Xonix is a free area claiming game in the style of the classic DOS original. You start on the safe border, cut a line across the sea and claim the land you cut off, while bouncing balls try to hit your trail. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline once loaded.
Inspired by: Xonix, the 1984 DOS game, and the area claiming game Qix from the arcades (1981).
How to play Xonix
- You begin on the green land at the edge. Move with the arrow keys, WASD or a swipe.
- Step into the blue sea and you draw a glowing trail behind you. Keep moving until you reach land again.
- When you reach land, every part of the sea that has no ball in it turns into land and counts as yours.
- If a ball touches your trail, or you cross your own trail, you lose a life.
- Claim 75% of the sea to clear the level. Later levels bring more balls and red land crawlers.
Controls
- Keyboard: Arrow keys or WASD to move. In the sea you keep moving, so steer with the keys. P or Esc pauses.
- Mouse: This game is played with the keyboard or touch.
- Touch screen: Swipe on the screen to steer, or use the arrow pad under the game.
Tips to score higher
- Take small bites early. Short trails are hard for the balls to hit.
- Aim to cut off the area that has no balls, not the biggest area.
- You cannot turn straight back in the sea, so plan your turns before you leave the land.
- Wait on the border for a ball to move away before you start a long cut.
- A big grab gives bonus points, so save your long cuts for safe moments.
The story behind Xonix
Xonix was written in 1984 by Ilan Rav for the IBM PC and became one of the most copied games of the DOS years. It was inspired by the arcade game Qix from 1981, where you also draw lines to claim parts of the screen. The game was small enough to fit on a floppy disk and run on almost any office computer, which is exactly how many of us found it in school and college computer labs. Tough balls, a tense trail and the thrill of closing a big area just in time made it hard to put down.
Questions players ask
Is Xonix free to play here?
Yes. It is free with no sign up, no download and no in-game purchases.
How do I win a level?
Claim 75% of the sea. A bar at the top shows how close you are.
Which parts of the sea become land?
After each cut, any part of the sea that has no ball in it is claimed. The part with balls stays as sea.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. Swipe to steer or use the arrow pad that appears under the game.
Is this the original Xonix?
No. It is our own version inspired by the classic, with new art, sounds and levels.