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Whack-A-Mole

Category: Arcade⏱ Quick roundsDesktop + touch
Tip: keep your cursor centred between holes. Moles appear randomly — positioning beats speed.

About the game

Whack-A-Mole is a fast-reflex arcade game where moles pop up from holes in the ground. You must click or tap each mole before it ducks back down. Each successful whack earns a point; each missed mole costs you. The game runs on a timer — your goal is to score as many points as time allows.

This digital version recreates the classic carnival game with clean visuals and satisfying feedback. The moles speed up as the timer counts down, creating a frantic final 10 seconds where your reflexes are truly tested.

How to play

  1. Press Start to begin the timer.
  2. Moles pop up from random holes. Click or tap them to whack them.
  3. Each successful whack earns one point. Miss three moles and the game ends early.
  4. The game lasts 30 seconds. Your final score is your total whacks.

Controls

WhackClick on the mole
Touch screensTap the mole

Five beginner tips

1. Centre your cursor

Keep your mouse between the two middle holes. Moles appear randomly — being centred minimises travel time.

2. Don't chase popping moles

If a mole is almost gone, let it go and focus on the next one. Chasing costs more points than it saves.

3. Watch for patterns

The randomisation has slight clustering tendencies. After a few rounds, you will start to predict the next hole.

4. Speed beats accuracy

It is better to whack 80% of moles quickly than 100% of them slowly. Prioritise volume.

5. The last 10 seconds are everything

Moles speed up at the end. Stay calm, keep clicking, and don't let the panic make you miss easy ones.

Why you'll like it

Whack-A-Mole is pure reflex fun. No strategy, no planning — just your eyes, your hands, and a timer. It is the kind of game you play once and immediately want to beat your score.

Frequently asked questions

How long is each round?

30 seconds.

What happens if I miss a mole?

You get three misses before the game ends early. After three, it is game over.

Does it work on phones?

Yes. Tap the moles as they pop up.

Game credit: Open-source Whack-A-Mole implementation under the MIT licence.