Questions
Koketsu FAQ
Everything you might want to know before your first hunt. For the full rules, see How to play.
What is Koketsu?
Koketsu: Apex Tag is a real-world chase game for phones. Some players are big-cat hunters, the rest are prey, and you play for real across a park or neighbourhood. Your phones handle the hidden information: where the prey were last seen, who is close, and the score. The name is Japanese for “the tiger’s den” (虎穴).
Is it free?
Yes. Koketsu is free to play, with no ads and nothing to buy.
Do I need to install an app?
No. Open koketsu.xyz in your phone’s browser and play. You can add it to your home screen so it opens like an app.
How many players do you need?
Two or more, with at least one hunter and one prey. It gets better with more: two hunters against four prey is a good start.
How long does a hunt take?
The host picks 10, 15 or 20 minutes. You can play another round straight away from the results screen.
Where should we play?
Any open space you can run around in safely: a park, a campus, a playground. The host draws the edges on the map and fences off roads, gardens or water as no-go zones.
How do you catch someone?
As a hunter, get within about 10 metres of a prey and hold the Pounce button for two seconds while you stay in range. Phone GPS is often 5–10 metres off, so the game allows for it.
Can hunters see where I am all the time?
No. Hunters only see the prey when the broadcast lands, every 30 to 90 seconds depending on the hunt’s settings, or when they spend points on a hint. Prey get two short buzzes about ten seconds before each broadcast.
Is my location shared with anyone outside the hunt?
Your position is only shared with the players in your hunt while it is running, and only as the rules allow (prey at broadcasts, for example). The game doesn’t store where you went: a hunt’s history keeps the scores, catches and distance walked, not your positions.
Do I need an account?
No. You can play with just a name. Signing in with your email (a one-time link, no password) keeps your name and saved grounds on any phone you use.
Is it like chor police or pakdam pakdai?
It is the same instinct, a chase across real ground, with phones adding hidden positions, broadcasts, points and tricks like False Trail and Tall Grass. Think tag with a map, a timer and a little strategy.
Is there an Android app?
An Android version is on the way. Until then the browser version works on any recent phone, Android or iPhone.