click adventure games. Play as Joey Claire, a puzzle-solving teen snatched out of her time (1994) and place (Earth) and stranded on a hostile alien planet on the brink of rebellion.
| LANGUAGE | AUDIO | SUBTITLES | INTERFACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Y | Y | Y |
that second password puzzle made we wish that ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ bum xefros died
joey claire my daughter i hope nothing bad happens to her.
anyways this game is way too hard ://
but i do recommend you play even if ur not a homostuck fan. thumbs up emoji. you don't really need to know any of the lore to understand this game.
it great
O jogo é bem divertido, engraçado e nostálgico, Personagens muito bom e trilha sonora impecável.
Ultimately a good time if you like Homestuck, but it's rather short so probably wait for a sale. That's really all there is to say on the matter.
goood
((No spoilers given))
HIVESWAP: ACT 1 is a game that, in my experience, takes 30 minutes to 11 hours to complete. On face value, that makes it sound like one of those games you'll either breeze past or suck absolute balls at depending on who you are, but rather, it's more so a question of whether you want to eat your food or enjoy it. The puzzles in this game are mostly simple and it's overall incredibly easy to beat. However, there's a lot of love put into this point-and-click adventure game. You know how in most point-and-click adventure games if you use an item on the wrong thing it'll just give you a standard "that ♥♥♥♥ don't work" message? Well, in this game, there's a completely unique message for every combination which can yield funny jokes, achievements, and even lore. I've had laugh-out-loud moments from this game's unique charm, much like its parent, Homestuck.
However, something people might assume is that you need to read and love Homestuck in order to enjoy the game. That's not actually true. This game is a prequel and, despite taking place in the same universe, doesn't really hint at anything in the webcomic other than a few easy-to-miss easter eggs. Really, no spoilers. Still, this game definitely feels tied to Homestuck in how it's written. Our humans, Joey and Jude, are weird, unique kids, but very genuine and likeable. I'm actually kind of a Jude fan. He's just such a fun goober! So yeah, you can totally play Hiveswap, then decide whether you want to get into Homestuck or not. It's probably a very uncommon way to get into the series, but it's funny as hell, so whatever lol
The only criticism I can think of off the top of my head is that the game doesn't have much replay value. I played it once to enjoy it, and twice to get all the achievements (except for this one achievement that might only be possible after act 3 or 4 comes out). The second game, without giving anything away, has quite a bit more replayability despite being in the same style. Oh, another pretty ehh thing: Hiveswap has been stuck in development hell. Acts 1 and 2 are out and I really like them, and act 3 is coming out this year (2026 - If you're from the future, hi!). There was a three-year gap between the release of act 1 and act 2, and a SIX-year gap between the release of 2 and, assuming it won't be delayed, 3. Not that I personally mind. But yeah, if you wanna get into this game series, prepare to wait for the last installment. But hey, while you're waiting for act 4, you could probably get into Homestuck in the meantime if you haven't already! Lmao
Overall and tl;dr, Hiveswap is an incredibly charming series, and act 1 is a great representation of what you'll get from the series. If you wanna beat it, it's a very quick game and probably not worth the money in all honesty. But if you really wanna get into it and enjoy the characters, I think you'll love it. And no, you don't have to know anything about Homestuck in order to enjoy it. Hope this helps!
Muito bom jogo. Gosto de como você não precisa ser fã de Homestuck pra entender a história apesar que eu recomendo ler a webcomic original antes de jogar. Fora isso a trilha sonora é bem cozy e os puzzles são criativos apesar de confusos às vezes.
oglum jude diye bi tanıdıgım var onun ben cibiliyetini
hiveswap free no virus totaldefense (olayıbilen yurtstuckçı agalar anladı)
cute, 8/10
It got my partner into Homestuck.
Making an achievement unobtainable is such a $hitty thing to do... Cannot 100% the game
this is peak.
i almost can't wait with finishing act 2 before playing friendsim.
:xefros:
how did jake harley bag a. claire
fun game. kinda janky but i like it
fun
PEAK
These point and click games are usually not my style but since i'm an old fan of homestuck i decied to try anyway.
