This War of Mine - this is not just a game, but an emotional test that takes the player into realities of military conflict. Unlike classic shooters, here you are not a hero with a machine gun, but ordinary people trying to survive in a destroyed city. On Android the game is available with adapted controls and graphics, but has its own nuances, which are important to know in advance.

In this guide we will look at everything: from system requirements installation to survival tactics, resource management and dealing with character depression. We will pay special attention unique mechanics of the mobile versionto those that distinguish it from the PC release - for example, the optimized interface and touch controls. If you are a beginner or have already tried to play, but were unable to complete the first week, this guide will help you understand all the intricacies.

System requirements and compatibility with Android

Before installation, check whether your smartphone can handle it game. This War of Mine does not require top-end hardware, but on weak devices it can slow down or overheat. Here are the minimum and recommended characteristics:

Parameter Minimum Recommended
Android version 5.0 Lollipop 8.0 Oreo and higher
RAM 2 GB 4 GB+
Processor 4-core 1.5 GHz 8-core 2.0 GHz (Snapdragon 6xx/Helio Gxx)
Free space 1.5 GB 2 GB (including cache)
Graphics Adreno 306 / Mali-T720 Adreno 5xx / Mali-G7x

On devices with Android 10+ the game works more stable, but owners of smartphones with Mediatek Helio Pxx should be careful - lags are possible with a large number of characters in the shelter. If your phone gets hot during gaming sessions, try:

  • 🔋 Reduce screen brightness to 50-60%.
  • ⚙️ Enable power saving mode in Android settings.
  • 🧊 Close background applications (especially instant messengers and social networks).
  • 🎮 Disable vibration in the game settings.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi and Huawei the game may close spontaneously due to aggressive battery optimization. Add This War of Mine to the list of exceptions in the power settings.

Where to download and how to install the game on Android

Officially This War of Mine available in Google Play and AppGallery (for Huawei devices). The cost of the full version is about 300-500 ₽ depending on promotions. There is no free version, but sometimes there are sales (for example, on Black Friday or on days of remembrance of military conflicts).

If you prefer alternative sources, be careful: pirated APKs often contain viruses or do not work without the Internet (due to DRM protection). We recommend downloading only from trusted sites:

  • 📱 Google Play — safest choice, automatic update.
  • 🌐 Official website 11 bit studios — sometimes they give discounts for direct purchases.
  • 🛡️ APKMirror - if you need an older version (for example, for a weak phone).

The installation process is standard:

  1. Download the file (about 1.2 GB).
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources in the Android security settings.
  3. Run the APK and wait for it to unpack (may take 5-10 minutes).
  4. After installation, update the game via Google Playif you downloaded it from APKMirror.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example MIUI or ColorOS) the game may not start due to restrictions on background activity. Check the autorun settings for the application.
📊 How do you prefer to download games on Android?
Official store (Google Play/AppGallery)
Alternative sources (APKMirror, official website)
Pirated sites (at your own risk)
Other

Control basics: how to play on the touch screen

Controls in the mobile version are adapted for touchscreens, but may seem inconvenient after a PC. Here are the key elements of the interface:

  • 👆 Movement: swipe across the screen in the desired direction.
  • 🔍 Interaction: tap on an object (door, object, character).
  • 🗂️ Inventory: button in the upper right corner (bag).
  • ⏸️ Pause/menu: icon with three bars at the top.
  • 🔦 Flashlight: hold your finger on the screen to illuminate dark areas.

The most common problems for beginners:

  • 🎯 Inaccurate tap: the character goes the wrong way. Solution: use precise guidance mode in the settings (enabled in the menu). controls).
  • ⏳ Delay during crafting: on weak phones the animation may freeze. Just wait - the process is going on in the background.
  • 🔊 No sound: check microphone permissions (needed for some dialogues).

Tip for a comfortable game: if you have a large smartphone (for example Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or Xiaomi 13 Pro), enable one-handed mode in the Android settings. This will move the interface down, and you won't have to reach for the top buttons.

