Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Left Rotate | Rotate the spacecraft counterclockwise |
|---|---|
Right Rotate | Rotate the spacecraft clockwise |
Thrust | Accelerate the spacecraft |
Fire | Shoot projectiles |
Hyperspace | Teleport to a random location |
Control notes
Arcade cabinets use dedicated buttons and a rotary control layout; button labels can vary by cabinet.
The playfield wraps around at each edge.
How it plays
How does Asteroids play?
The spacecraft is viewed from above on a single-screen field. The objective is to destroy every asteroid in a wave while avoiding collisions and saucer fire.
Asteroids split into smaller rocks when shot. Large asteroids become medium asteroids, then small asteroids, so clearing a wave requires managing several targets at once. The player can rotate, thrust, fire, and use hyperspace. Completing a wave begins another with more hazards; the game ends when all lives are lost.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Asteroids?
Stay near the center only when you have a clear escape route; otherwise keep moving and rotate continuously to watch the entire field. Large asteroids are worth more points but create additional smaller targets, so avoid firing blindly when the screen is crowded.
Use thrust in short bursts to control momentum. Save hyperspace for an unavoidable collision or a dangerous saucer attack, since its destination is unpredictable. On two-player cabinets, alternating turns allow one player to observe patterns while the other plays.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use short thrusts instead of holding the button continuously.
- 2
Watch for small asteroid fragments after destroying a large rock.
- 3
Treat hyperspace as an emergency tool, not ordinary movement.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A foundational arcade shooter with simple rules, distinctive physics, and demanding momentum-based control.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0