What Beats Rock? A Guide to Outsmarting Rock-Paper-Scissors

Tired of the same old Rock, Paper, Scissors? A new viral game, “What Beats Rock,” is taking the internet by storm. Outsmart an AI judge with creative answers like “lava” or “homework.” Learn the secrets to building the longest chain and why everyone is obsessed with this hilarious twist on a classic.

Do you remember being a child, standing in the playground, about to duel your mate with the sacred ritual of Rock-Paper-Scissors? 

One, two, three… slam! Rock. Paper. Or maybe scissors. 

A silly little hand game that decided who paid for crisps at the tuck shop or who got first go on the swings.

Now fast-forward to 2024, when the internet collectively discovered a wild twist on this simple classic, What Beats Rock. This quirky, AI-powered game has flipped the predictable formula on its head. 

Instead of a boring “paper beats rock,” you’re throwing out ideas like “tsunami,” “nuclear meltdown,” or even “existential dread.” And the best bit? An AI actually responds, deciding whether your move makes sense or laughing you out of the game in the wittiest possible way.

So, let’s take a deep dive into What Beats Rock, what it is, how to play, why people can’t stop sharing it online, and even the best strategies for outsmarting that cheeky AI judge.

What is “What Beats Rock”?

What Beats Rock is an inventive, AI-powered reimagining of the hand game we all know. But here’s the kicker, rather than limiting yourself to three static moves, this version offers an infinite playground of possibilities.

You always begin with “rock.” Simple enough. Then, instead of defaulting to “paper,” you can type absolutely anything you like. Say you claim “river” beats rock. The AI processes your answer and replies with something like:

“Correct! Over millions of years, flowing water wears away stone. River beats rock.”

Pretty neat, isn’t it? 

Now the AI throws the ball back to you: “Alright then, what beats river?” You carry on, weaving your own zany little logic chain—river → pollution → recycling → politicians → conspiracy theories. The game only ends when you run out of ideas or the AI refuses your answer.

That’s the magic of What Beats Rock. You’re not just playing with logic, you’re playing with creativity, humour, and the unpredictable personality of the AI itself.

How to play what beats rock

Playing What Beats Rock is ridiculously easy, which is probably why it has gone viral so quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the game online: Head over to https://whatbeatsrock.io. No downloads needed.
2. Start the game: Click “OK, PLAY NOW” to load the AI-powered arena.
3. Make your move: Type what you think beats the current item. Start with “rock.”
4. Wait for judgement: The AI evaluates your choice, providing explanations that can be surprisingly logical—or utterly hilarious.
5. Keep the chain going: Once you beat one item, figure out what can beat your own answer. Rinse and repeat.
6. Share your creations: Post your most absurd chains on Reddit, TikTok, or among friends for extra giggles.

Example:

• “Rock” → “Paper” (classic, still valid)
• “Paper” → “Scissors”
• “Scissors” → “Chainsaw” (why not?)
• “Chainsaw” → “Legal paperwork” (AI nods)

And yes, it’s basically a test of creativity, logic, and patience.

Why What Beats Rock has gone viral

So why is everyone talking about this quirky little game? Well, unlike the three-move predictability of Rock-Paper-Scissors, What Beats Rock lets you unleash your imagination in ways you never thought possible. Players can submit completely ridiculous or absurd answers, and the AI’s judgment transforms every entry into comedy gold.

The game exploded on social media in July 2024 when a Twitter user named @dragon_khoi shared some mind-bending examples. Soon after, Reddit threads, TikTok compilations, and Twitch streams were filled with people trying, and often failing, to outwit the AI.

Part of the charm is that the AI doesn’t just say “yes” or “no.” It provides explanations that are as educational as they are hilarious, like “lava melts rock” or “unicorns defy homework.” It’s a game, a comedy show, and a mental exercise all in one.

The origin of What Beats Rock

The developers behind What Beats Rock apparently thought Rock-Paper-Scissors was too boring for the internet age. Their goal? Create a game where imagination doesn’t stop at three moves. Instead, players submit entries that are judged by an AI on logic and originality.

Launched first as a browser game, it quickly spread to social media, then mobile apps, and eventually became a staple for anyone looking for a quick, entertaining challenge. Think Rock-Paper-Scissors meets improv comedy, with ChatGPT, or a similar AI model, as the ultimate referee.

What makes What Beats Rock so addictive?

There are plenty of reasons players can’t get enough of What Beats Rock:

1. Endless possibilities: There are no limits to what you can submit. “Rock → Mountain → Erosion → Time → Entropy → Heat death of the universe” is perfectly valid.
2. AI-driven humour: The explanations are absurd, educational, and often downright funny.
3. Stress relief: Typing “corporate memos” to beat “homework” can feel oddly therapeutic.
4. Quick and accessible: No downloads, minimal setup, and you can play in minutes.
5. Community engagement: Users can create custom challenges, share chains online, and even compete for leaderboard glory.

Core features of What Beats Rock

Unlike the classic game, What Beats Rock is packed with features that keep players coming back:

• AI explanations: Every move comes with a rationale, even when it’s ridiculous.
• Infinite gameplay: There’s no ceiling; your chain continues until your brain gives up.
• Custom rules: Only animals? Only superheroes? Only kitchen items? The choice is yours.
• Cross-platform availability: Play in your browser, on Android, or iOS.
• Community content: Share your best chains and discover others’ creations.

Tips and strategies for outsmarting the AI

While What Beats Rock is chaotic fun, a little strategy can go a long way:

1. Stay logical: Your answers should have a rational connection. “Hammer → Nail → Wood → Termites” works far better than random nonsense.
2. Think broadly: Focus on categories, not tiny specifics.
3. Consistency is key: The AI seems to prefer thematic chains over wildly disjointed ideas.
4. Know when to quit: Sometimes losing with “socks” is funnier than winning with a forced answer.
5. Keep creativity flowing: The more imaginative, the more enjoyable the chain.

Final thoughts

What Beats Rock captivates players because it’s absurd, clever, and endlessly creative. It scratches that itch for logic, humour, and imagination all at once. More than a game, it’s a social experiment, a stress reliever, and a testament to human creativity.

Whether you’re typing “grandma’s slipper,” “lava,” or “existential dread,” remember this: in the world of What Beats Rock, anything goes and the fun is in the trying.

So, what are you waiting for? Outsmart the AI, flex your creativity, and discover just how far your imagination can go.

Play What Beats Rock now and see if you can conquer the chaos.