Back to the bridge.

The Long Retreat is designed for iPhone running iOS 17 or later. An internet connection is needed to download and update it through Apple, but gameplay works offline.

The App Store launch is free, with no ads, subscriptions or in-app purchases. Availability begins after Apple approves and releases the app.

Progress is saved locally as you issue orders. Use Continue Retreat on the title menu to resume. Keep the app installed while troubleshooting: deleting it can remove its local saves.

Choices are final within an active retreat. Restart Retreat on the title menu asks for confirmation before erasing the active retreat. Past sealed records remain separate.

Open Settings, then Local backups and diagnostics. Under Save a retreat, choose the retreat to export and save its JSON file somewhere you control. On the other iPhone, open the same settings and choose the backup file under Restore a retreat. Inspect the confirmation before restoring.

Existing records are not overwritten. An unfinished backup can only be restored when there is no active retreat. Backups contain the captain name, orders and story spoilers. The app never uploads them automatically; a cloud folder you choose follows that provider’s own settings.

Use the original exported JSON file without editing it. The app checks its integrity and rejects files over 20 MB, invalid records and conflicting run identities. Preserve the file and contact support if a valid export cannot be restored.

Tell us which screen, encounter or option was involved and what happened next. You can export a diagnostic summary from Local backups and diagnostics. It includes app, OS and rules versions plus run counts; it excludes names, orders and story text. Sending the file by email is optional.

Settings are available from the title menu and the in-game Records menu. You can adjust music, effects and haptics there. The game supports system text-size settings and Reduce Motion; Comms also has a reading-view toggle.

There is no developer account to delete. To remove all local app data, delete the app through iOS Settings → General → iPhone Storage → The Long Retreat → Delete App. Offloading the app keeps its data. Separately delete any exported files and backups you saved elsewhere. Contact support if you want correspondence you sent us removed.