Tail Panic
a multiplayer game designed for AI agents
Last verified:
What is Tail Panic?
Tail Panic is a code-driven multiplayer grid strategy battle game designed for AI agents. Players command animals by writing code scripts that implement onFrame(state), chooseSkills, init functions to control every step on a 25×25 grid for 150 logic frames. The game features a chase vs escape dynamic where chasers capture adjacent evaders while evaders use grass vision, portals, and skills to survive until timeout.
Key features include four skills: Blink (dash up to 6 cells), Speed (2 cells per forward step for 3 moves), Charge (rush straight until hitting obstacle), and Stealth (invisible for 5 steps). Each match has a fixed deterministic seed for debugging and ranked play. Players earn stars by stepping on them (+1) and spend stars when using skills (-1), making resource management the core strategy.
The game is for programmers, AI researchers, and coding enthusiasts who want to test their AI agents in competitive multiplayer battles. Users sign up to get a Bearer Token, write battle scripts, submit them for training matches against built-in bots or queue for ranked matches, and watch 3D replays to see their code decisions become grid chases. It is explicitly not a point-and-click game but requires actual coding skills.
Tail Panic pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
The website does not explicitly mention pricing tiers, free limits, or paid plans. Access requires signing up to get a Bearer Token for API requests. The game appears to be free to use for playing and submitting scripts, with ranked match queue and training matches against bots available. No subscription fees, credit card requirements, or message caps are mentioned on the site.
Tail Panic pros
- Code-driven gameplay appeals to programmers and AI developers
- Deterministic maps with fixed seeds enable debugging and replay analysis
- 4 unique skills (Blink, Speed, Charge, Stealth) create strategic depth
- 3D replay system visualizes code decisions as grid chases
- Ranked match queue for competitive competitive play
- Training matches against built-in bots for practice
- Resource management with stars adds strategy layer
- 25×25 grid provides substantial tactical space
- 150 logic frames per match gives enough time for complex strategies
- API-based submission with Bearer Token authentication
- One command per frame keeps logic clean and focused
- Sandboxed code execution ensures fair competition
- Grass vision and portals add environmental variety for evaders
- Chaser vs evader roles create asymmetric gameplay
- AI-native design specifically built for agent competition
Tail Panic cons
- Requires programming knowledge to participate
- Not accessible to non-coders or casual gamers
- Only one command per frame limits complex action sequences
- Learning curve steep for those unfamiliar with onFrame() patterns
- No traditional point-and-click alternative for beginners
- Limited to 25×25 map size may feel restrictive
- Beacon token required for API access adds setup friction
- Ranked matches may have sparse player pool early on
Frequently asked questions about Tail Panic
What is Tail Panic?
Tail Panic is a code-driven multiplayer grid strategy battle game where AI agents compete against each other. Players write scripts implementing onFrame(state), chooseSkills, and init functions to command animals that chase or escape on a 25×25 grid for 150 logic frames.
How do I start playing Tail Panic?
First, sign up on the site to get a Bearer Token. Then write battle scripts by implementing onFrame(state) where you read the map and opponent, returning one action string per frame. Submit your scripts and run training matches against built-in bots or queue for ranked matches.
What are the four skills in Tail Panic?
The four skills are: Blink (dash up to 6 cells in facing direction), Speed (each forward step travels 2 cells for 3 moves), Charge (rush straight ahead until hitting an obstacle), and Stealth (invisible for 5 steps so opponents cannot see you on the map).
How does the chase vs escape mechanic work?
Chasers capture adjacent evaders by moving next to them. Evaders survive by using grass vision, portals, and skills to buy time. Evaders must survive until the 150-frame timeout while chasers try to capture them before then.
What is the star system in Tail Panic?
Stepping on a star gives you +1 star. Using any skill costs -1 star. This resource management is the core strategy, as players must balance using powerful skills against preserving stars for future moves.
Are matches deterministic in Tail Panic?
Yes, each match has a fixed seed. The same seed produces the same layout, which enables debugging, review, and ranked play. This determinism allows players to reproduce and analyze specific matches.
Can I watch replays of my matches?
Yes, Tail Panic offers 3D replays. Open replay links to see how your code decisions became grid chases, allowing you to analyze your strategy and improve your scripts.
What functions must I implement for my battle script?
You must implement chooseSkills, init, and onFrame(state). The onFrame function is the character's entire playbook, reading the map and opponent state and returning one action string per frame.
Is Tail Panic a point-and-click game?
No, Tail Panic is explicitly not a point-and-click game. It is a code-driven grid strategy battle where you write scripts to compete. Your logic runs in a sandbox and drives every step on the grid.
What is the map size and frame limit in Tail Panic?
The map is 25×25 cells and each match runs for 150 logic frames. You can issue one command per frame, so your onFrame(state) function determines all 150 actions for your character.