Harvest & Havoc

Harvest & Havoc: Farm by day, survive by night

Harvest & Havoc is a 2D browser game that combines elements of a farming simulator in the spirit of Stardew Valley with a dynamic top-down shooter and tower defense mechanics.

The project demonstrates how to combine multiple genres into a single game system with cyclical gameplay: the player develops a base, manages resources, and simultaneously participates in active defense.

Game concept

The player takes on the role of an interstellar settler on a hostile planet.

The gameplay is built on a cycle:

• daytime phase – preparation and development
• Night phase – attacking enemies and surviving

During the day the player:

• grows resources
• develops the base
• places protective structures

At night:

• reflects waves of enemies
• uses weapons in real time
• relies on built turrets

👉 This cycle creates constant tension and requires strategic planning.

Gameplay (Core Loop)

Main user flow:

The player starts with a basic territory and limited resources.

During the day:

• harvesting
• builds turrets
• strengthens the base

Night falls:

• waves of enemies appear
• the shooter mechanic is activated
• the player participates in the battle

After survival, the cycle repeats with increased difficulty.

👉 Each cycle increases the pressure and forces a balance between the economy and defense.

Key game systems

1. Farming and resources

• growing crops
• resource collection
• using resources for construction and upgrades

👉 The economic basis of the entire game.

2. Construction and Tower Defense

• turret placement
• choice of positions
• creation of defensive lines

👉 The player forms a defensive strategy in advance.

3. Combat System (Top-Down Shooter)

• real-time character control
• shooting at enemies
• positioning during combat

👉 Unlike a classic TD, the player actively participates in defense.

4. Enemies and pressure

• waves of enemies
• gradual complication
• different types of enemies (swarms, fast, tanks, etc.)

👉 Constant escalation of difficulty.

5. Day/night cycle

• the key mechanics that unite all systems
• creates the rhythm of the game
• forms strategic planning

Technological implementation

The project is implemented as a completely browser-based game with an emphasis on performance and fast launch.

HTML5 Canvas

• full scene render
• UI and game elements within the same context

JavaScript

• game logic
• state management (day/night)
• Enemy AI and turret behavior

Graphics engine (PixiJS or similar)

• rendering sprites
• animations
• effects

Platform support

The game is developed as a web-first solution:

• works in browser (desktop / mobile)
• supports mouse and touch control
• no installation required

Can be used as:

• demo product
• game mechanics for websites
• a basis for expansion into a full-fledged project

Scalability capabilities

The project can be expanded into a full-fledged product:

• leveling and technology system
• new types of turrets and weapons
• multiplayer (co-op base defense)
• mission and progression system
• economy and trade
• monetization integration

The architecture allows the game to be developed without reworking the core.

Result of the work

The result was a hybrid game prototype that combined:

• farming simulator
• Tower Defense mechanics
• dynamic top-down shooter

The project demonstrates the feasibility of building complex game systems in a browser and serves as a basis for further development into a commercial product.