Pac-Man
The player-controlled yellow character who clears the maze, eats fruit, and can temporarily eat frightened ghosts.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick Up | Move Pac-Man upward |
|---|---|
Joystick Down | Move Pac-Man downward |
Joystick Left | Move Pac-Man left |
Joystick Right | Move Pac-Man right |
Fire Button | Start the game or select the game variation The exact startup function can vary by Atari 2600 setup. |
Control notes
The joystick controls movement.
The fire button does not perform a separate in-maze attack.
How it plays
How does Pac-Man play?
Pac-Man is viewed from above in a fixed maze. The objective is to clear every pellet while avoiding Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. Four corner power pellets temporarily let Pac-Man eat ghosts, and fruit appears in the maze for bonus points.
The game is divided into repeating rounds rather than a story campaign. The player uses the joystick to turn through corridors, earns points from pellets, fruit, and frightened ghosts, and loses a life on contact with a normal ghost. Later rounds increase pressure through faster movement and shorter opportunities to recover.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Pac-Man?
Plan a route that collects pellets efficiently without trapping Pac-Man near a ghost. Keep the escape corridors around a power pellet available until they are needed.
Use power pellets when ghosts are close enough to chase, rather than consuming them immediately. Take fruit when the path is safe, and remember that frightened ghosts become less vulnerable as the effect wears off.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Blinky
The red ghost who pursues Pac-Man through the maze.
Pinky
The pink ghost who helps pressure Pac-Man by approaching his route.
Inky
The cyan ghost who contributes unpredictable pursuit behavior.
Clyde
The orange ghost whose pursuit behavior differs from the other ghosts.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Avoid entering a dead-end corridor unless a turn or escape route is available.
- 2
Save at least one power pellet for a dangerous section of the maze.
- 3
Learn the maze corners and turn early to avoid being boxed in.
Community discussion
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