Back in our childhood days, we all went through an addictive phase with playing the OG Snake game. Trying to move the pixelated snake across the screen to gobble the square orb and grow a bit longer.
So, how will you feel if you can play the simple, classic game but with an upgrade? Both thrilling and nostalgic, right? Well, Google Doodle has launched yet another classic game with a twist — Year of the Snake.
This new game follows the OG concepts for gaming. But, upgraded the graphics, animation, and included unique features to keep you glued to your phone.
And unsurprisingly, it has already won the hearts of gamers from all parts of the world. Even though there are countless adaptations of the Snake game, the Year of the Snake Google Game has found a special place in the community.
Excited to play it? But, where to find it and how to play it? Worry not, we have brought you the complete guide. And, here are some tips to top the scores in this slippery game.
Keep reading!
What Is The Year Of The Snake Google Game?
The Year of the Snake Google Game is an upgraded version of the 2013 Google Doodle game. Back in 2013, the Year of the Sanke was launched to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.
With its launch, Google paid tribute to the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The 2025 upgraded versions include new graphics and animation.
Unlike the OG Snake Game, here, your snake won’t be chasing any pixelated dots and squares. It will chase around red envelopes on the screen.
These red envelopes are traditionally called Hongbao in China, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. So, your serpent will chase these traditional hongbaos while racing through a Chinese background, crafted with East-Asian artistic patterns.
Moreover, in the 2025 version, Google upgraded the graphics, device compatibility, animation, and sound effects of the game. This way, it becomes both entertaining and culturally educational for the online audience.
Unique Gaming Features
Google Doodle games have always used unique features and creative designs that distinguish them from other online games.
In the Year of the Snake Google game, there are certain unique gaming features that give you a dynamic gaming experience while reflecting the cultural spirit of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Some of these unique features of the Google game include:
1. Speed Increase
When the game begins, your snake moves very slowly and steadily. But, gradually, the speed increases as the snake eats the hongbaos and grows longer.
This creates a challenging ambiance in the game. Now, you will need to concentrate more and stay focused to save your snake. It’s a survival game, so the increased speed creates the urgency and difficulty of it.
2. Strategic Turns
Even though Google has upgraded its graphics and animation, it has not upgraded the responsiveness of the snake to your movements. You will find that the snake’s movements are a tad bit delayed to your commands.
Now that your snake doesn’t move instantly, you have to keep making strategic turns in the game. Your quick planning is important to make your snake survive till the end.
3. Limited Space
Most iterations of the Snake Game have open maps and unlimited space for the movements of the snake. But, Google has limited the space for your snake in the Year of the Snake Google game.
Just like the OG game that was limited to the space of the mobile screen, here the space is enclosed by borders. Once you hit the borders, your snake dies, and the game ends. So, you have to make quick decisions to utilize the space properly.
4. Randomly Positioned Hongbaos
Google has used the latest algorithm to randomly place the hongbaos across the screen, so you need to strategically move. You cannot just move in a straight path and complete the quest.
Also, this randomized placing of hongbaos makes the game interesting and unpredictable. So, you can stay addicted to playing it.
5. Animation And Sounds
New animations and sound effects are incorporated within the gaming interface of the upgraded version. Whenever you eat a hongbao, there’s a celebratory animation with jingling sound effects. This definitely brings back the festive vibes.
6. User-Friendly Interface
The design of the game is very user-friendly. Everyone can enjoy the game without needing any technical knowledge. Also, this encourages all the online users to interact with the game and indulge in the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
7. Device Compatibility
Unlike the previous version, the revised Year of the Snake Google game is compatible with every device. You can play it on your phone, tablet, or even on your desktop. This upgrade has, in a way, popularized it among the gamers.
Where To Find The Game?
Finding any Google Doodle game is not that difficult. Even though these games are not always placed in the front of the main Google page, you can easily search for them.
To find the Year of the Snake, you need to open your Chrome browser and go to the Google search bar. Type in “Year of the Snake Google game” in the bar and click Enter.
You will be redirected to the search page results with a graphic box at the top. Click on the graphic box, and you can start playing the game. It’s that simple.
How To Play The Year Of The Snake Google Game?
Just like the classic Snake game, the rules for this game are simple and straightforward. You just need to follow the steps properly.
- Open the Google search bar and search for “Year of the Snake Google game”.
- Click on the graphic doodle box at the top of the search results box.
- Once the game page loads, click on Play and start the game.
- Now you have to control the movement of the snake by using either your arrow keys or swipe gestures on your phone screen.
- Chase and eat the hongbaos appearing on the screen. Also, strategically move your snake to keep it alive.
- Look out for the obstacles. Try to prevent the snake from colliding with the borders or its body, as this will end the game.
By following these simple steps, you can play the game. Just keep in mind to move the snake in the right way. This way, you can score high points before the game’s over.
Why Is The Game Becoming Popular?
Although the Year of the Snake Google game is just a doodle game, it is gaining significant popularity on the internet.
As it celebrates the traditions and culture of Chinese New Year, digital users are eagerly engaging with the game.
Here are some more reasons behind its growing popularity.
🎮Cultural Relevance
According to the Chinese zodiac cycle, 2025 is again the year of the Snake, like 2013. So, Google’s revival of the Year of the Snake Google game with dynamic upgrades marks its cultural relevance.
With the right timing, the game is seen as a celebration of Chinese traditions and culture. So, people are engaging with it to take part in the celebration and festivities.
🎮Digital Tradition
Surprisingly, the Google Doodle game has started a digital tradition for the Chinese New Year. Just like most people revisit Christmas songs and movies during Christmas, as a Christmas tradition.
Google’s revival of the Year of the Snake Google game made it a digital tradition to celebrate Chinese culture. Now, users are going to look forward to its revised versions every 12 years.
🎮Global Accessibility
The Year of the Snake Google game has multiple built-in languages. So, every global citizen can enjoy the game in their own language. This makes the game more popular for its global accessibility.
🎮Community Building
The best part about the game is that you can share it with your friends and play together. This creates a community among the online users and brings them together to celebrate the New Year festivities.
Tips To Improve Your Score
Just knowing the game instructions and being speedy are not enough to score the highest in the game.
Here’s a cheat sheet for you to improve your score and secure the top position.
- Try to stay near the edges of the screen. This way, you can avoid coiling up in the center and lose your moving opportunities.
- The more your snake grows, the more difficult the game is going to be. So, control the length of your snake by taking a breather in between chasing orbs.
- Since your snake’s movement is delayed, plan your moves ahead of time. This will help you avoid making a mistake.
- When your snake gets longer, the speed of the game will increase, so you have to play slowly and steadily. Rushing your moves might end the game without a high score.
- You can try using a zig-zag pattern to keep your snake within the limited space of the game. Also, you can avoid critical hit points and dead ends.
Year Of The Snake Google Game: Classic with An Upgrade
With the Year of the Snake Google game, you can simultaneously indulge in nostalgia and celebration of Chinese festivities.
When sliding through the screen to grab the hongbao, you can take a deep dive into your nostalgic memories of the OG Snake game. At the same time, you get to visualize the vividity and vibrancy of Chinese traditions.
So, what’s stopping you? Give it a shot! Just remember, it can be addictive and keep you hooked. So, play with caution and enjoy the celebratory slithery game!
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