How to play Javelin
Here’s how to play Javelin: a free, old-school button-bashing track and field game in your browser. Alternate the left and right pads to build speed down the runway, tap THROW just before the foul arc and tap it again to lock your release angle. Three throws, and your best counts, against the Beat Pete characters all the way up to Pete himself.
Time your throw at the arc: cross it and it’s a foul, throw early and you lose distance. Beat a character to unlock the next, and chase the longest throw on the leaderboard. Below you’ll find the full rules, tips and some common questions.
The basics
The javelin, button-bashing style. Build speed down the runway, throw at the foul arc and lock your release angle: three throws, your best counts.
The run-up
- Tap left, then right, over and over. Every alternating tap gives you a push, and a steady rhythm pushes harder than ragged tapping.
- Hitting the same side twice is a stumble: no push, and you lose a little speed.
- Your speed is held at a maximum of about eight taps a second. Tapping faster than that gains nothing, so keep a steady beat.
- Phones and tablets only. Keys are far quicker than thumbs, so Track & Field isn’t playable with a keyboard or mouse. That keeps every record fair.
The throw
- Tap the middle THROW button just before the foul arc. The distance is measured from the arc, and every metre you throw short of it costs you about three metres, so a late throw is best.
- If you are past the arc when you throw, or you run through it, that’s a foul and the attempt scores nothing.
The release
- Once the javelin is in your hand a release meter sweeps up and down. Tap THROW again to lock it. About 36° (the green zone) flies furthest.
- Each throw has its own wind, shown on screen. A tailwind adds distance and a headwind takes some away, at most about 1.8 m either way.
The ladder
- You compete against one of the ten characters, from level 1 up to Pete. Beat a character’s best of three to unlock the next. Four more throwers fill the field, six of you in all, and your final place is shown too.
Marks
- Your longest throw goes on the leaderboard, to the centimetre. The world record is 98.48 m, and nothing in the game goes past 98.00 m.
Beginner tips
- Get your speed up first. Your speed is held at about eight taps a second, so a steady rhythm matters more than raw speed. Faster than that gains nothing.
- Watch the run-up markers and start thinking about the throw about 10 metres out. The THROW button glows when you’re close, and the green strip on the runway is the sweet spot.
- Aim for the green zone on the release meter, about 36 degrees. Too flat or too steep and the javelin falls short.
- Check the wind before you run. A tailwind adds a little distance and a headwind takes some off, so a steadier throw into a headwind is still worth taking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I play Javelin on a phone?
Tap the left and right pads with your thumbs to run, then use the middle THROW button. The game is for phones and tablets only, because keys would be far quicker and records wouldn’t be fair.
What counts as a foul?
Pressing THROW after you are past the foul arc, or running through the arc without throwing. A foul scores nothing for that attempt.
What is the best release angle?
About 36 degrees. The release meter sweeps up and down once the javelin is in your hand; tap THROW when the needle is in the green zone.
How far can you throw?
A quick, clean run-up gets you into the eighties. The world record is 98.48 m, nothing in the game goes past 98.00 m, and Pete’s best of three is about 96.4 m.
How is it ranked?
By your longest throw, to the centimetre. You win by beating the character you chose.
Is Javelin free?
Yes. It’s free to play in your browser, with nothing to download.
Ready to play Javelin?
It’s free and works in your browser — no download. Start against Trevor, the friendliest opponent, and sign up free to climb the ladder of ten computer players all the way to Pete.
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