How to Play ShellBound
ShellBound is a free turn-based artillery duel. Take turns lobbing shells across destructible terrain, account for the wind, and blast your rival before they blast you. Here is everything you need to win your first match.
▶ Play NowA turn in five steps
One round is a back-and-forth of single shots. Here is the rhythm of a turn.
Pick your mobile
Choose from 12 cartoon mobiles, each with its own health, speed and three weapons. Heavy tanks soak damage, zippy flyers reposition fast.
Roll into position
Move left or right along the terrain. Your move budget is limited each turn, shown by the move bar, so spend it wisely to find an angle.
Aim and read the wind
Set your angle, then glance at the wind dial up top. Wind drags the shell sideways in flight, so lean into it when it blows hard.
Charge and fire
Hold the fire button to build power and watch the predicted arc, then release to launch. More power means a flatter, longer shot.
Take the round
Shells carve the ground and chip away enemy health. Land a direct hit, or knock a rival into the water or off the map, to win.
Grab the bonuses
Supply crates parachute in mid-match. Drive over one to scoop a double-damage, heal or shield boost for your next shot.
Controls
Play with keyboard on desktop or the on-screen pad on touch devices.
⌨️ Keyboard
← → move along the terrain
↑ ↓ raise or lower your aim
1 2 3 switch weapon
Hold SPACE charge power
Release SPACE fire
📱 Touch
‹ › move buttons on the left
⌃ ⌄ aim buttons on the right
Hold FIRE charge, then let go to launch
Tap a weapon icon to switch your shot.
Weapons & Super Shots
Every mobile carries three weapons mapped to keys 1, 2 and 3.
1 · Main shell
A reliable single shot with a solid blast. Your bread-and-butter for steady damage and digging toward a buried foe.
2 · Spread or heavy
Depending on the mobile this is a heavier siege round or a multi-projectile volley that blankets an area.
SS · Super Shot
A signature finisher that hits hard and carves a huge crater. Save it for a kill or to bury an entrenched rival.
Tips to win more duels
- Mirror the last shot. If you landed just short, nudge power up a touch and fire again on the same angle.
- Dig them out. Bury a rival under terrain, then keep carving the same spot until they are exposed.
- Respect strong wind. On high-wind turns, aim into the wind and expect a wide curve.
- Use high arcs over hills. Steep angle plus low power lobs a shell over cover that a flat shot would smack into.
- Race for crates. A double-damage pickup can turn a chip shot into a knockout.
Frequently asked questions
Is ShellBound free to play?
Yes. ShellBound runs free in any modern web browser with no install or download required.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes. ShellBound has on-screen touch controls for phones and tablets, with move, aim and a hold-to-charge fire button.
How does wind work?
Each turn the wind changes direction and strength, shown on the dial in the top bar. Wind nudges your shell sideways during flight, so aim into it on strong turns.
What is a Super Shot?
Every mobile has one signature SS weapon that hits much harder and carves a bigger crater. Use it for a finishing blow or to reshape the battlefield.
Can I play with a friend?
Yes. Pick 2 Players for local hot-seat on one device, or Online to host or join a match with a four-letter room code.