Pac-Man 99: complete guide to Battle Royale

Here's everything you need to know about the new Nintendo Switch title Pac-Man 99, along with some tips to improve your scores.

Pac-Man 99 is the new Battle Royale exclusive to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. As in Tetris 99, players must face 98 other opponents, challenging each other following the classic structure of the famous Pac-Man.

Didn't understand what all the game's functions are? Don't worry, in this guide we'll explain everything you need to know about Pac-Man 99, along with useful information to make it easier to reach the top step of the podium.

How Pac-Man 99 works

For those familiar with the original game, it will not be difficult to get used to the structure of Pac-Man 99. The game screen is in fact formed by a maze full of dots and patrolled by Ghosts of different colors, which lead to the game, which ends if they come into contact with Pac-Man .

You can then choose whether to escape or collect one of four energy balls placed on each side of the maze, which makes the ghosts vulnerable for a short period of time. This is shown by an indicator appearing in the center of the screen, allowing Pac-Man to swallow them in the middle, with his yellow maw.

What's New in Pac-Man 99

Compared to the original game, the new features are mainly three:

• Sleeping Ghosts: small ghosts placed in two parallel rows that, if collected, accumulate behind one of the Ghosts in the maze: by collecting an Energy Ball, these also become edible.
• Pac-Man Spoiler (white): stylized white Pac-Man that moves around the arena, slowing down the player's movements on contact: as the Ghosts are eaten, the opponents selected for attack are sent Pac-Man Ravager (and vice versa); the only way to get rid of them is to overcome them or collect one of the Energy Balls, which will immediately go to clear the maze. Their behavior changes depending on the number of players remaining.
• Pac-Man Marauder (red): These Pac-Man Ravager lead to the end of the game in case of player contact. They only appear when 50 players or less are left and move randomly. Eating an Energy Ball does not allow you to get rid of them, it just locks them in place for the duration of the boost. The only way you can clear the screen of these deadly opponents is to eat one of the fruits that appear in the center of the screen after eating enough points.

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What are the fruits in Pac-Man 99?

The aforementioned fruits are not only useful for getting rid of the red Pac-Man Ravagers, but also for restoring the four Energy Balls and Sleeping Ghosts on the screen. However, you must be very careful: eating a fruit means advancing rounds, which increases the speed of the ghosts and changes the duration of the Energy Balls, making it even more difficult to survive the other 98 opponents and become the winner of the game.

On the left side of the screen you can see a list of four options, which can be selected using the main console buttons. These indicators allow you to decide what happens to Pac-Man when he swallows an Energy Ball. Let's see in detail what they mean and what their purpose is:

• Standard: keeps things as they are, providing no additional abilities (other than the ability to eat ghosts).
• More difficult: Pac-Man becomes slower and the duration of Energy Ball decreases, but in return, more Pac-Man Ruiner is sent to the opponents.
• Speed: Pac-Man's speed increases for the duration of the Energy Ball, but less Pac-Man Ravagers are sent to opponents.
• Train: Increases the number of ghosts that can be on a train, but generates a Pac-Man Ravager on your screen for each additional ghost.

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At the same time, during the game you must resist the opponent's attacks as long as possible, also trying to put them in difficulty. With the right analog you can decide which of the four options to select:

• Opportunity: the attack is directed towards a random opponent.
• Counterattack: the attack is directed towards other players who, in turn, have selected us as their target.
• KO: the attack is directed towards the players closest to defeat.
• Hunter: the attack is directed towards the players who have obtained the highest number of opponent KOs during the game.

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The best tactic to win in Pac-Man 99

While it is difficult to identify a single tactic that is effective at all times, it may be useful to start with the Speed option, trying to clear the screen quickly to increase your overall speed, which will then allow you to escape when the maze is populated by numerous dangerous creatures.

It is important to emphasize that the game changes drastically if you manage to clear the screen of dots, which is speeding up (indicated by the counter on the left) making it faster. Also, turning corners with the correct timing can provide a useful sprint (if the timing is correct, small "sparks" appear on the screen during the turns).