☑️ Preparing for the first game

Done: 0 / 4

First steps: survival in shelter and night raids

The game begins with the generation of a random shelter and a set of characters. Your main task is to survive until the end of the war, managing resources, health and morale of the heroes. Here's what you need to do in the first days:

  1. Equip a shelter:
    • 🛏️ Build bed (2 boards + 2 fabrics) - without sleep, characters lose health.
    • 🪑 Make chair (2 boards) - increases comfort.
    • 🔥 Collect stove (3 metals + 2 components) - without it everyone will freeze in winter.
  2. Organize night forays:
    • 🌙 Send the healthiest character in search of resources.
    • 🎒 Take with you backpack (increases inventory).
    • 🔦 Don't forget flashlight or cigarettes (light the way).
  • Control morale:
    • ☕ Give the characters coffee or vodka for a temporary bonus.
    • 🎵 Turn on radio (requires batteries) - lifts the mood.
    • 💊 Avoid depression - she leads to suicide!

    One of the key points is distribution of roles. Don't send all the characters out on raids at the same time: someone should guard the shelter, repair things, or prepare food. The best option:

    • 🏃 1 person - looks for resources at night.
    • 🔧 1 person - repairs tools or crafts.
    • 🍳 1 person —cooks food or sleeps (restores health).
    💡

    If you have a character with a skill "Quiet" (for example, Pavel), send him on forays - he attracts less attention from bandits.

    Survival tactics: how not to die in the first weeks

    Most beginners lose on days 3-7 due to mistakes: hunger, illness or attacks by bandits. Here's how to avoid them:

    1. Resource management

    The most valuable items in order of priority:

    1. Food - without it, characters weaken and die. One person eats 1 serving per day.
    2. Medicines - treat wounds and illnesses. Bandages + alcohol = homemade medicine.
    3. Fuel - needed for the stove and stove. In winter, without it, everyone will freeze.
    4. Components - for crafting tools and improvements.

    Do not waste resources on luxury (for example, books or toys) in the first days. First ensure survival, then comfort.

    2. Fighting diseases

    Characters can get sick from:

    • 🦠 Dirty water (drink only boiled water!).
    • 🩹 Wounds (treat with bandages).
    • 🥶 Hypothermia (heat the stove in winter).

    If someone is sick:

    1. Give medicines or vodka (temporary relief).
    2. Put in bed for 2-3 days.
    3. If the illness is serious (for example, "severe infection"), use antibiotics.

    3. Protection from robbers

    On the 5-10th day you may be robbed. Prepare:

    • 🔫 Build trap (3 boards + 1 component) at the entrance.
    • 🛡️ Keep it with you knife or axe for self-defense.
    • 🚪 Close all doors at night (even if it’s hot in the shelter).
    ⚠️ Attention: If there is radioin the shelter, the bandits may hear it and come earlier. Use it only during the day!
    What to do if all the characters are sick?

    If there is no medicine, try crafting moonshine (2 sugars + 1 water) - it temporarily relieves symptoms. You can also send the healthiest character in search of a pharmacy (location "Hospital" or "Clinic").

    Locations and strategies for their development

    Each location in This War of Mine is generated randomly, but has common features. Here are the most important places and what can be found there:

    Location Resources Dangers Tips
    🏠 Abandoned houses Furniture, food, books Low (sometimes stray dogs) Ideal for first forays Break down cabinets and. sofas.
    🏥 Hospital Medicines, bandages, alcohol High (bandits, infected) Walk with a weapon and a flashlight.
    🏭 Factory Metal, components, fuel Medium (guards, traps) Come during the day - it’s too dark at night.
    🛒 Supermarket Food, water, household chemicals High (many bandits) It is better to rob for 2-3 characters with weapons.
    🚂 Station Rare things (radio, weapons) Extreme (snipers, patrols) Only for experienced players with a full inventory!

    Remember: each location has a "timer". If you visit it too often, resources will run out and the dangers will increase. alternate places and do not return to the same place more than once every 3-4 days.

