Ball Scratch Simulator - Scratch & Slay is a first-person wave shooter DLC that transforms the core simulation premise into a compact arena combat experience on PC. Players take on the role of the Scratcher after a suspicious superhero injection triggers a bizarre laboratory dream sequence filled with viruses, plastic fibres and shards. The goal involves clearing enemy waves, shutting down marked spawners when required and reaching the green exit while preserving as much composure as possible.
Gameplay
The combat loop centres on wave defence across ten distinct arenas. Each arena features unique room shapes, available cover and raised platforms that influence positioning and movement. Combat begins with a basic scratching stick that has unlimited use. Additional weapons appear as pickups and include the Itch Cream, Electric Scratcher, Talc Cannon, Sonic Massager and Hover Minigun. These five non-stick weapons carry finite ammunition, so players must manage resources while grabbing health, armour and ammo pickups scattered throughout the fight.
Movement options add tactical depth. Players can dash to evade incoming attacks and use environmental cover effectively. An emergency sniff mechanic clears nearby enemy projectiles when timed correctly. The Hover Minigun requires periodic cooling between bursts to avoid overheating. Strings of quick defeats provide minor relief bonuses that help sustain momentum. Four boss types appear with larger attack patterns and distinct behaviours that demand adaptation. Weapons collected during a run carry over between stages, encouraging careful progression planning.
Game Modes
Difficulty selection offers Easy, Normal or Hard settings. Each difficulty maintains separate local medal tracking and best-time records, supporting repeated stage clears for improved performance. The structure remains single-player focused, with no additional multiplayer variants described. Replay emphasis comes from medal chasing and time optimisation rather than new rule sets.
Enemies and Objectives
Enemy types consist of viruses and microplastic creatures that spawn in waves. Certain stages require players to locate and disable marked spawners before the wave sequence ends. Four boss encounters introduce scaled-up threats with unique habits that alter standard wave flow. The laboratory setting provides varied layouts that reward use of cover and elevation changes during fights.
Story and Presentation
An illustrated opening comic and ending comic bookend the experiment. Four adult companions appear as laboratory support holograms that offer commentary during runs. All visual elements keep characters clothed, with the intended dignity damage kept entirely intentional and consistent with the premise.
Is It Worth Playing?
Ball Scratch Simulator - Scratch & Slay suits players who enjoy short, replayable wave-shooter sessions with resource management and movement tools. The requirement to own the base Ball Scratch Simulator means it functions as an expansion rather than a standalone title. Progression through difficulties and medal collection provides clear goals for those who like optimising runs. The mix of unlimited starter weapon and limited-ammo options creates a steady loop of scavenging and engagement that fits the compact arena format. Availability depends on interest in the base game's simulation theme extended into shooter territory.
