Pac-Man Classic Online

Play the iconic 1980 Pac-Man arcade game free online in your browser. Navigate the neon maze, eat dots, grab energizers, and defeat Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde.

How to Play Pac-Man

Pac-Man is the seminal maze arcade game created in 1980. Guide Pac-Man through the neon labyrinth to eat all energy dots and power pellets while dodging four uniquely programmed ghosts.

Eating a glowing Energizer Pellet triggers blue frightened mode in the ghosts, allowing you to turn the tables and devour them for chain bonus scores: 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 points.

The 4 Ghost Personalities & AI Algorithms

  • Blinky (Red / Shadow): The aggressive leader. Directly pursues Pac-Man's current tile and speeds up as dots dwindle.
  • Pinky (Pink / Speedy): The ambusher. Targets 4 tiles ahead of Pac-Man to cut off escape routes.
  • Inky (Cyan / Bashful): The flanker. Uses a complex vector between Blinky and Pac-Man to trap you in pincer maneuvers.
  • Clyde (Orange / Pokey): The wanderer. Chases when far away, but cowers back to his corner when getting too close.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I control Pac-Man on mobile phones?

On touchscreens, you can use the responsive 4-way D-pad below the maze or simply swipe anywhere on the board in your desired direction.

What are the side tunnels used for?

The wrap-around side tunnels instantly transport Pac-Man from one side of the screen to the other. Ghosts travel significantly slower through tunnels, making them ideal escape routes.

How does the ghost frightened timer work?

Eating an energizer turns ghosts blue for 8 seconds. During the final 2.5 seconds, they flash white to warn you that they are about to revert to their dangerous chasing state.