Q*bert
The player character, an orange creature who changes the colors of pyramid cubes by jumping on them.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick Up | Move Q*bert diagonally up-left on the pyramid. |
|---|---|
Joystick Down | Move Q*bert diagonally down-right on the pyramid. |
Joystick Left | Move Q*bert diagonally down-left on the pyramid. |
Joystick Right | Move Q*bert diagonally up-right on the pyramid. |
Control notes
The Atari 2600 version uses the joystick; no button action is required for ordinary cube jumping.
How it plays
How does Q*bert play?
Each round presents a pyramid of cubes. Q*bert must jump from cube to cube, usually changing a cube’s color when he lands on it, until the required pattern is complete.
Enemies such as Coily, Ugg, Wrong-Way, Slick, and Sam create different hazards. Players must plan routes, use the pyramid’s edges carefully, and take advantage of moving discs when available. Later rounds increase the number of jumps or require additional color changes.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Q*bert?
Plan a route that keeps Q*bert near safe landing areas rather than jumping randomly. Complete the most accessible cubes first, then use the remaining gaps to control enemy movement.
Watch Coily’s landing position and avoid trapping Q*bert against an edge. When a disc is available, use it to escape or to lure a pursuing enemy away from the pyramid.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Coily
A purple enemy that begins as an egg and becomes dangerous after landing on the pyramid.
Ugg
An enemy that moves along the pyramid’s underside and approaches from an unusual direction.
Wrong-Way
An enemy that travels across the pyramid in a direction opposite to the normal flow.
Slick
A green character that changes completed cubes back to an earlier color.
Sam
A blue character that also reverses cube-color progress.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Learn the four joystick directions as the pyramid’s diagonal movement paths.
- 2
Do not jump toward a cube unless you have considered the next safe landing.
- 3
Use discs defensively when an enemy blocks the route back to the pyramid.
Community discussion
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