Pac-Man is one of the most iconic arcade games ever made. Despite being released back in 1980, the game’s charm, simplicity, and strategy still captivate new players today.
If you’ve ever asked, “How do you play Pac-Man?” – this guide will walk you through how the game works, controls, rules, scoring system, ghost behavior, and tips to help you survive longer and score higher.
How to Play PacMan (Quick Overview)
| Goal | Eat all Pac-Dots in the maze |
|---|---|
| Avoid | Four ghosts — Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde |
| Power-Ups | Eat big dots (Power Pellets) to chase and eat ghosts |
| Score | Points from dots, fruits, and ghosts |
| Win Condition | Clear all levels (until the “kill screen” at Level 256 in the classic version) |
Simple summary:
Move around the maze → Eat all pellets → Avoid ghosts → Use Power Pellets strategically.
Basic Controls
Pac-Man games are available across platforms – arcade, PC, console, and mobile – but the controls are always simple:
- Arrow keys / Joystick: Move up, down, left, or right
- Start button / Enter key: Begin a new game
- P key: Pause (in modern versions)
Pac-Man automatically continues in the direction pressed until he hits a wall – then you choose the next direction.
Understanding the Ghosts
There are four ghosts, and each one behaves differently – that’s what makes Pac-Man so challenging.
| Ghost | Color | Nickname | Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blinky | Red | “Shadow” | Follows directly behind Pac-Man |
| Pinky | Pink | “Speedy” | Ambushes from the front |
| Inky | Blue | “Bashful” | Combines Blinky’s position + randomness |
| Clyde | Orange | “Pokey” | Wanders aimlessly but can chase at times |
Each ghost switches between “chase” and “scatter” modes every few seconds — so even if you think you’re safe, they can suddenly change direction.
Tip: Learn each ghost’s pattern. That’s the secret to mastering Pac-Man!
Power Pellets & Bonus Fruits
Pac-Man has two special features that add strategy and scoring opportunities.
Power Pellets
These are the four big flashing dots in the corners of the maze.
When Pac-Man eats one:
- Ghosts turn blue for a few seconds
- You can eat the ghosts for points (200 → 400 → 800 → 1600)
- After a few seconds, ghosts “regenerate” and start chasing again
Bonus Fruits
Fruits appear twice per level, offering big bonus points.
| Fruit | Points |
|---|---|
| Cherry | 100 |
| Strawberry | 300 |
| Orange | 500 |
| Apple | 700 |
| Melon | 1000 |
| Galaxian | 2000 |
| Bell | 3000 |
| Key | 5000 |
Scoring System
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Small Dot | 10 |
| Power Pellet | 50 |
| Ghost (in succession) | 200 → 400 → 800 → 1600 |
| Fruit (varies by level) | 100–5000 |
| Extra Life | Usually at 10,000 points (depends on version) |
Level Structure & Difficulty
Each level has:
- 240 Pac-Dots
- 4 Power Pellets
- 4 Ghosts with AI patterns
- 1 or 2 bonus fruits
As levels progress:
- Ghosts move faster
- Power Pellet time shortens
- Fewer chances for mistakes
The original arcade game has 256 levels, but level 256 is a famous glitch level known as the “kill screen.”
Strategies to Win Pac-Man (Methods)
1. Follow Maze Patterns
Professional players use memorized routes called “patterns” – optimized paths that clear dots while avoiding ghosts.
2. Use the Corners Wisely
Ghosts move slower around corners. Turn sharply to escape chases.
3. Don’t Waste Power Pellets
Save them for emergencies -or when you can eat 2–3 ghosts in one run.
4. Keep Moving
Never stop or backtrack unnecessarily. Standing still makes you an easy target.
5. Master Ghost Timing
Ghosts alternate between chase and scatter every 7–10 seconds in early levels. Learn when they switch.
6. Use the Warp Tunnels
Tunnels on the left and right edges of the maze let you teleport to the other side – ghosts slow down when entering tunnels, so use this to escape.
7. Stay Calm
Once you understand patterns, Pac-Man becomes about rhythm and timing – not speed alone.
How to Play Pac-Man on Modern Devices (Optimization / Outcome)
| Platform | How to Play |
|---|---|
| PC / Laptop | Visit Google Pac-Man Doodle or download Pac-Man Museum+ |
| Mobile | Download “PAC-MAN” from Google Play / App Store |
| Console | Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch |
| Browser | Play directly on Pacman30thAnniversary.net |
Common Questions About Playing PacMan
Q1: What is the main goal of Pac-Man?
Eat all the pellets in the maze while avoiding ghosts.
Q2: Can you eat ghosts?
Yes – after eating a Power Pellet, ghosts turn blue and become edible.
Q3: How many levels are in Pac-Man?
The original has 256 levels; level 256 is the famous “kill screen.”
Q4: How do you get a high score?
Eat all ghosts after Power Pellets, collect every fruit, and clear all dots without dying.
Q5: What happens if a ghost catches you?
You lose one life. The game ends when you lose all lives.