The classic game of Snake still remains a fond memory for many of us. It wasn't just addictive, it was "unputdownable." Slither.io is the modern recreation of Snake for the internet age. And it's huge on the internet today.
There are a few variations from the classic Snake that make this new game modern. First, Slither.io is a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game, which means anyone on the internet can play with you at the same time. And second, it's a competitive game where you are trying to beat the other snakes and grow longer.
If the classic Snake is more up your alley, you can play it on Google. But if you want to take a bite out of the internet's best multiplayer game, read on.
What Is Slither.io?
Slither.io is a game you can play through your web browser, or through apps on Android and iOS. You don't even need to register to start playing, making it one of those excellent no-signup websites for daily use. Type a nickname and you're ready to begin.
You play as a snake in the game, with the objective of growing as long as you can in length. To grow, you need to eat the orbs scattered all around you.
The orbs vary in size, from tiny dots to large glowing orbs. The larger the orb, the more it counts in growing your length.
How Is Slither.io Different From Snake?
The biggest difference between Slither and Snake is the map. It's a massive map -- almost endless -- so you won't be crashing into walls.
Also, you can't die if you loop back and hit your head anywhere on your own body. That was one of the perils of Snake once you grew long enough.
In Slither.io, the only way to die is if you crash into the body of another player's snake.
The other major difference is that Slither.io does not have any power-ups to affect your speed or size, or give you temporary invincibility. The game is simplistic, and that's half its charm.
How to Play Slither.io
Slither.io's gameplay is simple. Let's start with where to play:
- Using a web browser (best for computers):Slither.io
- On your Android phone or tablet:Slither.io for Android (Free)
- On an iPhone or iPad:Slither.io for iOS (Free)
When playing on a computer, you'll need to use the mouse or trackpad. The snake will follow wherever you keep your cursor. Click and hold the left mouse button to engage the booster, which lets you go faster for some time.
On a phone or tablet, there are three control options:
- Arrow Mode: The arrow acts like a cursor, and your finger will need to point it wherever you want the snake to go.
- Classic Mode: Tap anywhere on the screen, and the snake will go in that direction.
- Joystick Mode: The closest to mouse-like movement, control a joypad in the corner with your thumb.
In all three modes on the phone or tablet, you can switch the controls for left-handed or right-handed modes. There is also a second button to engage the booster.
Note: The booster spends orbs from your body, thus making your snake shorter than it was. You will need to use it strategically. When the booster is engaged, a snake will show it through a tell-tale glimmer/glow.
The Map or Radar
In one corner, you will see a radar or map of the entire field you are in. The big dot is you, while the smaller dots are other players. Based on that and your current size, you should figure out which areas to go to and which to avoid.
Length, Rank, and Leaderboard
In another corner, you'll see a leaderboard of the biggest players on your map right now. And a third corner will have your current length and rank in the map. It's pretty self-explanatory, but it should give you an idea of which areas to go to. Generally speaking, the biggest players go to the center of the map, so plan your moves accordingly.
Custom Skins
On the mobile app, you can change your snake's appearance for free. There are plenty of cool skins to choose from.
In a browser, you have to share a Slither.io link on social networks to unlock a range of custom skins.
The skins don't give you any special powers, they simply change your appearance. Given that it's just about the looks, you might want to think twice before logging in with social accounts.
Best Slither.io Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
Now that you know the objective and how to control your snake, let's come to the fun part: playing and dominating in Slither.io! These are a few tricks and strategies you will see other players use, but knowing them in advance will hold you in good stead.
Beginner: Stay Close to a Large Snake
When you're tiny, try to find a snake much larger than you. Then move close to that snake's mid-section or tail. Whenever that snake dies, swoop in and gobble up all the delicious orbs it leaves behind.
Be careful with this strategy, as lots of others will be doing the same. You might end up in a battle with another snake, or face an oncoming opponent who tries to kill you.
Beginner: Dash and Dine
When you and another snake are moving in the same direction, engage those boosters and dash ahead. As soon as you have enough of a lead, turn sharply towards the opponent to make them crash into you.
This one is a little tricky to figure out at first, but use the hexagonal background map to estimate space. Once you dash, the number of hexagons between you and the opponent is how much ahead you need to be before you make your turn.
Intermediate: Coil Around Orbs, Then Eat Them
The coil is the most effective maneuver you need to master in Slither.io. You can't die if you hit your own body or tail, so practice how to coil around and "capture" the area encircled by your body.
When you see a bunch of orbs, especially those left by a larger snake, don't gobble them mindlessly. Try to first coil around them. This way, you have "captured" this lot of orbs and can devour them slowly.
Advanced: Coil Around Smaller Snakes
The most popular strategy in Slither.io is to coil around smaller snakes, encircling them entirely. This leaves them no option but to bump into your body at some point.
If your initial coil is far larger than the snake inside, then the opponent has enough room to move around. You will need to carefully draw smaller circles within your body, constricting the opponent till he crashes into you.
Difficult: Escape a Coil
This is by far the toughest of the different tricks you'll need to master in Slither.io. But master it you must. So what do you do when an opponent has coiled around you?
The first hack is to create your own coil within the coil, and keep following that path over and over. You will basically be circling around yourself, and it's a game of who runs out of patience first.
The second hack requires pinpoint precision, loads of practice, and perhaps a bit of luck. You'll need to time your dash precisely, as demonstrated above in this Reddit thread.
What's Your Best Slither.io Advice?
Here's one extra piece of advice you should know. Given its size and popularity, make sure you are on a fast internet connection when you play Slither.io. Otherwise, you will experience some lag, and that can be the difference between life and death.
What's your best tip, trick, or strategy for Slither.io? And if you're a regular, what's the biggest size you've reached? Share in the comments to help new players!
Image Credit: MasterOv via YouTube
