Agar.io: a guide to the hit game – and the best tips to win

Agar.io is a massive online multiplayer game that is currently riding high at the top of the iTunes charts in the UK, US, Australia and beyond. So what is behind its huge success?

What is Agar.io?

Agar.io or Agario is a game in which you take charge of a tiny cell, eating small dots and other players that are smaller than you. Every time you eat a dot or another player you grow in size, making you more dangerous, but also slower.

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Why is Agar.io so popular?

Agar.io has an incredibly simple premise – name your circle, guide it around, eat dots and other players and grow larger. But it is made more complex by the ability to divide your cell in two to make quick getaways or to mount fast attacks on other players. In the team-play mode you can feed some of your mass to other players or just play entirely for yourself. Each time you are eaten you begin again at the bottom of the food chain.

Who made Agar.io?

According to iDigitalTimes, the game was created by a user of the software distribution site Steam named M28 and released in the beginning of May. Since then it has grown hugely in popularity and is now sitting at the top of the charts.

How do you win at Agar.io?

There are numerous tips guides on the internet offering stratetgy advice on how to win at the game, but most agree the following key tactics:

• When you are small, hide behind shelters to save your circle.
• The playing board has edges, so rather than trying to chase them down it is possible to trap your rivals in corners and then consume them.
• Once you grow in size, it can be a good idea to split yourself into smaller cells to move more quickly.

Reddit offers more advanced tips for serious players.

How do I customise my Agar.io blob?

If you have played Agar.io, you will have noticed other players floating around bearing images of some of the internet's most ridiculous memes. From Doge (an internet meme that refers to dogs in general and often one popular rescue dog in particular) to the Steam icon, to all manner of online insults and, curiously, a preponderance of national flags, the game is full of in-jokes and internet humour. So how do you change your cell's skin? The trick is simply to change your name. Calling yourself Earth will change your skin into an image of the Earth. Doge, will change you to a picture of a dog. Some other possible options include: countries such as France, Argentina and Belgium; websites including 4chan, 8ch and Facebook; general silliness such as Pewdiepie or Sir; brands such as Stussy or Nike; and even world leaders such as Merkel, Obama, Putin and Kim Jong-un. For a list of other possible options, visit Agario Guide.

Play Agar.io here. Or download it for iOS or Android.