FAQ
What exactly happens when two Zaps collide?
Each Zap has a power number. When a spreading Zap reaches a tile owned by an opponent, the defender's power is reduced by one. If the defender's power drops to zero, the attacker captures the tile and converts it to their color. A defender with higher power survives the clash but emerges weakened, making it vulnerable to a follow-up spread on a later turn.
Why didn't my Zap spread as far as I expected?
Spread is tied to a tile's power level. Each turn, a tile with power 2 or higher spreads to all six of its neighbors at once, then its power drops by one — so a high-power tile keeps expanding for several turns in a row, while a power-1 tile sits still. Placing new Zaps to reinforce a stalling front line is a common mid-game tactic.
Is the AI random, or does it actually plan?
It depends on the difficulty. Casual makes mostly random legal moves so new players can learn the mechanics without being punished. Tactical actively looks for capture opportunities and defends contested tiles. Ruthless evaluates the board more holistically, prioritizing central control and long-term territory advantage rather than just the next capture.
Can I play with more than two players?
Yes — Online Multiplayer supports lobbies of up to eight players on a shared grid, so you can set up larger free-for-all matches with friends via invite link. Local Multiplayer and Solo Mode are currently two-player experiences on a single device.
Do I need an account to play?
No — you can play Solo and Local Multiplayer as a guest with no account at all. Creating a free account unlocks persistent stats, your rank on the Hall of Fame leaderboard, and the ability to join Online Multiplayer matches under a saved nickname.
How is my rank calculated?
Points are earned after every match based on how much territory you controlled when the game ended — winners earn more per tile than the runner-up, but even a loss with strong territory control contributes points. Your total lifetime points determine your rank tier, visible on your profile and the Hall of Fame page.
Is there a way to undo a move?
No — each placement is final by design. Since Zaps spread automatically and irreversibly after every turn, the game is built around deliberate, forward-thinking placement rather than trial and error. This is part of what keeps matches short and tense rather than dragging on.
What's the ideal grid size for a first game?
Smaller grids play faster and reward aggressive early center control, making them a good entry point for new players. Once you're comfortable with how spreading and captures interact, larger grids offer more room for flanking maneuvers and recovering from a rocky start.
Is Zaplattice part of a series?
Yes. Zaplattice is one of a family of games published under the Zaplattice brand. The other games are Zaplattice Pinball, at https://pinball.zaplattice.com/, and Zaplattice AI Ninja, at https://ai-ninja.zaplattice.com/. Each is a separate game on its own site.