Whack a Mole is a free online version of the fairground classic. Moles pop out of nine holes and you have 60 seconds to bonk as many as you can, while avoiding the bombs. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline once loaded.
Inspired by: Whack a mole arcade machines (1970s).
How to play Whack a Mole
- Click or tap a mole when it pops out of its hole. Your hammer does the rest.
- Golden moles hide for a shorter time and are worth much more, so be quick.
- Do not hit a bomb. It takes away points and costs you three seconds.
- Hit several in a row without a miss to build a combo and multiply your points.
- The moles get faster as the minute runs out. Beat your best score.
Controls
- Keyboard: Keys Q W E, A S D and Z X C match the nine holes. The number pad layout also works.
- Mouse: Click the moles with the hammer.
- Touch screen: Tap the moles on the screen.
Tips to score higher
- Keep your eyes on the whole field and not on a single hole.
- Do not tap empty holes. A miss breaks your combo.
- Take the golden mole first when two moles appear together.
- If a bomb and a mole are up together, hit the mole and leave the bomb alone.
- On a computer, the keyboard layout can be faster than the mouse once you learn it.
The story behind Whack a Mole
Mole bashing machines were already in arcades and fun fairs by the mid 1970s, with plastic moles that popped up from holes and a big rubber mallet. They were simple tests of speed and aim, and people loved the thud and the clatter. Almost every fair, mela and mall game zone has had one at some time, usually with a queue of children and a tired uncle waiting his turn. Whack a Mole here keeps the same fast, silly fun, with golden moles and bombs to keep you on your toes.
Questions players ask
Is Whack a Mole free to play?
Yes. It is free, with no sign up and no download.
How long does a round last?
A round lasts 60 seconds. Hitting a bomb takes three seconds off the clock.
What do the golden moles do?
Golden moles are worth five times a normal mole, but they stay up only for a short time.
Can I play with the keyboard?
Yes. The keys Q W E, A S D and Z X C map to the nine holes in the same order.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. Tap the moles on your phone or tablet screen.