> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://telgather.gitbook.io/ball3/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://telgather.gitbook.io/ball3/basics/editor.md).

# Game Mechanics

#### Game Mechanics

* Eat Everything Smaller: You can eat the small colored dots on the map to grow, but the real growth comes from eating players that are smaller than you.
* Avoid Larger Players: If a player is larger than you, they will eat you! Stay away from them or hide behind a virus.

#### Viruses: These are the spiky blobs.

* If you are smaller than a virus, you can hide inside it.
* If you are larger than a virus and you touch it, your cell will explode into many small pieces, making you very vulnerable.

#### Move Your Cell: Use your mouse to guide your cell. It will always follow your cursor.

#### Shoot Mass (R): Press R to shoot a small amount of your mass. This can be used for:

* Feeding teammates: If you're playing with friends, you can give them mass to help them grow.
* Growing a virus: You can shoot mass into a spiky virus to move it. Aim a virus at larger opponents. When hit, they will explode into smaller pieces that are easy to eat.
* Speed boost: Shooting mass slightly propels you forward, which can be used for a quick boost.

#### Split (T): Press T to split your cell into two equal halves. The new half will shoot out in the direction of your mouse. This is useful for:

* Eating smaller players: If a player is slightly smaller than you, you can split and "leap" forward to eat them.
* Escaping a large player: You can split to quickly move a part of your cell away from a threat. The smaller pieces move faster.

#### Merge Your Cells: **Click the center of a control pad** to instantly call your cells to merge when they are ready.