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How to Play

HeadAhead is a 1v1 turn-based prediction game. Both players act at the same time, so every decision is a mind game. There is no luck - only strategy.

The Goal

Hit your opponent with a bullet before they hit you. First to win 2 rounds wins the match.

Each Turn

Every turn follows the same rhythm: you plan, then you watch what happens.

Step 1 - Move

Drag in the opposite direction of where you want to go (like a slingshot). A dotted preview line shows your path, including bounces off walls. Use the power meter on the right to fine-tune your distance. Press Submit to confirm - or skip moving entirely.

Step 2 - Shoot

Tap anywhere to aim. A crosshair appears and a dashed line shows your bullet's trajectory, including wall ricochets. Press Submit to fire - or skip your shot this turn.

Step 3 - Watch

Both players' actions play out simultaneously. First, everyone moves and existing bullets bounce. Then, newly fired bullets travel to their first wall. This is the moment of truth - did you predict right?

Bullets

Bullets are the core of HeadAhead's strategy. They don't disappear after one turn - they stay in the arena and keep bouncing wall to wall, creating a web of danger.

Movement

Your character moves in a burst: fast at the start, slowing down toward the end. If you hit a wall or obstacle, you bounce off with your remaining momentum. Players also bounce off each other if they collide.

Key insight: Your movement preview during planning is an estimate. If your opponent collides with you, your final position might be different. The simulation is always the truth.

The Arena

You play on a top-down arena with walls and obstacles. A new map is randomly picked for each round, so you can't rely on a single strategy. Obstacles create ricochet opportunities - use them to land trick shots your opponent doesn't see coming.

Winning

Tips for New Players

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HeadAhead free to play?

Yes, completely free. No downloads, no accounts, no ads. Just open headahead.io in your browser and play instantly on any device.

What kind of game is HeadAhead?

HeadAhead is a 1v1 turn-based prediction PvP game. Both players choose their moves simultaneously without knowing what the other is doing, then watch the results. It's a strategy game built around reading and outsmarting your opponent.

Can I play HeadAhead on my phone?

Yes. HeadAhead is designed mobile-first and works on any modern phone, tablet, or computer browser. No app download needed.

Is there any luck or randomness in HeadAhead?

No. There is zero randomness in the core mechanics. Every outcome is determined by player decisions and physics. If you lose, you got outplayed - and you can learn from it.

Can I play against AI bots?

Yes. HeadAhead has multiple AI bot types with different playstyles and difficulty levels. You can also play locally on the same device with a friend.

How long does a match take?

A typical match takes 3-5 minutes. Matches are first-to-2 rounds, so they're quick enough to play during a break but deep enough to feel satisfying.

What makes HeadAhead different from other PvP games?

The simultaneous-turn system means neither player has an information advantage - every turn is a pure mind game. Combined with persistent ricocheting bullets that stay in the arena for multiple turns, it creates a unique mix of tactical planning and opponent prediction that no other game offers.

Do I need to create an account to play?

No. You can play immediately without signing up. Just open the website and start a match.

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