Short Life

Short Life drops you into a world where your character is as fragile as glass. Each level is a deadly puzzle-box of spinning blades, crushing blocks, and electric fences, all waiting to snuff out your pixelated hero in the most absurd ways possible. The joy here isn't just in reaching the goal—it's in the ridiculous, over-the-top deaths you'll suffer along the way, each one a tiny comedy sketch of flying limbs and comical splats. Success demands more than quick reflexes. You'll need to study each course, time your moves with precision, and learn from every failure. The game rewards patience and experimentation, turning each retry into a lesson in physics and timing. With dozens of levels of increasing cruelty, Short Life is a brutal but hilarious test of skill that keeps you coming back for one more try.

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Short Life

Common Core State Standards

Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.

6.RP.A.3Ratio reasoning MP1Make sense of problems MP5Use tools strategically MP7Use structure MP4Model with mathematics MP2Reason abstractly

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4th Grade · 5th Grade · 6th Grade

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What is Short Life

Short Life is a grimly funny arcade challenge where you steer a fragile character through a maze of lethal obstacles. It's all about learning the hard way—and laughing at the results.

How to Play

Use the arrow keys or WASD to move and jump, and hold the run key to sprint. Navigate each level to the exit door without touching any spikes, saws, or other hazards.

Tips for Playing

Take a moment to observe the level layout before moving; most traps follow a predictable pattern.
Use short, controlled jumps rather than long leaps to avoid overshooting into danger.
When in doubt, sprint only on straightaways where you can see the path ahead clearly.
Don't rush—timing your moves to the rhythm of moving hazards is more important than speed.
Expect to die many times; use each failure to map out the safest route to the exit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when my character dies?

Your character explodes into a gory mess, and you restart the level from the beginning. Death is permanent for that run, but you have unlimited retries.

Is there a way to save my progress?

The game automatically saves your progress after each level you complete, so you can jump back in where you left off.

Can I skip a level if it's too hard?

You cannot skip levels in the main campaign. You must finish each one to unlock the next, though you can replay any level you've already beaten.

Are there any secret levels or bonus content?

Yes, some levels hide secret areas that lead to bonus stages and extra challenges. Explore off the main path to find them.

How many levels are in the game?

Short Life features a lengthy campaign of over 40 levels, each with its own unique set of traps and obstacles.

What is the best strategy for the moving saw blades?

Watch the saw's path until it moves away, then dash past quickly. It's often safer to wait for the right moment than to try to squeeze by early.