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At the start of each round, the OpenGuessr game places players at a random point on a map via Google Street View. Players move, zoom, and sometimes walk along roads or paths to explore their surroundings. The game encourages keen observation, as players must collect clues from the area to figure out the name's place. This can include reading signs or license plates, identifying local flora and fauna, analyzing architecture, or even paying attention to the type of pavement and road markings.
Explore the world using Google Street View
Once players feel confident in their assessment, it's time to mark their guess on the provided world map. The more accurately a player places their pin near the real location, the higher their score will be. Most games are split into multiple rounds, typically five, with points accrued based on the accuracy of each prediction. Some modes are timed to add pressure, while others may feature movement-limited or themed challenges, such as identifying capitals or famous landmarks. In multiplayer, players can compete with friends or strangers worldwide to see who can best interpret their surroundings.
To master OpenGuessr, players must develop their visual detective skills. Start by examining visible text on signs, advertisements, or buildings for language hints. Even partial words or typography can narrow down the area. Second, examine the terrain and vegetation, such as palm trees, which suggest tropical regions, while coniferous forests indicate colder climates. Observe infrastructure details, such as road sign shapes, streetlight styles, and road markings, as these features often differ significantly between countries. Another tip is to memorize common features of specific countries, like yellow license plates in the Netherlands or Cyrillic writing in Eastern Europe.
