XaploreGame and app guides: mahjong, Ember Abyss, Black Box and Buddy Duo
These are guides to the games and the app we make, written so the first ten minutes go better. If you have never played mahjong, start with the rules from scratch: the 144 tiles, chi, peng and kong, how a turn works and how a hand wins. Then the Bamboo Table strategy guide covers tile efficiency, what to discard, when to call and the easiest routes to Guobiao's 8-fan minimum. The Ember Abyss beginner's guide helps you pick a class, spend stat and skill points, beat all three bosses and play co-op with up to four players. Black Box has a probe-by-probe method with a worked Daily example, so you find the hidden gems with fewer probes. And for families, there is an explainer on when push-to-talk beats calling, how radios and apps compare, and a privacy checklist before a kid uses one. Every game runs free in the browser, with no download or account.
Play and try
- Play our gamesEvery Xaplore game runs free in the browser, no download or account.
- Our appsBuddy Duo, the family walkie-talkie for iPhone, and our free web apps.
Start here: the most useful first
How to Play Mahjong: A Beginner's Guide to Tiles, Rules and Scoring
Learn Chinese mahjong from scratch: the 144 tiles, chi, peng and kong, how a turn works, how to win, simple scoring, and where to practice online.
Mahjong Strategy Tips: How to Win More Hands at Bamboo Table
Mahjong strategy for Bamboo Table: tile efficiency, what to discard, when to call, house-rule tactics and the easiest routes to Guobiao's 8-fan minimum.
Ember Abyss Beginner's Guide: Best Class, Builds and Boss Tips
New to Ember Abyss? Pick the right class, spend stat and skill points well, beat all three bosses and play online co-op with this beginner's guide.
Black Box Puzzle Guide: How to Solve the Daily in Fewer Probes
How to play Black Box, the gem reverse-engineering puzzle: a probe-by-probe method, a worked Daily example, common mistakes and tips for fewer probes.
Walkie-Talkie App for Kids: Family Push-to-Talk Without Phone Numbers
When push-to-talk beats calling for families, how FRS radios, Apple Watch and walkie-talkie apps compare, and a privacy checklist before your kid uses one.
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