Serial Cleaner

What is Serial Cleaner?

Serial Cleaner is a fast-paced 2D stealth action game that challenges players to clean up crime scenes without getting caught by law enforcement. Developed by Draw Distance and published by Curve Digital, this indie game delivers an engaging experience set in a stylized 1970s America. Players take on the role of a professional crime scene cleaner tasked with removing bodies, cleaning blood stains, and disposing of incriminating evidence—all while evading patrolling police officers.

Game Overview

Plot and Setting

Set in 1970s America, Serial Cleaner immerses players in a world inspired by real-life crime scene cleaning and classic detective noir themes. The game follows the “Cleaner,” a man hired to erase traces of violent crimes orchestrated by various criminal organizations. As the Cleaner, players must operate in a world filled with secrecy, danger, and ever-vigilant law enforcement.

The game’s vintage aesthetic, featuring bold colors, groovy music, and a stylized retro look, creates an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a classic crime drama.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Serial Cleaner is a stealth-based game that requires strategic movement, quick decision-making, and precise execution. The main objectives in each level include:

• Hiding from law enforcement – Players must use hiding spots and the environment to stay out of sight.
• Removing evidence – The Cleaner must collect weapons, documents, and other incriminating items.
• Cleaning up bloodstains – To prevent forensic teams from linking a crime to its perpetrators.
• Disposing of bodies – Players must carry bodies to designated areas without alerting patrolling officers.

The game features randomized level elements, ensuring varied patrol routes and item placements, making each playthrough unique and unpredictable.

Key Features of Serial Cleaner

1. Authentic 1970s Aesthetic

One of the standout elements of Serial Cleaner is its unique visual and audio presentation:

• A bold, flat-color art style reminiscent of classic posters and advertisements from the 1970s.
• A funky and jazzy soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s crime-thriller atmosphere.
• Environments filled with vintage items, furniture, and vehicles, making each level feel true to the era.

2. Story-Driven Missions

Beyond its arcade-style gameplay, Serial Cleaner incorporates a narrative-driven campaign. The Cleaner’s work gradually unravels a deeper conspiracy, adding tension and mystery to the game. Throughout the game, players learn more about the Cleaner’s background, motives, and the dangerous world of underground crime.

3. Challenging Stealth Mechanics

The game is built around stealth and strategy, offering a high level of challenge:

• Dynamic enemy AI – Police officers have vision cones and respond to movement and noise.
• Hiding mechanics – Players can use furniture, shadows, and objects to evade detection.
• Strategic planning – Observing patrol routes and creating diversion tactics is essential for success.

4. Challenge Modes

For players seeking more than just the main story, Serial Cleaner offers additional challenge modes, such as:

• Time-based challenges, where players must complete tasks within strict time limits.
• No-detection runs, where getting spotted means instant failure.
• Speedrun mode, rewarding efficiency and quick thinking.

Platform Availability

Serial Cleaner is available on multiple platforms, making it widely accessible to players: PC (Windows, macOS, Linux), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android.

The game was initially released for PC and consoles in 2017, followed by a Nintendo Switch version in late 2017. Mobile versions for iOS and Android were launched later, allowing a wider audience to experience the game.

Critical Reception

Serial Cleaner has received generally positive reviews, particularly for its unique concept, engaging gameplay, and immersive setting. Some of the key praises and criticisms from players and critics include:

Praise:

• Creative Stealth Gameplay – The blend of strategy and action keeps gameplay engaging.
• Stylized Retro Aesthetic – The 1970s theme, music, and art direction stand out.
• Replayability – The randomized levels ensure fresh challenges with each playthrough.

Criticism:

• Difficulty Spikes – Some levels can feel unforgiving, leading to trial-and-error frustration.
• Limited AI Variety – The enemy patrol patterns could have more complexity.
• Short Playtime – The main campaign is relatively short, though challenge modes add replay value.

On Steam, Serial Cleaner holds a “Very Positive” rating, with players praising its unique mechanics and retro aesthetic.

Serial Cleaners: The Sequel

Due to the success of the original game, Draw Distance released a sequel, Serial Cleaners, on September 22, 2022.

1. New Features and Improvements

Serial Cleaners builds on the original game’s strengths while introducing new mechanics and modernized elements:

• Set in the 1990s – Unlike the first game’s 1970s theme, Serial Cleaners is inspired by 90s crime cinema.
• Multiple Playable Characters – The sequel introduces four distinct characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
• Expanded Storytelling – A deeper narrative with a branching storyline and character-driven decisions.
• Enhanced AI and Gameplay Mechanics – More advanced enemy AI, improved movement mechanics, and interactive environments.

2. Reception and Impact

Serial Cleaners has received positive feedback for its expanded gameplay options and improved storytelling, though some players found the new mechanics more complex compared to the original.

Serial Cleaners Free for Android

Since Serial Cleaners is an official game available on Steam for $14.99. However, Android device users can play the game for free by installing the APK version of the game.

Why You Can Play Serial Cleaners APK for Free on Android

Android supports APK (Android Package Kit) files, which is a standard format for installing apps on Android devices. This allows users to install games manually without using an official app store, such as Google Play. APKs can come from a variety of sources, including official developers, third-party app stores, and user-modified versions. So, Android users can play this game for free by downloading the Serial Cleaners APK version.

How to Download and Play Serial Cleaners APK for Free

Step 1. Download the APK and OBB files

Step 2. Enable Unknown Sources

Go to Settings > Security or Privacy, then enable the option to install from Unknown Sources.

Step 3. Install the APK

Find the downloaded APK file and open it to start the installation.

Step 4. Extract the OBB file

Use a file manager to locate the OBB file and extract it to the Android/obb folder. Or extract the OBB file using the ZArchiver app.

Step 5. Launch the app

Once the OBB file is successfully extracted, open it and play.

Tips and Strategies for New Players

For players new to Serial Cleaner, here are some essential strategies:

1. Utilize Hiding Spots – Identify hiding spots in every level to avoid capture.
2. Observe Patrol Patterns – Carefully watch how police officers move before making a move.
3. Use Noise to Your Advantage – Create distractions by making noise or luring enemies away.
4. Manage Your Route – Plan efficient escape paths to avoid getting trapped.
5. Play Patiently – Rushing can lead to easy mistakes and instant failure.

Conclusion

Serial Cleaner is a standout stealth action game that delivers a unique blend of strategy, crime-scene cleaning, and vintage aesthetics. With challenging gameplay, a rich atmosphere, and replayability, it remains a must-play for indie game enthusiasts and stealth lovers.

For those who enjoy crime-themed games with strategic depth, Serial Cleaner and its sequel, Serial Cleaners, provide a fresh take on the stealth genre. Whether playing on PC, console, or mobile, players can experience the thrill of outsmarting law enforcement while cleaning up the messiest crimes.

If you haven’t played Serial Cleaner yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this stealthy challenge.

FAQs

1. What makes Serial Cleaner APK unique compared to other stealth games?

Serial Cleaner combines stealth mechanics with crime scene cleanup, creating a unique gameplay loop where players must avoid detection while disposing of evidence.

2. Does Serial Cleaner APK have difficulty settings?

No, but the game offers increasing difficulty as players progress, with randomized elements making each level a fresh challenge.

3. Are there different ways to complete a level?

Yes, players can use multiple strategies, such as luring guards away, taking different paths, or hiding in strategic spots.

4. Does Serial Cleaner APK have a multiplayer mode?

No, Serial Cleaner is a single-player experience focused on strategic stealth gameplay.

5. How long does it take to complete Serial Cleaner APK?

The main story takes about 4-6 hours, but challenge modes and replayability can extend gameplay time.