Rules and How to Play

PixelBowl.io is a browser football simulation game where every snap is resolved by the physics engine. You choose teams, call plays, and watch players move, collide, tackle, throw, catch, fatigue, and react through the play.

01 Starting a Game

  1. Choose Exhibition Match or Career Mode from the home screen.
  2. In Exhibition, select the home and away teams.
  3. Pick the game settings, then start the matchup.
  4. Choose an offensive or defensive play when prompted.
  5. Execute the play and watch the simulation resolve the result.

CT Controls

  • Execute Play: snaps the ball and runs the selected play.
  • Click Player: opens player details, including ratings and stamina.
  • Spectator Mode: lets you watch AI-controlled teams play each other.
  • Fast Forward: speeds up simulation playback when available.

FB Football Basics

The offense gets four downs to gain ten yards. Gaining enough yards earns a new first down. If the offense reaches the end zone, it scores a touchdown. If it fails on fourth down, the other team takes possession at the final ball spot.

Field position runs from one goal line to the other. The line of scrimmage marks where the ball starts, and the first down line marks the yard line the offense needs to reach.

FL Field Legend

Line of Scrimmage
First Down Line
Ball Carrier
Stunned Player

GM Gameplay Mechanics

  • Man Coverage: defenders receive an acceleration boost when the ball is in the air.
  • Zone Coverage: defenders position themselves between the quarterback and receiver.
  • Special Moves: the ball carrier can use moves such as juke, spin, and stiff arm.
  • Fatigue and Stamina: tired players perform worse and face greater injury risk.
  • Injuries and Limping: impact-based injuries can reduce player speed.
  • Trucking: power backs can resist contact based on strength.

TP Gameplay Tips

  • Man coverage gets an acceleration boost when the ball is in the air.
  • Zone coverage players position themselves between the quarterback and receiver.
  • Fatigued players have a higher risk of fumbles and injuries.
  • Limping players have significantly reduced speed during play.
  • Scrambling quarterbacks can extend plays, but watch out for pursuit angles.
  • Impact injuries are more likely during high-speed collisions.
  • Build your roster in the editor with custom attributes.
  • Players with the starter icon are starters on the depth chart.

RS Rosters

Rosters include player positions, archetypes, depth chart spots, and more than 50 ratings. The roster editor lets you adjust attributes, set starters, and import or export custom leagues.