Where's My Water? Getting Started guide screenshot

Getting Started

Getting Started



First Hour Walkthrough



When you first launch Where's My Water?, you'll see the main menu with options to Play, access More Games, or change Settings. Tap Play to enter the level select screen. Start with Level 1-1 – a tutorial level that teaches you the core mechanic: digging dirt.

1. A text bubble explains that Swampy wants a bath. You see a pipe at the top of the level (water source) and Swampy's shower pipe at the bottom left.
2. Draw a path in the dirt by tapping and dragging your finger. The dirt dissolves along your cut, allowing water to flow down.
3. Guide the water to the shower pipe. Once the pipe is filled, Swampy cheers and you complete the level.
4. After completing, you'll see a star rating: 1, 2, or 3 stars. Stars are based on how many rubber ducks you collected and how much water you used (less is better).
5. Repeat this process for Levels 1-2, 1-3, etc. Within the first hour, you should be able to reach level 1-10, learning about new obstacles like toxic water (green, must avoid) and algae (slows water). You'll also encounter walls that water can't pass through.

Tip: Don't rush – take your time to observe how water flows. Replay earlier levels to improve your star rating.

Character Creation



There is no character creation in Where's My Water? You play as Swampy, a friendly alligator living in a sewer. He's always the same appearance – green, with a yellow belly and a love for clean showers. No customization or choice exists. The focus is entirely on the puzzles.

Controls on All Platforms



Where's My Water? was originally designed for touchscreen devices. Here's how the controls work on each platform:

  • iOS / Android (touch):

    • - Digging dirt: Tap and drag your finger across the dirt to cut a path. The cut follows your finger exactly.
    - Interacting with objects: Some levels have levers or switches – tap them to activate.
    - No button presses needed – everything is done via touch gestures.

  • Windows Phone / Other touch devices:

    • - Identical to iOS/Android – tap and drag to dig.

  • Note on PC / Keyboard: The original game was not released on PC with keyboard controls. Some emulations may exist, but the intended experience is touch-only. If playing via an Android emulator, you can use mouse click-and-drag.


    • Important: You cannot move Swampy or the water directly. You only shape the terrain.

    UI Overview



    Here's what you'll see on screen during gameplay:

  • Top-left: Number of rubber ducks collected in the current level (e.g., "2/3").

  • Top-right: Pause button (pause icon) and a water efficiency bar? Actually, original games show a water use meter – a small bar that fills as you use water. Less water = better for 3 stars.

  • Center: The level itself – dirt, Swampy (sitting in his tub), the shower pipe, obstacles, and the water source (usually a pipe at the top).

  • Bottom: No HUD elements; the entire screen is the play area.

  • Level Select Screen: Rows of numbered levels. Locked levels are grayed out. Completed levels show the star rating (1–3 stars) and a checkmark. Tap any unlocked level to play.

  • Main Menu: "Play" (takes you to level select), "More Games" (advertises other Disney games), "Settings" (volume for sound/music, reset progress).


    • Essential Early Objectives



    As a newcomer, prioritize these goals:

    1. Complete each level by getting water to Swampy's shower pipe. This unlocks the next level.
    2. Collect all 3 rubber ducks in a level to earn 3 stars. Three stars on a level are required to unlock bonus content and show mastery.
    3. Replay levels if you didn't get 3 stars – you can always re-enter a completed level to improve your score.
    4. Unlock new chapters by finishing the last level of a chapter. Chapter 2 becomes available after completing Chapter 1 (Levels 1-1 through 1-20).
    5. Accumulate total ducks – these are your main progression currency. Some secret levels are unlocked by collecting a certain number of ducks across all levels.

    What to Do First and What to Avoid



    Do first:

  • Follow the tutorial prompts – they teach you the basics.

  • Start with Level 1-1 and proceed linearly. Don't skip ahead.

  • Try to get 3 stars on the first few levels (they're easy) to build a good duck collection.


    • Avoid:

  • Digging too aggressively. Cutting wide channels often wastes water, causing it to spread out and miss the pipe or drain out of bounds.

  • Ignoring ducks. The three ducks are placed in specific locations. If you don't collect them, you'll get 1 or 2 stars. Later levels require a certain star count to unlock.

  • Forgetting to use the environment. Sometimes you need to let water pool and then cut a new path to guide it upward (via pressure mechanics) – but this is rare early on.

  • Frustrating yourself with impossible levels. The early levels are forgiving; if you get stuck, watch the water flow and try different cuts. There's no time limit (except for some bonus levels).


    • Early Resource Priorities



    The only "resource" in the game is:

  • Rubber ducks – collected per level. They are used to determine star ratings and unlock bonus levels. Always aim to collect all three ducks in each level.

  • Water – you have a limited amount in some levels (indicated by the water source). Use it efficiently; avoid letting water leak away without reaching the pipe.


    • There is no in-game currency, no upgrades, and no items to purchase. The only progression is through completing levels and earning stars.

    Common Beginner Mistakes



    1. Cutting dirt in a straight vertical line – water flows quickly down but may miss ducks or the pipe. Try curving your cut to guide water past ducks.
    2. Not realising that water flows based on gravity – it always flows downward. To make water go up, you need to use pressure? Actually, there is no pressure mechanic in the original; water cannot flow upward. Plan your cuts accordingly.
    3. Trying to collect all ducks on the first attempt – sometimes it's better to complete the level first to understand the layout, then replay for ducks.
    4. Forgetting to drain all toxic water – in levels with toxic water (green), you must drain it away or mix it with clean water to make it safe (toxicity levels vary). If toxic water enters the pipe, Swampy gets sick and you fail.
    5. Ignoring the water efficiency meter – for 3 stars, you need to use minimal water. Avoid cutting unnecessary paths that cause water to be wasted.

    Day-One Checklist



    Use this checklist during your first session:

  • [ ] Install the game via your platform's app store (if not already done).

  • [ ] Launch the game, skip any intro cinematics.

  • [ ] Complete Level 1-1 – aim for 3 stars (collect all 3 ducks, use only essential water).

  • [ ] Complete Levels 1-2 through 1-10 – try to get at least 2 stars on each, but aim for 3.

  • [ ] Collect a total of at least 15 ducks (from the first 5-6 levels).

  • [ ] Unlock Chapter 2 by finishing Level 1-20 (you may not reach this in one hour, but note the requirement).

  • [ ] Replay any level you got 1 or 2 stars to improve your rating.

  • [ ] Check the Settings – adjust sound and music volume to your preference.

  • [ ] Try a level with a new mechanic (e.g., Level 1-6 introduces obstacles) to understand how different elements work.

  • [ ] Take a break – the game is puzzle-based; rest helps you solve tricky levels later.


Pro Tip: Early levels are simple, so don't overthink. Enjoy the physics and the charm of Swampy. The game gets more complex in later chapters, but the basics remain the same.