When you decide to attack, it can be extremely profitable to use Train in combination with Counterattack, to create very powerful combos. It is critical to minimize the use of fruits (which increase the round and, therefore, the difficulty) and finally it can be useful to use the two side tunnels, which do not change Pac-Man's movement speed, but slow down that of the ghosts, allowing you to breathe and be able to find an opening to escape in difficult situations.

Tips to be invincible in Pac-Man 99

Here are the best essential tips and tricks for PAC-MAN 99, the Battle Royale that's taking Nintendo Switch Online by storm.

Customize controls for victory

In PAC-MAN 99, even though Pac-Man's basic control only requires the use of the crosshead, it's crucial to establish a strategy from the start. Adjust your controls according to your preferences, assigning specific functions to each side to avoid confusion at critical moments. Also, don't forget to take a look at the left stick to get the most out of your game experience!

Get to know the danger zones of the labyrinth

Identify the four areas of greatest vulnerability in the classic Pac-Man mazes. Avoid spending too much time in the lower area with its four entrances, the tunnel with no room to maneuver, and the two center corners that border the top of the maze. These areas tend to be the critical points where eliminations are most likely.

Use the corners to your advantage

Take advantage of the mobility advantage Pac-Man has over the ghosts by turning quickly, especially in the "t" shaped areas. By pressing the right button at the right time, you can add a spectacular touch to your escape - take advantage of these corners to stay one step ahead!

Unravel the mystery of Pac-Man Blockers

In addition to confronting ghosts, you'll encounter white silhouettes of Pac-Man that won't kill you, but will act as obstacles. Known as Pac-Man Blockers, these obstacles can be removed by consuming a Pac-Ball or using the appropriate Power Up. Be cautious, as when there are less than 50 active players left, the red Pac-Man Blockers are lethal.

K.O. Strategy and its impact on the gameplay

An essential strategic nuance in PAC-MAN 99 is that the more enemies you take down, the more Pac-Man Blockers you send to your opponents. However, be careful not to become the target of other players. Through targeting, opponents can balance the game by sending obstacles to the Pac-Man with the highest knockdown range. Find the perfect balance to be the last Pac-Man standing.

Choose your target wisely

With four target profiles, choose strategically depending on the situation:

• Replica: hinder those who attack you.
• Hunter: direct obstacles at the leaders in takedowns.
• Knockdown: send obstacles to those who are on the verge of elimination.
• Random: throws obstacles to any player.

Adapt to the circumstances and choose your target wisely, avoiding the "Random" option.

Don't rush Ronda's ascent

Unlike classic Pac-Man, in PAC-MAN 99 the mazes do not restart when all the balls are consumed . Don't rush to move up a round, as you will increase the speed of the ghosts and the chances of being eliminated. Find a balance between advancing and surviving.

Special abilities: less is more

PAC-MAN 99 offers four special abilities, each with advantages and disadvantages. Evaluate your options before choosing:

• Stronger: doubles Pac-Man Blockers, but reduces the duration of Pac-Balls and your speed.
• Speed: increases your speed, but drastically reduces the Pac-Man Blockers.
• Train: doubles the ghosts, but adds a Pac-Man Blocker to your maze.
• Standard: no advantages or disadvantages.

Pragmatic strategy for survival

In PAC-MAN 99, with no time limit, you can establish a pragmatic method to excel:

• Position yourself near a Pac-Ball at the start and wait for a ghost to approach.
• Use the Pac-Ball when the ghost is close, clear the maze and move to another Pac-Ball before the effect ends.
• This strategy allows you to extend your game to the maximum, minimizing the generation of Pac-Man Blockers and keeping you invulnerable most of the time.

Extra Ball: Safe Zone in Classic Pac-Man

In Classic Pac-Man, discover the safe zone on the right rise of the starting zone. If you are not chased by a ghost, you can position yourself without taking damage. This area is well-known among competitive Pac-Man players and can offer you a strategic breathing space.

Did you find this guide about Pac-Man 99 useful? Then don't miss our related articles!

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