Flying Combat

Joust

Mount your flying ostrich and joust against enemy knights! The classic 1982 arcade game.

🦅 JOUST

Fly and fight on your trusty ostrich!

Defeat enemies by hitting them from above

Controls:

← → or A/D: Move

Space/W/↑: Flap wings

ESC: Pause

Touch left/right to move • Tap to flap
0
Games Played
0
High Score
0
Knights Defeated
0
Waves Completed

About Joust

Joust is a legendary arcade game released by Williams Electronics in 1982. You control a knight riding a flying ostrich, battling against enemy knights on buzzards in a series of aerial combat arenas filled with platforms and deadly lava.

The unique flapping mechanic creates a distinctive feel - you must continuously tap to stay airborne while maneuvering to attack enemies from above. Combat is determined by lance height: whoever's lance is higher wins the joust!

This browser version captures all the excitement of the original with smooth controls, multiple enemy types, and the satisfying egg-collection mechanic. Perfect for both nostalgic arcade fans and new players.

How to Play Joust

1

Flap to Fly

Press Space, W, or Up Arrow repeatedly to flap your wings and gain altitude. Stop flapping to descend.

2

Attack from Above

Collide with enemies while your lance is higher than theirs to defeat them. Get above your targets!

3

Collect Eggs

Defeated enemies drop eggs. Grab them quickly for bonus points before they hatch into new enemies!

4

Avoid the Lava

The bottom of the arena is filled with deadly lava. Stay airborne or use platforms to rest safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use arrow keys or A/D to move left and right. Press Space, W, or Up Arrow to flap your wings and gain altitude. Your goal is to defeat enemy knights by colliding with them while your lance is higher than theirs.
When you collide with an enemy knight, the one with the higher lance wins. Keep flapping to stay above your opponents. When you defeat an enemy, they drop an egg - collect it before it hatches into a new enemy!
Bounders (gray) are basic enemies. Hunters (red) are faster and more aggressive. Shadow Lords (purple) are the most dangerous - they're quick and relentless in pursuing you.
Falling into the lava at the bottom of the screen costs you a life. Stay airborne by continuously flapping your wings and use the platforms to rest.
Defeat Bounders for 500 points, Hunters for 1000 points, and Shadow Lords for 1500 points. Collecting eggs gives you 250 points. Enemies that fall into lava give 200 points.
When you defeat an enemy, they drop an egg. Collect it quickly for bonus points! If left too long, the egg will hatch into a new enemy that you'll have to fight again.
Yes! Joust is completely free to play in your browser. No downloads or accounts required.
Absolutely! Touch the left side of the screen to move left, right side to move right. Touching anywhere makes you flap.
Clear all enemies and eggs to complete a wave. Each new wave brings more enemies and tougher types. How far can you survive?
Your high score and statistics are automatically saved in your browser's local storage.

Tips & Strategies

  • •Keep flapping constantly - staying high gives you the combat advantage
  • •Use screen wrap to escape - fly off one side and appear on the other
  • •Prioritize collecting eggs before they hatch into fresh enemies
  • •Watch out for Shadow Lords (purple) - they're fast and aggressive
  • •Use platforms strategically for quick height gains
  • •If evenly matched, you'll bounce off - reposition and try again

Why Play Joust?

Arcade Classic

Experience the iconic 1982 game

Unique Mechanics

Flapping-based flight and jousting

Quick Sessions

Perfect for short breaks

Skill Based

Master timing and positioning

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