How do I control the snake?

Use the arrow keys or WASD on a keyboard, or swipe in the direction you want to turn on a touchscreen. On phones there's also an on-screen direction pad below the board.

Why can't I turn straight back on myself?

The snake can't reverse 180 degrees into its own neck — that would be an instant collision. You can only turn left or right relative to the way you're heading.

Does the game get harder?

Yes. Every apple you eat speeds the snake up slightly, so the longer you survive the faster and more challenging it becomes to thread through your own body.

How does scoring work?

Your score is the number of apples eaten. Your best score is saved for the current browser session so you can chase a new record each time you play.

Snake

Play the classic snake game online — eat apples, grow longer, and avoid the walls and your own tail. Arrow keys, WASD, or swipe to steer.

Score

Best

Use the arrow keys or WASD to steer.

Guide the snake to eat apples and grow longer. Each apple speeds things up — don't run into the walls or your own tail!

Snake is the timeless arcade game where you steer a growing snake around the board to eat apples. Each apple makes you longer and a little faster, and the game ends if you hit a wall or your own tail. It's simple to learn and endlessly replayable.

How to use the Snake

Press Start, then steer with the arrow keys, WASD, or swipes on mobile.
Guide the snake's head onto an apple to eat it and grow.
Avoid running into the walls or into your own tail.
Each apple speeds the snake up — survive as long as you can for a high score.

Frequently asked questions

How do I control the snake?: Use the arrow keys or WASD on a keyboard, or swipe in the direction you want to turn on a touchscreen. On phones there's also an on-screen direction pad below the board.
Why can't I turn straight back on myself?: The snake can't reverse 180 degrees into its own neck — that would be an instant collision. You can only turn left or right relative to the way you're heading.
Does the game get harder?: Yes. Every apple you eat speeds the snake up slightly, so the longer you survive the faster and more challenging it becomes to thread through your own body.
How does scoring work?: Your score is the number of apples eaten. Your best score is saved for the current browser session so you can chase a new record each time you play.

Related tools