Orienteering, but every point is first come, first served.
Flash Points is an outdoor GPS race that runs in phone browser, no app. You can play solo, but we recommend going in pairs because it's safer. It works in a park, on a campus, in a city centre or in light forest.
Players go to points on a shared map, walking or jogging, whichever suits them. Whoever reaches a point first gets it, and it disappears from everyone else's map. Meanwhile, a few points keep turning gold.
Plan fast. Move faster. Don't get greedy.
Some points flash, and then you have to decide
Every few minutes a handful of points turn gold and pay double for a short while. You have to decide on the spot: race the others to it, or stick to the route you planned. Sometimes you'll get there first. Sometimes someone else will, and it was a long detour for nothing.
Farther points are worth more. Points come in two kinds:
- Plain check-ins, where arriving is enough
- Question points, with questions you write yourself or let AI draft
Answer one wrong and that point locks for you for a few minutes. Anyone else can still take it in that time.
Who it's for
- Sports days
- Company events and active off-sites
- Youth events
- Public city events
It suits people who would rather move than sit, and who like a bit of competition. No orienteering experience needed.
How it plays
- Players join with a link or QR code. Enter a name, solo or as a pair, and your phone becomes the map.
- Step inside a point's circle and it opens. There's nothing to press.
- When the map runs thin, new points appear. The host can add more during the game too.
- Get back to the finish flag before time runs out. Coming back late costs points.
- Results and the ceremony happen on the phones. A base-camp screen is optional.
Built for the organizers
The host view helps you prepare the game quickly:
- It helps you place the points on the map.
- A duration forecast helps you judge whether you have enough points for your group and the time you've booked.
- If you need a more detailed base map, you can add your own WMS map layer.
During the game you can follow how it's going and add points if you need to.
What it does to a group
It's quick and active, and route choices matter as much as fast legs. The quick ones collect more points, and the smart ones go after the gold. People usually come back to the flag warmed up and start comparing routes straight away.
Flash Points is one of the most active games in the Games for Crowds library. It needs outdoor spac! If you're indoors, try one of our room games instead.