OSU

How to play?

In-depth clarification: osu! acknowledges that while touchscreen availability may not be widespread among players, the game’s design prioritizes playability with a standard mouse and encourages exploration of unique input device configurations. The play styles page offers insights into various approaches to gameplay.

While certain songs may present challenges for both the standard mouse and the player, it’s important to note that all ranked and approved beatmaps undergo rigorous testing. As a result, the majority of beatmaps can be completed satisfactorily using only a mouse.

Gameplay Basics

In osu!, mastering gameplay entails several critical elements: Adaptability and Reaction, Understanding Song Rhythm, Input Device Control, Timing Precision, Spinner Technique, Physical and Mental Endurance, and Hand-eye Coordination and Positioning. These skills are fundamental for aspiring osu! rhythm masters, with the crucial first step being to learn the basics and theories of hit objects.

Hit circles

In osu!, a subtle approach circle, similar in color to the hit circle, gradually contracts from the outer edge towards the hit circle. Tap the note precisely as it intersects with the white border of the hit circle. Following the tap, a score burst emerges, showcasing score and health adjustments based on the timing of the tap to the beat. Subsequently, the hit circle vanishes upon the score burst. To truly grasp the appeal of hit circles, it’s essential to not solely rely on visual perception; immerse yourself in the beatmap’s rhythm and beats. This approach aids in managing visually intricate hit circle patterns encountered in more challenging difficulties.

Sliders

To start, tap on the object at the precise moment, but the action doesn’t conclude there. A ball initiates movement along a designated path. Hold down the mouse/keyboard button (or maintain the pen on the tablet) and track the ball’s movement within the thick orange circle, which encompasses the ball’s trajectory. This outer orange circle, known as the follow circle, remains visible while holding onto the slider’s ball but disappears upon release. Occasionally, the ball may reverse its direction, indicated by a reverse arrow at the path’s starting or ending circle. In such instances, the player must track the ball’s movement back to the path’s origin or vice versa.

Getting Started with Osu!

Playing the Tutorial: Osu! automatically includes a tutorial beatmap to help you learn the basics. We highly recommend starting with this tutorial to get a feel for the game mechanics.
Adjusting Settings: Before diving into gameplay, ensure your settings are optimized. Play in fullscreen mode with your native resolution, and disable mouse buttons if you’re using a mouse. Additionally, choose a comfortable skin to enhance your gameplay experience.
Downloading Beatmaps: Explore the beatmap section on the Osu! website to download beatmaps. These come in .osk file format, which can be imported into Osu! with a simple click. Experiment with different beatmaps to find your favorites.

Gameplay Mechanics

Hit Circles: Hit circles are the most basic element of Osu! When a hit circle approaches the center of the screen, click on it with your keyboard button (Z or X by default). Use your mouse to aim and click precisely when the approach circle aligns with the hit circle.
Sliders: Sliders require you to click, hold, and drag along a path indicated by the slider. Hold down your keyboard button while simultaneously aiming with your mouse. If there are reverse arrows, backtrack along the slider path accordingly.
Spinners: Spinners appear as circles with a spinning arrow. Hold down your keyboard button and spin your mouse (or tablet pen) in a circular motion to fill the spinner gauge completely.
Streams: Streams are sequences of hit circles stacked closely together. Use both keyboard buttons (Z and X) to hit each circle rapidly as they appear. Streams are more common in higher difficulty levels.

Tips for Beginners

Start with easy beatmaps (below 1 star) and gradually increase difficulty as you improve.
Experiment with different skins to find one that suits your preferences.
Practice regularly and be patient with yourself—it takes time to improve.
Explore advanced settings and optimizations to enhance your gameplay experience.

Download

The first step is to download Osu! from the official website. Once downloaded, install the game and launch it to begin your journey.