King of the Hill: rules, scoring and strategy
King of the Hill is a four-player mode about one square of the board: the hill. You score while your head is on it, but only if nobody else is there with you. It turns snake into a fight for territory.
The rules
- The hill is a square marked with a gold border.
- While your head is on the hill and no other snake is on it, you score points.
- The hill moves every thirty seconds. In the last seconds it flashes and a countdown appears, so you know a move is coming.
- Snakes respawn after they die, and you have a shield for a few seconds after spawning.
- You can boost, and power-ups appear on the board.
Alone means aloneIf two snakes share the hill, nobody scores. Pushing a rival off is just as good as scoring yourself.
How to hold the hill
- Circle inside it. A tight loop keeps your head on the hill and your body around it, so rivals have to cross your body to get in.
- Leave yourself a way out. A loop that closes on itself is a trap. Keep one side open.
- Don't over-grow. A very long snake can't fit on the hill. Medium length is ideal.
How to take the hill
- Freeze is the best power-up here: frozen holders can't turn, so you can cut straight in.
- Ghost lets you slide through the holder's body to reach the middle.
- If two others are fighting on the hill, wait just outside. When one crashes, take the hill and the remains.
When the hill moves
When the countdown appears, get ready to race. The holder is often deep in a loop and slow to leave, so a snake waiting in open space reaches the new hill first. Many games are won in the five seconds after a move.
Respawn and power-up rules are shared with the big arena; power-ups are explained in the power-ups guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are in King of the Hill?
Four. Empty seats are filled with bots.
Do kills score points?
Yes, kills and food score as usual, but holding the hill is how games are won.
Can I practise it?
Yes, choose King of the Hill in Practice to play against bots.
