What are the two modes in 5 Seconds of Light?

Levels is the continuing climb with coins, checkpoints, and permanent torch upgrades; Speed Run uses five fixed towers with Game Center leaderboards.

Are upgrades bought with real money?

The developer says climb upgrades are earned through play; the only money purchase described is removing ads.

Does 5 Seconds of Light have multiplayer?

Version 1.9's release notes mention multiplayer and matchmaking tweaks, but the current App Store description only explains Levels and Speed Run. Check the live app before assuming a separately documented multiplayer mode.

GAME TOPIC

5 Seconds of Light — Release, Platforms, and Overview

Spend light to reveal the next actionable hazard, preserve a pulse for recovery, and invest coins in the upgrade blocking your current climb.

iOS1 in-depth pagesUpdated Aug 23, 2026

EXPLORE THIS GAME

Overview and every live, source-checked section.

Introduction, guides, reviews, updates, and support appear here only when the topic has real content for them.

GAME INTRODUCTION

What to know before you play

5 Seconds of Light is about spending visibility, not memorizing an entire dark tower. A floor is shown briefly, then torch pulses and drafted perks reveal or protect the next part of the climb. Spend light on the obstacle you must act on and preserve a recovery option for the hazard after it.

The App Store lists two documented modes: Levels, with coins, permanent torch upgrades, and checkpoints; and Speed Run, with five fixed towers and Game Center leaderboards. It also names 15 perks, including light tools and survival options. Version 1.9, released August 16, mentions multiplayer and matchmaking tweaks in its release notes, but the storefront description does not explain a third mode. Until the live interface or official documentation makes that scope clear, this guide does not invent multiplayer rules. Exact upgrade prices and perk values are also omitted because the current version is still changing.

Use the 5 Seconds of Light torch guide to decide whether the current failure is a visibility, survival, or restart-distance problem. That diagnosis is more useful than buying every upgrade evenly.

The current listing supports iPhone and iPad, requires iOS 18.6 or later, and says there are no forced ads during a level. The app was free when checked on August 21. Monetization and upgrade balance can still change, so check the live version notes.

Sources

OFFICIAL SCREENSHOTS

See the loop—not another copy of the cover.

Each image comes from the official Steam media set and is selected to explain a different part of the game.

GUIDES

Explore guides

Torch and checkpoints · Aug 27, 20265 Seconds of Light Torch Guide — Spend Light Wisely

Diagnose whether darkness, damage, or restart distance ended the run, then spend coins and perks on that specific constraint.

→

OFFICIAL VIDEO

See the game in motion.

This developer or storefront-listed media shows the current game. It is source material, not independent review footage.

YOUTUBE & COMMUNITY

Go to the source when the answer is still moving.

Official channels establish announcements. Forum threads show current player problems and reports—not developer-confirmed mechanics.

FORUM · CHECKED 2026-08-27Five Seconds Of Light App Store Reviews

Player reports are leads for current-build checks; verify individual claims against the live version and official sources.

Open resource ↗

HELP MAINTAIN THIS TOPIC

Ask for coverage—or report something outdated.

Send the game, platform, version, and exact question. Reader feedback guides the next verified page; it is not counted as a player review.

Send feedback →