Light Cycles is a free online game of neon bikes that leave a wall of light behind them. Trap your rivals and be the last rider alive. Play against one or three computer riders or with a friend on the same keyboard. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up and keeps working offline once loaded.
Inspired by: Light cycle games from the Tron arcade era (1982).
How to play Light Cycles
- Choose to play against one computer, three computers or a friend.
- Your bike always moves forward and leaves a glowing trail. Steer left, right, up or down.
- Hitting a wall, any trail or another bike destroys you.
- The last rider on the grid wins the round.
- The first rider to win 3 rounds wins the match.
Controls
- Keyboard: Player 1 uses the arrow keys. Player 2 uses W, A, S and D. In one player mode both sets work. Esc to pause.
- Mouse: The game is played with the keyboard or by swiping.
- Touch screen: Swipe or use the arrow pad to steer. Two player mode is best on a keyboard.
Tips to score higher
- Do not hug the walls for too long. Open space is your friend.
- Try to cut across in front of a rival so they have to turn into your trail.
- Make tight spirals only when you are sure you can get out. Leaving yourself an exit matters.
- Computer riders turn away from danger early, so trap them with a long wall rather than a quick move.
The story behind Light Cycles
Light cycles became famous with the 1982 film Tron and its arcade game, where glowing bikes raced on a grid and left walls of light. The idea itself is older. A game called Blockade came out in 1976, and it gave us the first versions of the trail chasing idea that later led to Snake and many other games. The game is easy to learn and tough to master, which is why friends loved fighting over the keyboard. If you remember crowding around one PC to take turns, this game is a cheerful nod to those evenings.
Questions players ask
Is Light Cycles free?
Yes. It is free, with no sign up and no download.
Can two people play on one device?
Yes. Choose 2 players. One uses the arrow keys and the other uses W, A, S and D.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes, in the computer modes. Swipe or use the arrow pad. Two player mode needs a keyboard.
Is this the Tron game?
No. It is our own version with original art, inspired by the light cycle games of that era.
How is the score worked out?
You earn points for each round you win and for each computer rider you outlast, and a bonus for winning the match.