Classic Arcade

Centipede

Battle the descending centipede through a field of mushrooms! Classic 1980s arcade action.

CENTIPEDE

🎮 Arrow Keys / WASD to Move

🔫 Space to Shoot

📱 Touch & Drag on Mobile

High Score: 0

Games Played: 0

Controls

⬆️⬇️⬅️➡️Move Ship
SPACEShoot
ESCPause
📱Touch & Drag

Your Statistics

0

High Score

0

Games Played

0

Total Score

0

Segments Destroyed

About Centipede

Centipede is a legendary arcade game released by Atari in 1980 and designed by Dona Bailey and Ed Logg. It was one of the first arcade games to attract a significant female player base, thanks to its unique gameplay mechanics and colorful graphics.

The game features a segmented centipede that winds down the screen through a mushroom field. Your mission is to destroy the centipede while avoiding various enemies including the unpredictable spider that lurks in your movement zone.

This browser version captures the essence of the original game with smooth controls, classic gameplay mechanics, and modern optimizations for both desktop and mobile play.

How to Play Centipede

1

Move Your Ship

Use arrow keys or WASD to navigate your ship in the lower portion of the screen. Stay mobile to avoid enemies!

2

Shoot the Centipede

Press Space to fire bullets at the centipede. Hitting segments splits the centipede and creates mushrooms.

3

Manage the Mushroom Field

Mushrooms affect centipede movement. Clear paths strategically but don't let them accumulate in your zone.

4

Watch for Enemies

The spider appears in your zone with erratic movement. Destroy it for bonus points or avoid its path!

Frequently Asked Questions

Centipede is a classic 1980 arcade game where you control a ship and shoot at a centipede that winds down the screen through a field of mushrooms. Destroy the centipede segments while avoiding enemies like spiders.
Use arrow keys or WASD to move your ship within the lower portion of the screen. Press Space to shoot. On mobile, touch and drag to move while auto-firing.
The centipede moves horizontally and drops down a row when hitting a wall or mushroom. When you shoot a segment, it leaves a mushroom and the centipede splits into two separate creatures.
Centipede head segments are worth 100 points, body segments are 10 points, spiders are 300 points, and destroying mushrooms gives 1 point each.
The spider randomly moves around the player zone, eating mushrooms and trying to hit your ship. It's worth 300 points when destroyed but is dangerous due to its erratic movement.
Destroy all centipede segments to advance to the next level. Each level features a longer centipede and faster movement speed.
Mushrooms create obstacles that affect centipede movement. When the centipede hits a mushroom, it drops down a row. Strategic mushroom management is key to controlling the centipede's path.
Yes! Touch the screen to move your ship and it will auto-fire. The game is optimized for both desktop and mobile play.
Yes, your high score and statistics are automatically saved in your browser's local storage.
Focus on shooting the head of the centipede first as it controls the movement. Stay mobile to avoid the spider, and don't let mushrooms pile up in your movement zone.

Tips & Strategies

  • •Always prioritize the centipede head - destroying it awards 100 points vs 10 for body segments
  • •Keep the bottom area clear of mushrooms for better maneuverability
  • •The spider is dangerous but worth 300 points - decide wisely when to engage
  • •Use vertical mushroom columns to force the centipede to descend faster in controllable paths
  • •Stay near the center of the screen for maximum horizontal movement options

Why Play Centipede?

Improves Reflexes

Fast-paced action sharpens reaction time

Strategic Thinking

Plan your shots and manage the mushroom field

Classic Gaming

Experience iconic 1980s arcade action

Free & Accessible

Play instantly on any device

Related Games

Enjoy classic arcade shooters? Try these similar games:

GalagaSpace InvadersAsteroidsAll Games
Need a tool? Ask us!