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Paper io

Multiplayer territory game. Control your square and capture the arena.

Not yet verified
Demo online
MIT

Open the official app on paper-io.com

This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open paper-io.com in a new tab — it's their official demo.

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What's next with Paper io?

Choose how you want to get started.

Use it free

Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.

Free

Self-host it

Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.

Open

What is Paper io?

Paper.io is an open-source web-based game that simulates territorial expansion through strategic movement and competition. Players control a single point on a grid, expanding their territory by covering more of the map while avoiding opponents' trails. The game emphasizes spatial awareness and resource management, as players must balance growth with survival against other players. It is primarily used by casual and competitive gamers seeking a browser-based, turn-based strategy experience. The tool solves the problem of creating an accessible, replayable game with simple mechanics that scale in complexity, offering progression through achievements and challenges.

How it works

Paper.io is a browser-based game where players expand their territory by covering a grid map while avoiding collisions with opponents' trails. The objective is to maximize territory control while minimizing risks from rival players. The game's open-source nature allows developers to modify and redistribute its code, fostering community-driven improvements. Its primary purpose is to provide an engaging, turn-based strategy experience with minimal setup requirements. Players can unlock achievements like 'Cover 100% of the map' or 'Kill 50 players in a game,' which track progress and reward strategic play. In-game mechanics include reviving after deaths, using skins for visual customization, and progressing through difficulty tiers with timed challenges.

How to use it

  1. 1Access the game through a web browser by locating its open-source repository or hosted instance. 2. Begin a game by selecting a color and navigating the grid. 3. Expand territory by covering map sections while avoiding opponents' trails. 4. Use in-game rewards like 'x5 Bigger' or 'x3 Faster' to enhance movement efficiency. Practical tips include prioritizing map coverage over immediate aggression, using revives strategically, and leveraging skins to improve visibility. Players should also monitor server status to avoid progress loss during connectivity issues.

What it can do

  • Gaming

Use cases

Assumptions and limitations

Assumptions

  • source: https://github.com/paper-io
  • license: Open source
  • privacy: Opens an external demo

Limitations

  • Limited advanced customization options due to open-source constraints
  • Dependence on server connectivity for progress tracking
  • No built-in save/load functionality for sessions
  • Basic graphics may lack modern visual polish
  • Achievements require internet access for verification

Understanding the result

Multiplayer territory game. Control your square and capture the arena.

Tool details

  • Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
  • No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
  • Powered by paper-io (MIT).
Built with
paper-io (https://github.com/paper-io)
License
MIT
Runs locally
No — requires a network request
Verification
Not yet verified
Input
Text
Output
Output
Open-source source & license

Built with https://github.com/paper-io. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.

Built with
paper-io
License
MIT
View source on GitHub

Open-source project

OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.

References

Frequently asked

How do I unlock the 'Best Skin' achievement?

The 'Best Skin' achievement is unlocked by completing specific in-game milestones like 'Cover 100% of the map' or 'Kill 3 players in a row.' These tasks require strategic territory expansion and combat tactics. Progress is tracked through server-side verification, so ensure stable connectivity during gameplay.

How does the game handle player collisions?

Collisions occur when a player's trail intersects another player's territory. This triggers a 'Kill' event, awarding points and allowing the attacker to expand their area. The game uses a grid-based collision detection system, with each cell's state updated in real-time through server synchronization.

How do I revive after a death?

After dying, players can use revives purchased with in-game currency (e.g., $1.99 for 1000 coins). Revives grant a temporary 'Stay 15 seconds outside your area' bonus to avoid immediate re-collision. Revives are consumed from the player's stored currency pool, which can be earned through achievements or purchases.

How does Paper.io compare to Agar.io?

Paper.io differs from Agar.io by using a grid-based map and turn-based movement, whereas Agar.io features continuous movement in a circular arena. Paper.io emphasizes strategic territory control with discrete map sections, while Agar.io focuses on mass-based consumption. Both games share competitive multiplayer mechanics but diverge in core gameplay mechanics.

What should I do if I get 'Can't connect to the server'?

This error occurs when the game's backend server is unreachable. Verify your internet connection, try restarting the game, or check the server status on the hosting platform. Progress may not be saved during this error, so ensure critical achievements are completed before potential disconnections.

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