While the gameplay could be frustrating at times where i didn't quite understand what i was missing and what i need to do to progress i still very much enjoyed the story and the characters and concidering i could get most (except one that is still impossible achivement?) within 4 hours i would still recommend it.
Would have liked voice acting but understand it's not what is normal for homestuck but still it could always evolve.
what do you mean its over already
If you're a Homestuck fan, play this game
If you're not a Homestuck fan, play this game
HIVESWAP: ACT 1 is a story-driven point-and-click adventure that serves as both an introduction to a new narrative and an expansion of the wider Homestuck universe, while still standing on its own as a welcoming experience for newcomers. Developed and published by What Pumpkin Games, Inc., the game channels the spirit of classic 1990s adventure titles, focusing on exploration, puzzle-solving, and character interaction rather than action or mechanical complexity. From the outset, it establishes a tone that blends humor, mystery, and heartfelt moments, creating a world that feels strange yet inviting.
The story follows Joey Claire, an ordinary teenager whose routine life is upended when her home is invaded by alien creatures, resulting in her being transported to the harsh and unfamiliar world of Alternia. Accompanied by her clever younger brother Jude and the nervous but well-meaning alien Xefros Tritoh, Joey must navigate this dangerous new environment while searching for answers and a way back home. The narrative balances lighthearted banter with moments of genuine tension, using dialogue and character relationships to gradually build investment. Even players unfamiliar with Homestuck lore can follow the story comfortably, as the game introduces its setting and concepts organically without overwhelming exposition.
Gameplay adheres closely to traditional point-and-click conventions. Players explore hand-drawn environments, interact with objects, collect items, and solve puzzles that gate narrative progression. The puzzles are generally grounded in observation and logic rather than obscure leaps in reasoning, making them accessible without sacrificing engagement. Importantly, the game avoids punishing the player for experimentation. Attempting incorrect actions often results in unique dialogue or humorous responses, which reinforces the game’s personality and encourages curiosity rather than frustration.
One of the strongest aspects of HIVESWAP: ACT 1 is its presentation. The art direction is vibrant and expressive, with richly illustrated backgrounds that reward careful exploration. Each environment feels dense with visual storytelling, filled with small details that hint at the culture and dangers of Alternia. Character sprites are simple yet expressive, while animated cutscenes add polish and cinematic flair at key story moments. Complementing the visuals is a memorable soundtrack that shifts seamlessly between playful, eerie, and emotional tones, enhancing immersion and reinforcing the game’s identity.
The writing plays a central role in carrying the experience. Dialogue is witty, self-aware, and character-focused, capturing a balance between absurd humor and sincerity. Characters feel distinct and memorable, and even minor interactions often serve to deepen worldbuilding or reveal personality traits. For fans of narrative-heavy games, this attention to writing makes exploration feel rewarding even when puzzles are straightforward, as story and character interactions remain consistently engaging.
Despite its strengths, HIVESWAP: ACT 1 is constrained by its episodic structure. As the first act in a multi-part story, it is relatively short, typically lasting only a few hours. While it provides a strong introduction to its characters and setting, it ends without significant resolution, which can leave players feeling that they have experienced more of a prologue than a complete narrative arc. This sense is amplified by the long gaps between subsequent acts, which may frustrate players eager for immediate continuation.
There have also been mixed reactions regarding technical stability, with some players encountering bugs or performance issues depending on their setup. While these problems do not define the experience for everyone, they have influenced perceptions of polish, especially when combined with the game’s brief runtime. That said, for many players, these issues are outweighed by the game’s artistic and narrative strengths.
Overall, HIVESWAP: ACT 1 succeeds as a charming and thoughtfully crafted adventure that prioritizes story, atmosphere, and character over mechanical depth. It captures the essence of classic point-and-click games while injecting a modern sensibility through strong writing and visual flair. Although its short length and episodic nature may limit its appeal for some, it remains a compelling introduction to a larger story and a rewarding experience for fans of narrative adventures, quirky worlds, and character-driven storytelling.
