How to Play Hitster - Complete Rules & Instructions
Master the ultimate music party game! Learn the rules of Hitster and become the timeline champion.
Hitster is a music party game where players compete to build a chronological timeline of hit songs. Using QR codes, players scan cards to play song snippets and must correctly place them on their timeline based on when they were released. The first player to collect 10 correctly ordered cards wins!
Game Overview
What's in the Box
- 300 Music Cards - Each featuring a QR code that plays a hit song
- Hitster Tokens - Used to mark your timeline
- Rules Booklet - Quick reference guide
Note: You'll need a smartphone or tablet with a camera and music streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or Amazon Music) to play!
How to Play Hitster - Step by Step
- Game Setup
Each player receives a Hitster token. Shuffle the music cards thoroughly and place them in a pile face down in the center of the playing area. The youngest player goes first! - First Card
On your first turn, draw the top card from the pile. Scan the QR code with your phone to play the song snippet. After listening, you must guess which decade the song is from (1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, or 2010s). Flip the card to see if you're correct! - Starting Your Timeline
If you guessed the correct decade, place the card face-up in front of you with your Hitster token on top. This is the beginning of your chronological timeline. If you guessed wrong, the card goes to the discard pile and you get nothing this turn. - Building Your Timeline
On subsequent turns, scan the new card's QR code and listen to the song. Now you must decide where this song fits on your timeline - before your earliest card, after your latest card, or somewhere in between your existing cards. - Placing Cards
Physically place the new card face-down in your chosen position on your timeline. Then flip it over to reveal the year. If you're correct and the card is in the right chronological order, it stays! If you're wrong, discard it and your turn ends. - Special Cases
Same Year: If two songs are from the same year, either order is acceptable.
Hitster Token: When you have 4 cards in your timeline, you can move your Hitster token. Use it to mark a "safe spot" where you can place a card without penalty if you're wrong. - Winning the Game
The first player to collect 10 correctly ordered cards in their timeline wins the game! For shorter games, you can agree to play to 7 cards instead.
Game Variants & Rules Modifications
Team Play
Play in teams of 2! Partners share a timeline and take alternating turns. First team to 10 cards wins. This is great for larger groups or mixing players with different music knowledge levels.
Quick Game
Short on time? Play to 7 cards instead of 10. Perfect for a quick round before dinner or when you want multiple games in one evening.
Expert Mode
For music buffs! You must guess the exact year (not just the decade) on your first card. Cards placed incorrectly in your timeline later are permanently removed from the game instead of just discarded.
No-Decade-Guess Mode
Skip the decade guess on the first card. Simply place it face-up to start your timeline. This speeds up the game for experienced players.
💡 Pro Tips for Winning
Listen to the production quality: Older songs often have different recording quality and production styles.
Pay attention to lyrics: References to technology, events, or cultural moments can give away the era.
Know your artists: Recognizing the artist can help you narrow down the decade significantly.
Use your Hitster token wisely: Place it where you're most uncertain in your timeline.
Take calculated risks: Sometimes guessing between two adjacent cards is easier than placing at the ends of your timeline.
Understanding the Music Cards
Each Hitster card contains:
- QR Code - Scan this to play the song on your music streaming service
- Song Title & Artist - Written on the back (don't peek before guessing!)
- Release Year - The exact year the song was released
- Additional Info - Sometimes includes fun facts or trivia about the song
Common Questions & Clarifications
What if we don't recognize a song?
That's part of the challenge! Use context clues from the music style, production quality, and sound. Even unfamiliar songs can be placed correctly with careful listening.
Can I change my mind after placing a card?
No, once you've placed the card face-down in a position, you must flip it there. Choose carefully!
What happens if my phone doesn't have a music service?
At least one player needs access to a music streaming service to play. You can share a device among players, though having multiple devices speeds up gameplay.
Do cover versions count?
Cards show the release year of the specific version featured on that card, not the original song. Always use the year shown on the card.
Ready to Play Hitster?
Use our free scanner tool to play with Apple Music, YouTube Music, or Amazon Music!
Start scanning and building your timeline now.
Get Your Hitster Game
Ready to add Hitster to your game collection? Check out these popular editions:
As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the free tools we provide.
Why Hitster is the Perfect Party Game
- Universal Appeal: Everyone loves music! No matter your age or musical taste, there are songs you'll recognize
- Easy to Learn: Simple rules that you can explain in under 2 minutes
- Great Icebreaker: Music sparks conversations and memories, perfect for parties with new people
- Flexible Player Count: Works great with 2 players or up to 10
- Quick Rounds: Games last 15-30 minutes, perfect for multiple rounds in one evening
- Nostalgia Factor: Triggers memories and stories associated with different songs and eras