Updated 2026-09-01
Fakeout is a free 4v4 capture-the-flag game that runs in your browser: steer a ball with WASD or the arrow keys, grab the enemy flag, and carry it back to your own base — first team to 3 captures wins.
The controls
WASD or the arrow keys move. That's the whole scheme to get started — there's no jump, no shoot, no aim.
You steer a ball with momentum, not a fixed speed: you accelerate into a direction, coast when you let go, and slide wide if you turn too hard. That's the whole game underneath everything else. [Full controls and remapping →](/guides/controls) · [Why the momentum feels this way →](/guides/movement)
The objective
- Go to the enemy base and touch their flag. You're now carrying it.
- Carry it back to your own base. Step onto your own endzone while holding it to score.
- First team to 3 captures wins. If nobody reaches 3 by the end of the clock, the leader wins — and a tie goes to golden cap: play continues, next capture wins.
Why can't I capture?
The one rule that trips everyone up
You can only capture if your own flag is home. If the enemy has stolen it, carrying theirs into your base does nothing — a teammate has to pop their carrier and return your flag first.
What happens when you get tagged?
Run into an enemy while either of you is carrying a flag and the carrier pops — touch an enemy without a flag involved and nothing happens. Popping is normal; you respawn a few seconds later. It costs you time, not the game.
Two modes, two maps
- CTF on Centenaria — the mode above: two flags, steal theirs, defend yours.
- Neutral Flag on Lockhart — one flag in the middle. Tag the carrier and the flag transfers to you on the spot, no return trip needed. [The mode differences →](/guides/game-modes)
What should you do in your first game?
Split your team: two on offense, two on defense. Offense pushes for the enemy flag; defense sits near your own and chases down anyone who takes it.
- On offense: get to their base, grab the flag, bring it home. Don't grab it alone with no backup — wait a beat for a teammate to clear the way.
- On defense: stay near your own flag. The moment it's taken, chase the carrier — your team can't score until you get it back.
No download, no account
Fakeout runs entirely in your browser tab. There's nothing to install and no account required — click play and you're in a match.
FAQ
What is Fakeout?
Fakeout is a free browser-based 4v4 capture-the-flag game with momentum physics — two teams of four steer balls around a map and score by carrying the enemy flag home.
Is Fakeout free?
Yes. Fakeout is free to play in any modern browser, with no purchase and no download required.
How do you win a match in Fakeout?
The first team to 3 captures wins. If time runs out level, the match goes to golden cap and the next capture wins.
Do you need an account to play Fakeout?
No. You can play as a guest immediately. Creating a handle just lets your matches count toward a saved record on your device.