Squid Game: 456 Survival APK for Android

Free Android strategy game

Squid Game: 456 Survival is a free strategy game for Android loosely based on the worldwide Korean Netflix phenomenon Squid Game. Step into the well-worn shoes of Player 456, using logic and skill to survive each round of competition to win the massive jackpot at the tournament's end. 

This isn’t a new genre of mobile gaming; in fact, alternatives are available in the hundreds on the Google Play store. Similar games with better graphics and smoother gameplay are easy to find. For an all-around entertaining experience, try Survival 456 But It's Impostor, which has all the fun of Squid Game with the cute characters from Among Us. Another great, free alternative is Cookie Carver: Life Challenge.

Squid Game: 456 Survival isn’t the best-looking game on the Google Play store. The game's graphical quality is low compared to other games of similar size. This low quality should theoretically make the game run better, but even on Android 10, Squid Game: 456 lags and doesn't have smooth gameplay. Controls stick, and on occasion, the game looks more like a slide show. 

Graphics and performance

Game mechanics

Most of the games work similar to the ones in other Squid Game imitations, but Squid Game: 456 Survival does introduce at least one new mechanic. While other Dalgona cookie carver games require you to cut the cookie, Squid Game: 456 Survival is a classic tap-to-play game. All you need to do is tap the various shards of the cookie within the time limit to win the round.

Ad-intensive

Squid Game: 456 Survival seems to rely more heavily on ads than most other games. Up to three separate ad pages appear after each level, during one playthrough. The ads wouldn’t be as inconvenient if the game was decent, but the heavy reliance on ads, coupled with the poor quality, doesn't create much excitement to play the game. 

After each round, the game gives you two choices to claim in-game currency: claim $100 without an ad or $500 with an ad. Even if you choose the option without an ad, you will be forced to sit through multiple ads. 

Underwhelming attempt in an oversaturated market

Squid Game exploded onto the pop culture scene and, with it, shipped an entirely new game genre for mobile gaming. While there are good and even incredible Squid Game emulators, Squid Game: 456 Survival misses the mark. Sub-par graphics for games of its calibre and a heavy reliance on advertising chip away at the game's limited redeeming qualities.