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Waves official game artwork

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Waves Wiki

Waves is an Arcade Twin-Stick Shooter that's all about High Scores. Build your combo and drop bombs in pursuit of Leaderboard dominance over seven game-modes!

Steam ↗Windows
GameWiki EditorialReviewed 5 guide topics

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About Waves

Waves is a twin‑stick shooter that challenges players of any skill level, yet demands enough precision to satisfy seasoned shooter fans. The game unfolds in a Neo‑Cyberspace arena where bugs, errors, and viruses threaten your system.

Your task is to eliminate every rogue process, string together long combos, and employ a Time Buffer to slow chaotic moments. Seven distinct game modes and online leaderboards let you chase high scores and achievements while enjoying full controller support.

01 / THE GUIDE

Core Gameplay

Waves places you in a Neo‑Cyberspace arena overrun by bugs, errors, and viruses, requiring you to eliminate all threats. The twin‑stick controls let you move and fire independently, creating fast‑paced action. Combos are built by swift kills and well‑timed bombs, rewarding aggressive play and precision. The game carries a high skill threshold, keeping even hardened shooter fans entertained.

  • Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm of kills to boost your combo meter.
  • Experiment with bomb timing to maximize damage and combo potential.

02 / THE GUIDE

Combo System

Combos increase as you chain rapid kills and deploy bombs without pause. A higher combo amplifies your score and showcases your efficiency. The system encourages continuous aggression rather than cautious play. Bombs act as a catalyst for combo spikes, rewarding well‑timed usage. Maintaining momentum is key to achieving the biggest scores possible.

  • Chain kills without long gaps to keep the combo active.
  • Use bombs when enemies cluster for maximum combo boost.
Waves official gameplay screenshot
Publisher-provided gameplay image · Squid In A Box Ltd

03 / THE GUIDE

Time Buffer

When the action becomes overwhelming, the Time Buffer can be activated to slow down gameplay. This mechanic provides a brief window to regroup, target enemies, and avoid defeat. Using the buffer strategically can turn a losing situation into a victorious one, especially during dense enemy waves or when your combo is at risk of breaking.

  • Activate the Time Buffer during peak enemy density to regain control.
  • Combine the buffer with bomb usage for a high‑impact counterattack.

04 / THE GUIDE

Game Modes

Waves offers seven distinct game modes, each presenting unique challenges and scoring opportunities. The modes offer varied challenges and scoring opportunities for different playstyles. All modes feed into online high‑score tables, allowing you to compare performance with the broader community and strive for leaderboard positions.

  • Try multiple modes to discover which aligns best with your strengths.
  • Focus on the mode that emphasizes combo building if you enjoy high scores.

05 / THE GUIDE

Online Features

The game integrates Steam Leaderboards and Achievements, tracking your performance across all modes. These features encourage competitive play and provide clear goals for improvement. Steam Cloud supports saving your progress, while Family Sharing lets other accounts on the same device access the game without additional purchase.

  • Check the leaderboards regularly to gauge where you stand globally.
  • Aim for achievements that align with your preferred playstyle for steady progress.

WATCH THE GAME

Waves videos

Official trailers & gameplay

INSIDE THE WORLD

Screenshots & game images

5 official screenshots

IN THIS WIKI

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COMMUNITY

Player discussion

    QUICK ANSWERS

    Waves FAQ

    How many game modes does Waves include?

    Waves features seven distinct game modes that each feed into online high‑score tables.

    Does Waves support controllers?

    Yes, the game offers full controller support as listed among its features.

    Can I compare my scores with other players?

    Scores are recorded on Steam Leaderboards, allowing you to see how you rank against the community.

    More Waves guides

    SOURCES & CREDITS

    Official resources and further reading

    Original editorial guidance. Game imagery and trailers are provided by the publisher through Steam. Media and reference links checked 2026-10-24. Game versions, supported platforms, and balance can change; consult the linked release notes for current details.