Play Snake online, free in your browser
The classic Nokia-style Snake game, rebuilt with smooth movement, power-ups, three game modes, four speeds and retro sound. No download and no sign-up: press start and beat your best score.
Mode
Speed
Board size
Screen style
Steer with arrow keys or W A S D, swipe on the board, or turn on the touch pad. Space pauses. M mutes.
How to play Snake
Snake is one of the easiest games to learn and one of the hardest to master. You control a growing snake on a grid. Eat, grow, and never touch anything you shouldn't.
- Press Start game, or just tap an arrow key or swipe on the board.
- Steer the snake with the arrow keys, W A S D, a swipe, or the touch pad.
- Eat the red apples. Each one adds 10 points and makes the snake one block longer.
- Avoid your own tail and any rocks. In Classic and Obstacles mode the walls are deadly too.
- Every 5 apples you reach a new level and the snake speeds up.
Controls
| Action | Keyboard | Phone or tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Steer | Arrows or WASD | Swipe on the board, or use the touch pad |
| Pause and resume | Space or P | Pause button |
| Play again | Enter or Space | Play again button |
| Sound on and off | M | Sound button |
Power-ups
Every so often a special item appears on the board. Grab it before it fades away, because each one disappears after eight seconds.
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Golden starWorth 50 points and makes the snake grow by two blocks.
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Slow motionSlows the snake down for eight seconds so you can plan a tight route.
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ShieldSaves you from one crash. The snake bounces away from the wall, rock or tail and keeps going.
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Double pointsEvery apple is worth double for ten seconds. Chain a few together for a big score.
Game modes and speeds
Classic
The original rules. Hit a wall or your own tail and it is game over.
Portal
No walls. Leave one edge and you come back through the opposite one, so the only danger is yourself.
Obstacles
Walls are deadly and rocks appear on the board. More rocks show up every level.
Choose Easy to learn the ropes, Normal for the classic feel, Hard when you want a challenge, or Insane if you like living dangerously. You can also switch between small, medium and large boards, and pick one of five screen styles, from a retro pocket LCD to neon Midnight.
Tips for a higher score
- Stay near the middle. Hugging the walls leaves you fewer ways out.
- Turn early. Small, planned turns beat last-second swerves.
- Build a snake wall carefully. Once you are long, keep your body in tidy rows so you never trap yourself.
- Save the shield. Pick it up and keep it for the moment you get boxed in.
- Use slow motion on big boards. It is the best time to line up a golden star.
- Try Portal mode. It is the friendliest way to reach a long snake.
A short history of the Snake game
The idea of steering a growing line around a screen goes back to the 1976 arcade game Blockade. It inspired countless copies on early home computers. In 1997 a version called Snake came pre-installed on Nokia phones, and it turned into the first mobile game for hundreds of millions of people.
This version keeps the simple rules that made Snake famous and adds modern touches: fluid animation, power-ups, sound you can switch off, and controls that work equally well on a keyboard or a touch screen. It is an original game and is not affiliated with Nokia or any other company.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Snake game free?
Yes. It is completely free to play, with no download, no account and no in-game purchases. The site is supported by advertising.
Can I play Snake on my phone?
Yes. The game adapts to any screen size. On a phone or tablet, swipe on the board to steer or switch on the touch pad under the game. It also works on laptops and desktops with the keyboard.
How do I turn the sound off?
Press the Sound button under the game, or press M on your keyboard. Music is a separate switch and is off by default.
Does the game save my high score?
Yes. Your best score for each mode and speed is saved in your own browser. It stays on your device and is never uploaded. Clearing your browser data will reset it.
Is this Snake game unblocked?
It runs directly in your browser without any download or plugin, so it works on most networks. Some school or workplace networks restrict game sites, and we cannot guarantee access on those.
How is the score calculated?
Each apple is worth 10 points. A golden star is worth 50. With the double points power-up active, apple points are doubled.
What is the best way to get a high score?
Stay calm and plan two moves ahead. Play on a bigger board, use Portal mode for long runs, and save your shield for a tight spot. See the tips above for more.
Why did my game pause on its own?
The game pauses automatically when you switch tabs or scroll the board out of view, so you never lose a run by accident. Press Resume to carry on.