Rating: 9/10
My review will stay negative until the Boros achievement is fixed. Ridiculous.
mostly a point and click puzzle game. I played this on stream to friends who didn't know much about Homestuck, the comic this is based on, and they were able to follow along well and were interested in buying it themselves. I definitely recommend Hiveswap! Although if you choose this as your introduction to the universe, you'll probably miss a few things.
пик, хасси гений
good game. it has joey claire. and it has xefros.
Got recommended it by my girlfriend! Really like the game for what it is :D
Как давний фанат вселенной Homestuck, мне было очень приятно поиграть в hiveswap. Не вижу особых минусов, в "затянутости", ведь как человек убивший уйму времени на прочтение всего homestuck от первого до последнего акта, скажу даже, что мне сильно не хватило четырех часов для всего лишь одного акта. Очень печально, что проект по видимому заброшен, так как хотелось бы получить всю историю и лор целиком, за любые деньги. Очень понравились новые персонажи и по сути отклоняющееся (насколько я поняла) от основного лора развитие альтернии, хорошая работа с дизайном, анимации, всё на высшем уровне. Однозначно всем рекомендую!
Правда было бы круто, если повествование шло в двух направлениях, на Альтернии и на Земле. Потому что по мере прохождения меня не переставал волновать вопрос: "А что же там происходит у Даммека и Джуда?", "Что вообще Даммек делает на Земле в это время?". Надеюсь в последующих актах нас посветят.
very cool fun game
Very cool game, I need more
1 hate h0mestuck and that's a//// pretty much ab0ut 1t
I think I kin Xefros
short but charming and fun!
also grandpa harley is a bum
An appetizer, but one that takes Homestuck's prosaic conventions to excellently characterize its tight cast of characters. I love that Joey does what she believes in, her kindness is radical.
art is soooooo charming i love the animated cutscenes. umm fun nice little intro to hiveswap. def get the other acts cuz this isnt really a standalone game. its good for what it is tho. a first act. music is nice as well. its nice its all nice. makes u want to play the rest of it Which is a good thing
buy on sale chat
Под вечер и чисто чтоб развить мозг пойдёт
a bit short, but really fun. the writing, art, and animation are the real stars of the show, but the puzzles are alright
9/10
отличный геймплей и графика. качественные катсцены и юмор хорош. ни одного минуса короче скачайте русификатор и кайфуйте братья (в идеале для большего понимания прочитать хоумстак но это вообще не обязательно)
homestuck
homestuck
muy genial
you get stuck in three homes in this game, this is the future
Best game ever except I cant get that last ♥♥♥♥ ass achievement, fix ur ♥♥♥♥
I love the story! then again i also love homestuck but i would 100% recommend buying both parts since i love the art style, the music and even the interactions are great!
Very silly, I'd let Grandpa Harley step on me tho
ts really hived my swap
I loved all of this even though it was relatively short, it is very well made
This shi is so good,,,
So. Fun. The art is lovely. The characters are lovely thus far. Everything about this game ROCKS! The music is very nice (gets somewhat repetitive if you're in one place for a while), the art is incredible and atmospheric, and if you like puzzles and having to think about things you'll enjoy this game.
I'm not good at solving puzzles though so I've had to get a walkthrough sometimes because I can't critically think.
8/10 game! (Get it on sale!)
Easily the best facet of this one is how voluminous the text and object interaction is, seriously there are oodles of it and it's what I spent most of my time exploring! For a first Act I think it's perfect, leaves just enough intrigue about the town of Hauntswitch before wisking Joey Claire away to Alternian pastures. You'll get quickly acquainted with the human-troll duo this side of the Swap quite quickly, their dynamic shaping up to be august!
cute game, i really like it, as a fan of homestuck too its peak, love all the references
john jade dave and rose there are four heroes theres allso 12 trolls in this sburb beta
homestuck is so fire
[h1] 8/10 [/h1]
It is genuinely infuriating how good this game is for how capital everything ♥♥♥♥♥♥ the follow up is
The sequel is legitimately the only reason this isn't a 10/10
amazing game as is, i'm loving the characters. a bit peeved i can't fully 100% it until eons in the future when the future game allows me to, though i did have fun replaying for the achievements i [i] could [/i] get.
