How to Play Pac Man
Your goal is simple: collect every pellet in the maze without getting caught by a ghost. Plan your turns early, keep an escape route open, and use the side tunnels when you need space.
Large power pellets temporarily make the ghosts vulnerable. Catching vulnerable ghosts gives bonus points, and catching several during the same power-up increases the reward.
Controls
- Desktop: Arrow keys or W, A, S, D to move.
- Mobile and tablet: Swipe across the game or use the on-screen direction pad.
- Pause: Press P or Space while playing.
- Sound: Use the speaker button above the maze.
Scoring
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Regular pellet | 10 |
| Power pellet | 50 |
| 1st vulnerable ghost | 200 |
| 2nd vulnerable ghost | 400 |
| 3rd vulnerable ghost | 800 |
| 4th vulnerable ghost | 1,600 |
Pac Man Tips for a Higher Score
- Look ahead at intersections. Queue your next turn before you reach a corner instead of reacting late.
- Do not waste power pellets. Save them for moments when multiple ghosts are nearby so you can chain bonus points.
- Use tunnels as escape routes. Crossing the edge of the maze can create distance when a ghost is following you.
- Clear dangerous lanes first. Open areas near intersections can become harder later when ghost speed increases.
- Watch the level pace. Each new maze is faster, while the power effect gradually gets shorter.
Pac Man FAQ
How do I play Pac Man online?
Press Play, then move with the arrow keys or WASD. On touch devices, swipe over the maze or use the direction buttons. Collect every pellet to reach the next level.
Can I play Pac Man on a phone or tablet?
Yes. This version automatically scales to your screen and includes both swipe controls and a mobile direction pad.
What happens when I eat a power pellet?
The ghosts become vulnerable for a limited time. You can catch them for escalating bonus points before they recover.
Does my high score stay after I close the page?
When your browser allows local storage, the game saves your best score on that device so you can try to beat it later.
Do I need to download or install anything?
No. The game runs directly in a modern web browser and does not require a separate app or account.