Paper IO 2
New
- Genre Arcade games
- Players 1–2
- Session 6 min
- Price Free
- Updated
A territory game built on a single tension: you can only grow by leaving safety. Inside your own colour you are untouchable; outside it you leave a trail, and if anyone crosses that trail before you close the loop, the run ends. The steering is analogue rather than grid-locked, which means loops can be any shape and the risky, ambitious sweep across the map is always available. Most players die to greed, taking one more sweep with a long trail behind them while somebody smaller and faster is already moving to intercept. Cutting other people's trails is both defence and offence.
| Mouse | Steer by pointing |
|---|---|
| WASD or arrows | Steer on a keyboard |
| Touch | Drag to steer |
How to play Paper IO 2
- Take small loops until you understand the map. Area compounds, so several safe claims beat one enormous risk.
- Return to your own colour before you think you need to. The trail is the only thing that can kill you.
- Watch who is nearby before leaving safety, since an opponent close to your border is an opponent close to your trail.
- Cut rivals who are far from home. It is the cheapest elimination available and it opens their territory.
- Expand along your border rather than across the map. Long trails are how runs end.
Tips
- The larger you get, the further you have to travel to return, so growth increases risk automatically.
- A shape with a smooth border is easier to defend than one with long thin extensions.
- If someone is chasing you, head into your own territory rather than trying to outrun them.
Questions about Paper IO 2
How do I claim territory?
By leaving your area, drawing a loop and returning to your own colour to close it.
How do I die?
Someone crossing your trail while you are outside your territory.
Is the steering grid-based?
No, it is free-form in any direction, which is the main difference from the original.
Are the opponents real players?
The arena fills with other players, which is what makes the timing unpredictable.
Is there a way to win?
Holding the largest area, though rounds continue as long as you survive.
Does it work on touch?
Yes, steering by dragging is natural on a phone.
