Play the classic Snake game online for free. Guide your snake around the board, eat the food to grow longer and score points, and avoid crashing into the walls or your own tail. The snake speeds up as it eats, so every game gets harder the longer you last. Play with the arrow keys or WASD on a computer, or swipe or use the on-screen D-pad on a phone or tablet, and try to beat your best score.
How to play
- Steer the snake with the arrow keys, WASD or by swiping.
- Eat the food to grow and score points.
- The snake speeds up as it grows.
- Do not crash into the walls or your own tail.
Controls
- On a keyboard, steer with the arrow keys or W, A, S, D. Press Space to pause and resume.
- On touch screens, swipe in the direction you want to go or use the on-screen D-pad.
- Press New game to start again after a crash.
Tips and strategy
- Move along the edges early on to keep the center open.
- As the snake grows, move in long, tidy loops so you do not trap yourself.
- Plan your path to the food a few turns ahead instead of heading straight for it.
- Remember that the snake speeds up as it eats. Stay calm and make one turn at a time.
- Pause with Space whenever you need a break.
Game modes and difficulty
Choose Easy, Medium or Hard to set the starting speed. On every level the snake gets faster as it eats, so even Easy becomes a challenge in long games. The board is a 20×20 grid, and your best score is saved in your browser.
History and background
The idea behind Snake comes from arcade games of the 1970s, in which players steered a line that grew longer and had to avoid hitting anything.
The game became a worldwide favorite in the late 1990s, when it came preinstalled on popular mobile phones and millions of people played it on tiny monochrome screens. Its simple rules and rising tension have kept it popular ever since, and countless versions have appeared on computers, consoles and in web browsers. It shows that a good game does not need complicated rules.
Frequently asked questions
How do I play Snake on my phone?
Swipe in the direction you want to move, or use the on-screen D-pad that appears on touch devices.
Can I pause the game?
Yes. Press Space to pause and press it again to continue.
Why does the snake get faster?
The snake speeds up a little each time it eats, which makes long games more challenging.
Is my best score saved?
Yes. Your best score is stored in your browser on this device.