Getting started¶
Pre-game checklist¶
In the lobby a checklist shows everyone whether their device is ready: location access, alerts and notifications, installation as an app, and a reminder about battery and screen lock. It also warns about problems with the group and settings, for example disconnected players, no detective, a very small or very large play area, and no head start. If there are warnings, the app asks the host to confirm when starting; without an X the game still cannot be started.
Creating a game¶
One person creates a new game on the start page. They become the host and play as X by default. They share the six-character game code with the group – via the invitation link, via the QR code, or by everyone entering the code and joining.
QR code for everyone on site
Tap Show QR code in the lobby. The others scan it with their phone camera and land directly in the game. The QR code contains the same link as Share invitation.
Choosing a role¶
When joining, everyone chooses X or detective. In the lobby the host can still adjust the roles of the other players. A round needs at least one X; detectives can join at any time as long as the game has not started yet.
Setting the rules¶
In the lobby the host adjusts the game settings. All changes apply to the upcoming round and are sent to all players. A good start is the Classic preset with a game duration of 30 minutes, a 2-minute head start and a reveal every 3 minutes.
Starting¶
After the start a short countdown runs. Then X's head start begins: X runs off, the detectives start at the agreed meeting point. Allow location access in the browser so that the map can use your location. Without GPS you can try out the game in simulation mode on the map.
During the round¶
- X tries to stay inside the play area and survive until time runs out. If X leaves the area, the exact location is shared live with the detectives.
- Detectives see the map, the last reveal and – depending on the settings – the locations of the other detectives. Depending on the rule, a catch happens automatically within the catch radius or via a photo catch.
- Everyone can write in the chat. The history is deleted after the game ends. New messages show a popup while the chat is closed. If alerts are enabled and the app is in the background, you also get a notification.
End of the game¶
The round ends when X is caught, the game duration runs out or X gives up. Afterwards the app shows the result and you can export the round's settings as a JSON file.
Safety and emergencies¶
Stay in safe places
Stay in public, safe places and avoid dangerous areas.
If X has to call off the round, there is the emergency button: after a confirmation the game ends, the detectives win and receive X's exact location along with a notification.
App updates¶
When a new version is available, the app asks whether to reload. After Reload the version history (changelog) opens automatically so you can see what is new. The back link takes you to the home screen at any time, where a running game is resumed. You can also find the changelog in the menu and via the version number on the home screen.