About Hot Potato Bomb
Hot Potato Bomb is a party game for 2 to 6 people sharing one device. It is based on the playground game of hot potato: a bomb with a hidden, ticking fuse is passed from player to player, and whoever is holding it when it goes off is out. It is designed for couch and table play, whether that's everyone crowded around a laptop keyboard or passing a phone or tablet around.
Each player gets a name and, on keyboards, their own key. The player holding the bomb has to press their button to throw it on. To stop people simply mashing their buttons, there is a misfire rule: if you press your button when you are not holding the bomb, it jumps straight to you and 1.5 seconds come off the fuse.
Games are played as a tournament. Each round eliminates players one by one until one is left standing, and the first player to win three rounds wins the whole thing.
How to play Hot Potato Bomb
- Open Tournament Setup and add between 2 and 6 players. Give each one a name and, if you're using a keyboard, a key.
- Choose a fuse duration. Shorter fuses make for a faster, more chaotic game.
- Start the round. The bomb appears in one player's hands and the fuse starts ticking.
- If you are holding the bomb, press your name (or your key) to pass it on as fast as you can.
- If the fuse runs out while you are holding the bomb, you are eliminated from the round.
- The last player left wins the round. First to three round wins takes the tournament.
Controls
| Input | What it does |
|---|---|
| Tap your name | Pass the bomb on a touch screen |
| Your assigned key | Pass the bomb on a keyboard |
Tips and strategy
- Keep your finger near your button but off it. A misfire costs 1.5 seconds and pulls the bomb straight to you.
- Watch who is holding the bomb, not the timer. Reacting the moment it lands on you is what keeps you alive.
- With a keyboard, pick keys that are well spread out so players aren't bumping into each other.
- Short fuses suit big groups and loud rooms; longer fuses give two or three players more tense back-and-forth.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can play?
Between 2 and 6 players on one device.
Can I play alone?
Hot Potato Bomb is a local multiplayer game, so it needs at least two people.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Each player taps their own name on the screen, so a phone or tablet laid on a table works well.
More games you might like
Hot Potato Bomb is listed under two player and arcade on our homepage. It is free to play in any modern browser, with no download or account needed. If you enjoyed it, try one of these next: