When it comes to mobile games, you’ll find a whole lot more than the typical free-to-play titles that let you play for free and are filled with micropayments; you can also find other games that are way more interesting in terms of both their gameplay and storyline. This is especially true when it comes to independent development, a field that’s known for offering fresh and innovative ideas. This year on Android, we’ve discovered a real gem in the form of a turn-based strategy game called Into The Breach, which comes included with Netflix subscriptions, making it one of the best mobile indie games of 2022. 

What exactly is Into The Breach?

In Into The Breach, you’ll find isometric settings divided into tiles where battles occur between robots and huge alien insects, all while using incredible pixelated graphics. The story puts you in the shoes of a group of mecha pilots that are responsible for putting a stop to an extraterrestrial threat in different areas using their unique abilities and taking advantage of the special features of each setting.

How to play Into the Breach

Since it is a turn-based strategy game, Into The Breach lets you make specific moves every time it’s your turn. You can think of it as sort of a chessboard, but with robots and aliens instead of rooks and pawns. Your squad is made up of a series of mechas that you’ll choose yourself, each with its own specific types of attacks and special abilities.

Netflix's Into the Breach screenshot showing a isometric setting with several bug characters, one human and mountains.

You’ll have to use the squares to move around the setting, although your moves will be limited by the buildings and geographical features on the map. The buildings have to be defended to protect the inhabitants from harm, while the geographical features can be used to attack enemies. For example, you can push an alien up against mountains or throw it into the water to damage it.

One of the key features of Into The Breach is that it works with a roguelite-style cyclical structure: you have one shot to beat the game, and if you lose, you have to start all over from the beginning. The game’s narrative is justified by the fact that the pilots can jump between dimensions, so there are some elements that can be maintained between games (like robot upgrades and character abilities). Of course, if one of your pilots dies in a game, he will die forever.

Why do we recommend Into The Breach so highly?

There are plenty of good reasons for us to recommend Into The Breach as one of the best indie games for Android in 2022. The most notable thing is that its strategic components are extremely refined, with really polished systems that will make you sweat as you try to reach each mission’s objectives. The tension that exists in each round is also a key element that’s further enhanced by the game’s amazing and satisfying artistic style. The combination of all of these elements makes this game a hugely addictive and challenging title that perfectly combines all its playable and narrative aspects.

Netflix's Into the Breach screenshot of a dark setting with several buildings, fountains and what seems like a river.

What you need in order to play Into The Breach for free

Into The Breach can be played for free on smartphones, although there’s one important requirement: a Netflix subscription. The game isn’t available as a regular game or app. Although you can download and install it on your device, you can’t actually play until you sign into the Netflix app with a valid account from this platform that offers on-demand movies and series (and now video games). 

If you have a paid Netflix subscription, then all you have to do is download and install Into The Breach on your phone after signing into your account in the Netflix app. Below, you’ll find the steps to follow to get the game:

  • Use your phone’s browser to access the Into The Breach page on Uptodown.
  • Download the .apk file of Into The Breach.
  • When the download’s finished, click on the .apk file and install it.
  • Choose “Download anyway” if you get a prompt, and then click “Install.”
  • That’s it! You’ll have Into The Breach installed for free on your phone.

 

Translated by Sarah Odebralski