echoes-of-the-ash/docs/PWA_INSTALL_GUIDE.md

Installing Echoes of the Ash as a Mobile App

The game is now a Progressive Web App (PWA) and can be installed on your mobile device!

Installation Instructions

Android (Chrome/Edge/Samsung Internet)

1. Open the game in your mobile browser
2. Tap the menu button (⋮) in the top right
3. Select "Install app" or "Add to Home screen"
4. Follow the prompts to install
5. The app icon will appear on your home screen

iOS (Safari)

1. Open the game in Safari
2. Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
3. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen"
4. Give it a name (default: "Echoes of the Ash")
5. Tap "Add"
6. The app icon will appear on your home screen

Features After Installation

• Full-screen experience - No browser UI
• Faster loading - App is cached locally
• Offline support - Basic functionality works without internet
• Native app feel - Launches like a regular app
• Auto-updates - Gets new versions automatically

What's Changed

• PWA manifest configured with app name, icons, and theme colors
• Service worker registered for offline support and caching
• App icons (192x192 and 512x512) generated
• Tab bar is now a proper footer (opaque, doesn't overlay content)
• Side panels stop at the tab bar instead of going underneath

Troubleshooting

If you don't see the "Install" option:

1. Make sure you're using a supported browser (Chrome/Safari)
2. The app must be served over HTTPS (which it is)
3. Try refreshing the page
4. On iOS, you MUST use Safari (not Chrome or Firefox)