homestuck but good
mot bad tbh, its quite short and not as exciting as homestuck but like, its good, im very excited to see where it goes next and it gives a lot of insight into how alternias class system works if youre interested in that
man im stuck in this home
Super charming point and click adventure game! Art is very nice and if you are a fan of homestuck its a fun game. I sure hope the next game is of equal quality and has the same excellent pacing!!
very fun ok
Charming little game with some pretty fun dialogue and characters and animation. I hope the devs are more transparent about how development is going after act 3 releases. the radio silence each time is brutal...
its pretty freakin goated
As someone who personally is refusing to read homestuck currently this has made me consider actually reading it! But im still not finished with this game yet but I do recommend because im currently having a great time with it!
muito curto
stretched out and bad, i'm happy but surprised they're making an act 3
peak
Awesome art, story and music. There's way more content than it might appear at first glance.
the lususes are so cute vro
AWESOMEEEE X;D
КЛАССНАЯ ИГРА ПРО КОТООЛЕНЯ
So unintuitive that it extended a 15-minute game to a 2-hour one, that's really all there is to say on the matter
they are never going to finish this game lol
Good
Outro spin-off de Homestuck. Os gráficos são bons e a arte é bastante "cozy". A ambientação traz um certo conforto ao jogador.
это реально круто,ребзи
...пускай и коротко,но круто.
When is Act 3 coming out? hussie >:^
homestuck
Полное, просто калищное дерьмо если говорить про играбельность и процесс создания игры в целом. Если визуал хоть дает немного надежды, то факт того что сам создатель не знает че делать и просто отдал все на самотёк и разделил каждую главу отдельно (за каждую платить надо), то ситуация становится ещё хуже. Это не работает как с Поппи плей тайм, потому что весь контента тут меньше чем НЕ шипперского контента в целом в фанбазе хоумстак. Не покупайте, это вообще не надо спонсировать ибо мы не получим даже близко желаемого контента учитывая что имеем на руках
A little way too short, I'm surprised I didn't get an achievement for booting up the game
peak
cute
andrew hussie took act 3 in the divocrce
[b]Tentative Recommendation[/b]
Point-and-click adventure game. Mechanically nothing you haven’t seen before, but the charming visual style and surprisingly compelling writing do a great deal to carry the day.
Alas, the experience is so short that it was over right as it began -- and, tragically, right as I was beginning to truly engage with the story, characters and worldbuilding. Even more tragically, the series is currently unfinished despite almost a decade passing since the first instalment, so who knows if this will ever see a conclusion.
5.5/10 -- Consider this a [i]very[/i] conditional recommendation.
Hive is swapped
10/10
10^128 times better than Homestuck Epilogue
time wise I don't think the game is worth getting outside of sales, but that doesn't make it inherently bad, it is a good game, really funny and has nice references to the comic while having an enjoyable alternative storie and it also gives more lore to the caste system of alternia, it's biggest flaw is being too short.
💋
Creative Director and Lead Writer both publicly making tone deaf cracks about a murder being copywrite infringment. Can't support or promote from a moral standpoint.
One of the devs of this game is celebrating Charlie Kirk's murder, until this person is fired, my review is staying negative and I will never buy from them again
Edit: By all means, keep giving me jesters (free steam points) and further proving how awful the creators AND fans of this game are
A fun, cute, point and click game. Its only crime is being way too short- would be better if it had more content.
Nope.
I like this game a lot, play it and give it a stinky thumbs up
I hope the act 3 gets released before GTA6
sloppa
homestuck
The game has extremely poor writing and is annoying to play, so says the cat.
trash
I would 100% recommend this masterpiece to anyone, Homestuck fan or not! It is completely spoiler-free of the main comic and as a bonus takes place before the main story of Homestuck starts. It has great jokes, references, and silly character writing that really put together a nice spin-off story to keep the MSPA fandom alive. All in all, if you're looking for a nice relaxing point-and-click game with some quirky gag-battles and want a peek into what Homestuck is a media at it's true core, please play this work of art!
house is stuck.
10/10