    If you get caught "Black market" (appears randomly), be sure to use it! There you can exchange unnecessary things for scarce resources (for example, books for medicines). Prices are high, but sometimes this is the only way to survive.

    💡

    The most valuable locations are Hospital i Station, but they are also the most dangerous. Don’t go there without a weapon and a first aid kit!

    Characters and their unique skills

    In This War of Mine 12 playable characters, each with their own advantages and cons. Here are the most useful ones for beginners:

    • 👨 Anton - good in combat and crafting. Ideal for outings.
    • 👩 Katya - cooks quickly and saves resources. Keep her in hiding.
    • 🧒 Pavel - quiet and inconspicuous. The best intelligence officer.
    • 👵 Martin —can sleep less than others. Useful in times of crisis.
    • 🎭 Roman - raises morale, but often falls into depression.

    Avoid taking on the team Bruno (alcoholic) or Arika (child) at first - they require too much attention. The best starting lineup: Anton + Katya + Pavel.

    Each character has personal quests. For example, Martin may ask to find bible, and Katya — medicines for the sick. Completing these quests gives bonuses, but often requires risky actions.

    ⚠️ Attention: If a character dies, he cannot be resurrected. Save the game before dangerous attacks!

    Tips for passing: how to survive until the end of the war

    Here are proven strategies from experienced players:

    1. Saving resources:
      • 🔥 Use stove only when the temperature is lower +10°C.
      • 🍲 Cook soup (1 food + 1 water) - it is more satisfying than raw foods.
      • 🛠️ Repair tools only when they are broken (do not waste components).
    2. Foray tactics:
      • 🌙 Walk at night - there are more enemies during the day.
      • 🎒 Take backpack + flashlight + knife.
      • 🏃 If you are noticed, run away - a fight is rarely justified.
  • Morality and psychology:
    • ☕ Let's coffee in the morning - it lifts your mood for the whole day.
    • 🎵 Turn it on radio in the evening (but don't forget about the batteries!).
    • 💔 If someone is depressed, sit them next to another character for support.

    If the game seems too difficult, try turning on the mode "Easy Winter" in the settings. It reduces the need for fuel, but real victory can only be achieved at "Realistic" level.

    And last: don't get attached to the characters. Death is inevitable in this game, and your goal is to survive as long as possible, not to keep everyone alive. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary for the survival of others.

    💡

    Main rule This War of Mine: The survival of the group is more important than the life of one character. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    🔹 How to save the game on Android?

    Auto-saves occur every day at 00:00 in-game time. To save manually, click Menu → Save. Save files are stored in the folder Android/data/pl.11bitstudios.twom/files. They can be copied to a PC or to the cloud for backup.

    🔹 Why does the game crash when loading?

    Most often this is due to:

    • Lack of RAM (close background applications).
    • Damaged cache files (clear the game data in the Android settings).
    • Outdated version of the graphics driver (update your phone firmware).

    If the problem persists, try reinstalling the game.

    🔹 You can Is it possible to play without the Internet?

    Yes, This War of Mine a completely offline game. The Internet is only needed for the first download (license check) and updates. After installation, you can play on an airplane or subway.

    🔹 How to get all the characters?

    Characters are unlocked randomly at the start of a new game. To unlock everyone, you need to:

    1. Go through the game with different starting lineups.
    2. Complete personal quests (for example, save Arika in one of the locations).
    3. Wait random events (for example, Bruno can join if you find him in the barracks).

    There is no guaranteed way to unlock a specific character - it depends on the RNG.

    🔹 What to do if you run out food?

    Here are emergency measures:

    • 🍄 Look mushrooms in the forest (location "Country house").
    • 🐀 Catch rats in the shelter (you need rat trap).
    • 🚬 Exchange cigarettes or vodka for food from traders.
    • 💊 As a last resort - cannibalism (but this hits hard morality!).

    If there is no food at all, and the characters are weakened, try sleep all day - this will slow down hunger, but reduce morale.