What is Conway's Game of Life?

Conway's Game of Life is a cellular automaton devised by mathematician John Conway in 1970. It's a zero-player game where an initial configuration evolves according to four simple rules: cells with fewer than 2 neighbors die (underpopulation), cells with 2-3 neighbors survive, cells with more than 3 neighbors die (overpopulation), and dead cells with exactly 3 neighbors become alive (reproduction). Despite these simple rules, complex patterns emerge including still lifes, oscillators, spaceships, and guns.

What is Evolution Mode in this Game of Life simulator?

Evolution Mode is a unique feature that allows the rules themselves to mutate and evolve. The system uses fitness scoring to evaluate how 'interesting' each ruleset is, applying selection pressure to favor mutations that create sustainable, dynamic patterns. The rules can adapt based on population conditions - if the population is dying, it may mutate toward rules that encourage growth. This creates an ever-changing simulation that can discover new Life-like automata.

How does the leaderboard work?

The leaderboard tracks high scores based on how many generations your simulation runs before reaching stability. There are separate leaderboards for Classic Mode (standard B3/S23 rules) and Evolution Mode. When your simulation stabilizes, you can enter your initials arcade-style. Scores are stored globally so you can compete with players worldwide.

What patterns are included in the pattern library?

The pattern library includes 15+ classic Game of Life patterns across four categories: Still Lifes (Block, Beehive, Loaf, Boat, Tub), Oscillators (Blinker, Toad, Beacon, Pulsar, Pentadecathlon), Spaceships (Glider, LWSS, MWSS, HWSS), and Guns (Gosper Gun, Simkin Gun). Patterns can be rotated before placement using the rotation controls or Q/E keyboard shortcuts.

What does the cell aging visualization show?

Cell aging colors indicate how long each cell has been alive. New cells appear bright green, progressing through lighter shades as they age: new (1 generation), young (2-3 generations), mature (4-8 generations), old (9-20 generations), and ancient (20+ generations). This helps visualize the stability and dynamics of your pattern.

Can I create custom rules in this Game of Life simulator?

Yes! The Custom Rules Editor lets you create your own Life-like automata using B/S notation. Toggle which neighbor counts cause cells to be born (B) or survive (S). For example, B3/S23 is Conway's classic rules, while B36/S23 creates HighLife with replicators. Note: Custom rules disable leaderboard eligibility to keep competition fair.

What is the Pattern Discovery feature?

Pattern Discovery is an advanced AI-powered search engine that automatically finds new life patterns. It uses genetic algorithms to evolve random configurations, scoring them with sophisticated mathematics including Brent's cycle detection (for oscillator periods), D8 dihedral group symmetry (for pattern canonicalization), Shannon entropy (for complexity), and Fourier analysis (for periodicity). It can discover oscillators of any period (2, 3, 5, 15, 46+), spaceships with calculated velocities, still lifes, and methuselahs. Press D or click Discover to launch it.

LIFE · Conway's Game of Life with Evolution & Mutation

0 generation

0 population

✏️ Draw Mode

Population over Time 0

0 0 gen

Board Size ?

100×100

Speed ?

10 fps

Rules

B3/S23

Birth

Survive

⚠️ Custom rules: No leaderboard eligibility

🔒 Rules locked during simulation

Zoom

100%

Wrap edges (toroidal) Show cell trails Cell aging colors

Evolution ⓘ

B3/S23

Conway

Pressure balanced

Mutations 0

Mutation Rate 2%

Patterns

0°

Tools

0 gen

0 pop

Speed 10 fps

Board Size

Rules B3/S23

Birth

Survive

⚠️ Custom rules: No leaderboard

Presets

🧬 Evolution Mode ⓘ

B3/S23 Rules

0 Fitness

balanced Pressure

0 Mutations

Mutation Rate 2%

Wrap Edges (Toroidal)

Show Cell Trails

Cell Aging Colors

Show Grid

🧬 Genetic Mode

🧬 Genetic Evolution

Cells inherit colors from their parents with chance of mutation. Watch as species emerge, compete, and evolve!

Welcome to LIFE

Press Play

Explore Patterns

Keyboard Shortcuts

Conway's Game of Life

The Rules

Evolution Mode

Controls

Share This State

Import Pattern (RLE)

Welcome to LIFE

Press Play

Explore Patterns