Chain Reaction · Strategy
DOTS
Charge a cell to its critical mass and watch it explode into the neighbours. Capture, cascade, conquer.
Multiplayer
Play Online
Host a room or join with a 6-character code.
One Device
Local Game
Two players on one screen — or face the AI.
Global RankingsLeaderboard
VIEW →Step 01
Charge
Tap one of your dots to add a charge. Empty cells take your color first.
Step 02
Critical
A cell at 4 charges is critical — it explodes into its 4 neighbours.
Step 03
Cascade
Hits convert enemy dots at their charge + 1, often chain-reacting across the board.
About
A chain reaction strategy game you can play in seconds
Dots is a free online chain reaction game — also known as Critical Mass. Charge a cell to its critical mass and it explodes into the neighbouring cells, capturing them and often triggering a cascade that sweeps the board. Play ranked online multiplayer with instant matchmaking, challenge a friend with a link, or sharpen up against the AI. No download, no signup to start.
How to play Dots — full rules & FAQ →FAQ
- What is Dots?
- Dots is a free online chain reaction strategy game — also known as Critical Mass. Charge a cell until it reaches critical mass and it explodes into its neighbours, capturing them and often setting off a cascade across the whole board.
- Is Dots free to play?
- Yes. Dots is free to play in your browser — no download, and no signup required to start a game.
- Can I play online against other people?
- Yes. Dots has ranked online multiplayer with instant matchmaking, plus the option to challenge a friend with a room link or practise against the AI.
- How do you win?
- You win by capturing all of your opponent's cells. With the right move a single chain reaction can cascade across the board and flip the game.