A little about the gameMeet Rock Paper Scissors
Rock paper scissors against computers that learn how you throw. Aim for critical hits, win tap clashes and spot each rival's habit across five duels.
How to play Rock Paper Scissors
Pick a fighting style, then duel five computer opponents in a row; one lost duel ends the run. Every round you have five seconds to choose an aim (up, right, down or left) and tap Rock, Paper or Scissors, and the computer throws at the same time. Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper, Paper beats Rock. The winner takes 20 HP off the other fighter (each starts with 100), and back-to-back wins build a combo that doubles the hit by the third. Win with the same aim as your opponent for a critical hit (double damage); lose with the opposite aim and the hit is halved. A tie starts a clash: tap the Tap! button as fast as you can for 1.5 seconds, and the faster tapper lands a bonus hit. Blacksmith hits harder with Rock but pays 5 HP for every Scissors, Ronin wins Scissors ties but Paper hits half as hard, and Scholar sees the opponent's last three throws. Most opponents have a habit you can spot, so watch what they throw, and every one of them learns yours. Keyboard: arrow keys set your aim, R, P and S (or 1, 2 and 3) throw Rock, Paper and Scissors, and Space or Enter taps during a clash.
A tip for your next run
Four of the five opponents have a habit you can spot, so watch their throws and use it. They all learn yours too, so mix up your throws and your aim.
How do you play rock paper scissors?
Both players throw Rock, Paper or Scissors at the same moment: Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper, Paper beats Rock, and a matching throw is a tie. Here every throw also has an aim, and each round takes HP from the loser until one fighter reaches zero. Matching the loser's aim on a win is a critical hit, and the opposite aim on a loss halves the damage.
What are the odds in rock paper scissors?
Against a random opponent every throw wins, loses or ties one time in three, so a tie is as likely as a win. The edge comes from habits: people tend to repeat a throw that just won and to switch after a loss.
Is there a strategy to win at rock paper scissors?
Yes, against anyone who is not truly random: watch for a favourite throw, a repeat after a win or a fixed cycle, then throw what beats it, and avoid being predictable yourself. Four of the five opponents here have such a habit, and all of them learn yours, so mix up your throws and your aim.
Does the computer cheat at rock paper scissors?
No. In Rock Paper Scissors the computer never looks at the throw you are making: it chooses from the throws you have already made. It reads your habits better with each opponent, but it cannot see your current throw.
Is rock paper scissors the same as roshambo or janken?
Yes. Roshambo is another name for rock paper scissors, and janken is the Japanese version of the same hand game. The throws and the Rock-beats-Scissors cycle are identical; this version adds HP, aiming and tap clashes.
What happens when both players throw the same thing?
A tie starts a clash. You have 1.5 seconds to tap faster than the computer, and the faster tapper deals 10 damage plus 1 for every two taps of lead, up to 20. Equal taps cost both fighters 5 HP, and a tie never knocks anyone out.
What do the Blacksmith, Ronin and Scholar do?
They are fighting styles with one passive each. The Blacksmith's Rock hits 50% harder but every Scissors costs 5 HP. The Ronin wins Scissors ties but Paper hits half as hard. The Scholar sees the opponent's last three throws and a warning when they repeat. The opponents use these styles too.
How is the Rock Paper Scissors score worked out?
Each duel you win scores 150, plus 2 for every HP you have left and 25 for every critical hit. Beating the fifth and last opponent adds 300. Losing a duel ends the run and keeps the points from the duels you already won.
Quick answers about Rock Paper Scissors
What is Rock Paper Scissors?
Rock Paper Scissors is a free arcade game you play in your browser. It is also listed under Brain & Puzzle and Retro Classics. Rock paper scissors against computers that learn how you throw. Aim for critical hits, win tap clashes and spot each rival's habit across five duels.
Is Rock Paper Scissors free to play?
Yes. Rock Paper Scissors is free on SlayArcade, with no download or install. It runs in your browser on desktop, tablet and mobile.
Can I play Rock Paper Scissors on my phone?
Yes. Rock Paper Scissors works in the browser on phones and tablets with touch controls, and on a computer with a mouse or keyboard. The how-to-play section on this page lists the exact controls.
How long does a game of Rock Paper Scissors take?
A session takes about 3–10 min.
How many people can play Rock Paper Scissors?
Rock Paper Scissors is a single-player game.
