How can we help?
Answers to the most common questions about buying, accounts, online play and performance.
Buying and unlocking
How do I buy the game?
On the itch.io page, for $3. Cards and PayPal are handled by itch.io.
I bought it. How do I unlock the full game?
Log in or create an account in the game with the same email you used on itch.io (or Google). The full game unlocks by itself.
I used a different email on itch.io.
In the game open Ranked and paste the download link from your itch.io purchase into Unlock.
Do I have to pay again for updates or another PC?
No. One purchase includes every update, on every PC you log in from.
Installing and running
Windows says "Windows protected your PC". Is it safe?
Yes. Windows shows that for new games from small studios. Click More info, then Run anyway.
How do I install it?
There is no installer. Extract the zip and open PenBlowSimulator.exe. The itch.io app can also install and update it for you.
It runs slowly on my laptop.
Open Settings, choose the Low or Medium preset and the OpenGL renderer (fastest on Intel integrated graphics), and set a frame cap.
Playing
How do I blow my pen?
Hold right mouse to breathe in, aim just behind your pen, then hold left mouse to blow. The full guide is on How to play.
What is a foul?
If your air moves a rival's pen, it is a foul: that player gets one free hit on your pen. Knocking pens off with your own pen is fine.
Do bot matches pay coins?
Yes: a match against exactly 3 bots pays Easy 90, Medium 110, Hard 140 coins for a win and 10 for a loss. Bot matches never change your rank.
Are some pens better in ranked?
No. In ranked every pen has exactly the same physics; only the look changes. Outside ranked, pens really differ in weight, grip and shape.
Online, voice and chat
How do I play with friends?
Open Multiplayer, create a room and send your friends its 6-letter code. Up to 4 players.
How do I set up voice chat?
Settings, Voice & Chat: pick your microphone, choose voice activation or push-to-talk (and its key), and use the microphone test, which is never sent to anyone. Headphones stop echo. Press Enter in a match to type.
Can I mute or block someone?
Yes. In a match, click Mute next to their name, or ... for their volume and Block. The host of a private room can also mute a player for the whole room.
Is voice chat recorded?
No. Voice and chat pass through the room host and our relay in real time and are never stored.
Account and privacy
Do I need an account?
No for offline play. A free account (email or Google) keeps coins, pens and rank online and is needed for ranked.
How do I delete my account?
Ask on the itch.io page and we will contact you privately. See the privacy policy.
Contact us
Still stuck?
Post on the comments section of our itch.io page and we will answer there. Please say what you tried, your Windows version and your graphics card. For account deletion or privacy requests, say so in your comment and we will contact you privately.
Ask on itch.io