About the Snake Game
Snake Game is the classic arcade game from old mobile phones. You steer a snake around the board, eating the red food to grow longer and score a point. The game ends if the snake hits a wall or its own body, and it gets harder as the tail gets longer. Use the arrow keys or W, A, S, D on a computer and swipe or tap the buttons on a phone. Choose slow, normal or fast, press space to pause and try to beat your best score, which is kept in your browser. It is free and needs no download.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Snake Game
- 1Press Start or any arrow key to begin.
- 2Steer with the arrow keys, W, A, S, D, a swipe or the buttons.
- 3Eat the red food to grow and score.
- 4Avoid the walls and your own tail.
- 5Press space to pause, and choose a speed that suits you.
History of Snake
Snake began as an arcade game in the 1970s and became a worldwide hit in 1998, when it came on Nokia phones. Its idea is simple, which is why it still works: one object, one goal and a danger that grows with your success.
Tips for a better score
Think two moves ahead. When the snake is short, go straight for the food. When it is long, leave open space and avoid cutting off your own exit. Use the walls as a guide and avoid tight spirals.
- Keep the head away from the tail
- Do not take food that traps you
- Move in wide, regular patterns when the snake is long
- Start on slow speed to learn the board
Playing on a phone
Swipe in the direction you want the snake to turn. A short swipe is enough. If swiping is awkward, use the buttons below the board. Keep the page open on a flat surface for the most accurate control.
Related games
More games: 2048, Minesweeper and Sudoku. Test your skills with the Aim Trainer and the Reaction Time Test.
Features
- Keyboard, swipe and button controls
- Slow, normal and fast speeds
- Score and best score
- Pause with the space bar
- Cannot reverse onto yourself by mistake
- Runs in your browser
Frequently asked questions
How do I play Snake?
Steer the snake to the food. Every piece you eat makes the snake longer. Do not crash into the walls or your own body.
What are the controls?
Arrow keys or W, A, S, D on a keyboard, swipes on the board on a touch screen, and four buttons under the board on phones.
Can I pause?
Yes. Press the space bar or the pause overlay button.
How do I get a high score?
Plan routes so that you do not trap yourself. Keep to the edges when the snake is long and leave room to turn.
Can I win?
If the snake fills the whole board, you win. That is very difficult.
Why can't I turn around?
A 180 degree turn would make the snake run into itself, so the game ignores it.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, with swipe and button controls.
How big is the board?
A 20 by 20 grid. A snake that fills all 400 squares wins, which takes real planning, so most players aim for a score of 30 to 60.
Does the snake speed up as I eat?
No. The speed stays the same during a game, set by the level you pick. Choose fast for a harder game.
Can I play with a keyboard and a mouse?
Use the keyboard. A mouse is not needed. On a touch screen, swipe on the board or use the buttons.
Is my score saved?
The best score is stored in your browser only.