Let’s be honest — Senior Assassin isn’t just a game. It’s The Hunger Games: Suburban Edition. One moment you’re getting a drink from Starbucks; the next you’re diving into bunches to avoid a waster gun ambush from a kid you barely spoke to in sophomore year.

If you’re reading this, you’re either still alive or plotting your resurrection. Either way, here’s how to go from soggy target to stealthy champion.

A Quick Breakdown

Senior Assassin is a game played by high school seniors, usually in the weeks leading up to graduation. It’s all over Instagram. A list of participating students is shared, and your goal is to eliminate them—on camera—without getting eliminated yourself.

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You're probably wondering how I know all the hidden secrets of Senior Assassin when I’m not even a senior yet. Well, I happen to know a lot of seniors—now graduates—who’ve all played this wild and competitive game. I’ve seen some dominate and make it to the very end, while others didn’t survive past the first day. Over the past three years of high school, I’ve learned the ins and outs of Senior Assassin, and I fully intend to use every tip and trick I’ve picked up when it’s finally my turn next year.

Know the Rules!

One of the worst ways to get eliminated is by breaking the rules—so don’t. The only way to avoid that is to actually know the rules. Know them very well. If you’re lucky (and clever), you might even spot a few loopholes that can give you an edge and boost your chances of winning.

Exploit Morning Grogginess or After Practice Exhaustion

Early birds catch sleepy prey. Most people aren’t fully alert before school, which means that this is the perfect time to strike. Wait outside homes, sneak up during coffee runs or surprise them at 7 am.

Even better option? Catch your athletes after practice when they are sore, sweaty and too tried to sprint away from you. No one expects an ambush when they are just trying to collapse in bed.

Image Credit: Mike Castelan from Pixabay

Don’t Forget the Elements of Chaos

Unexpected tactics work. Use Nerf Distractions, wear costumes, crawl under cars, or hide in trash bins. Weirdness throws people off their game and that moment of surprise is your chance to strike.

Stalk like A Pro (Digitally)

You probably already know this, but stalking—yes, the strategic kind—is your best tool for keeping tabs on the competition and planning your perfect takedown. Use social media to your advantage. Study your target’s habits and routines—the more you know, the better your chances.

Just remember: they’re staying sharp too. Always question whether the location they post is real… or a clever decoy.

Master the Disguise Game

If you’re planning an ambush, tracking your targets, or just trying to stay safe, ditch your usual look. Go a little extreme. The goal is to stay unrecognizable.

Sunglasses, oversized hoodies, hats—heck, even a wig—can help throw them off your trail. In this game, your best weapon might just be your disguise.

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Fake Outs and Decoys are a MUST

Coordinate with your friends to create distractions or fake drop-offs. For example, leave your car ar school, but sneak out another way, while someone else wears your hoodie. Distractions are key; and changing your routines are also important. You don’t want to stay predictable, because predictable means you will get caught.

Always Be Armed

Even if you are in an area where you don’t expect to be ambushed, stay prepared. Never leave the house without your water gun, sleep with it next yo you, and keep one in your bag or locker (if you are allowed to). Always have it with you, and invest in multiples so you don’t accidentally forget one and will therefore be left empty handed in a worst case scenario.

Set Traps, Not Just Ambushes

Don’t just chase — bait them. Pretend that you’re going to a public place, and go all in about it. Commit to this idea.

Post about it and then wait and hide. You will get there before your competitors and this leaves you with the perfect opportunity to get them out in an unexpected way. The hunter becomes the hunted.

Image Credit: Hans from Pixabay

Team Up — Then Betray

Alliances help..until they dont. once you’re down to the last few, everyone’s a target. Don’t be naive; there is only one winner and if you get too comfortable within your alliance or you will be taken out. Be on guard and choose wisely when to take others out.

Not too heavily in the beginning because the trust still isn’t there, so wait until you build the trust amongst your truth, and the second you get that. Betray.

Think in Layers

Have multiple exit plans, safe zones, and backups. Always think as your enemy. “If I were my enemy, where would I hide?” “How would I strike” Knowing these things will help you to take over your enemies. Be aware and always be ready for anything.

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Outlast by Outwitting

This isn’t just a game of speed — its a game of psychology. outsmarting your opponent matters more than just being fast or sneaky. Using your brain will give you a significant advantage over your competition who might be relying significantly on speed and sneakiness.

One Winner, 200 Instagram stories Later

Senior Assassin isn’t for the faint of heart. Its for the clever, bold and those willing to sacrifice their reputation for eternal bragging rights. How go out, stay dry, try not to to get out and may the odds be ever in your favor (or at least in your group chat) Let me know if these tips helped you!