🧊 Still Lifes
Still lifes are patterns that don't change from one generation to the next. Every living cell has exactly 2 or 3 neighbors, and no dead cell has exactly 3 neighbors. They're the stable endpoints many simulations reach.
Block
The simplest still life. A stable 2×2 square where each cell has exactly 3 neighbors. Discovered immediately after Life's creation.
Most CommonBeehive
A hexagonal-shaped still life. The second most common naturally-occurring pattern in Game of Life.
Loaf
Named for its bread-like shape. A common still life that appears naturally from many initial configurations.
Boat
A triangular still life resembling a small boat. One of the most common 5-cell patterns.
Tub
A diamond-shaped still life. The smallest still life that isn't a block.
🔄 Oscillators
Oscillators are patterns that cycle through a series of states before returning to their original configuration. The number of generations in one cycle is called the period.
Blinker
The simplest and most common oscillator. Three cells in a row flip between horizontal and vertical orientations.
Period 2Toad
A period-2 oscillator made of two offset rows. Appears to "hop" between two states.
Period 2Beacon
Two diagonally adjacent blocks that flash on and off at the corners. Creates a "blinking" effect.
Period 2Pulsar
One of the most recognizable oscillators. A large, symmetrical pattern that creates a mesmerizing pulsing animation.
Period 3Pentadecathlon
A period-15 oscillator—one of the longest-period oscillators that occurs naturally. Named for its 15-generation cycle.
Period 15🚀 Spaceships
Spaceships are patterns that translate across the grid over time, returning to their original shape but in a different position. They're essential for building complex Life constructions.
Glider
The most famous Game of Life pattern. The smallest spaceship, it moves diagonally at c/4 (one cell per 4 generations). Discovered by Richard K. Guy in 1970.
Diagonal · c/4Lightweight Spaceship (LWSS)
The smallest orthogonally-moving spaceship. Travels horizontally or vertically at c/2 (the speed of light for orthogonal movement).
Orthogonal · c/2Middleweight Spaceship (MWSS)
A medium-sized orthogonal spaceship. Similar to LWSS but one cell wider. Also travels at c/2.
Orthogonal · c/2Heavyweight Spaceship (HWSS)
The largest of the three "standard" spaceships. Two cells wider than LWSS. The maximum width for stable orthogonal ships of this type.
Orthogonal · c/2🔫 Guns
Guns are stationary patterns that repeatedly emit spaceships. They were crucial in proving that Life patterns can grow without bound. Bill Gosper discovered the first gun in 1970, winning a $50 prize from John Conway.
Gosper Glider Gun
The first known gun and the first known finite pattern with unbounded growth. Emits a new glider every 30 generations. Discovered by Bill Gosper in November 1970.
Historic · 1970Simkin Glider Gun
A glider gun discovered by Michael Simkin in 2015. Notable for having the same cell count as the Gosper Gun despite its longer period. Emits gliders every 120 generations.
Compact🎮 Try These Patterns
All these patterns are available in the simulator's pattern library. Select one, rotate it, and place it on the grid to see it in action!
Open Simulator →📚 Pattern Classification
Game of Life patterns are classified based on their long-term behavior:
- → Still Lifes: Patterns that never change
- → Oscillators: Patterns that cycle through states and return to their initial configuration
- → Spaceships: Patterns that translate across the grid while cycling
- → Methuselahs: Small patterns that take many generations to stabilize
- → Guns: Stationary patterns that repeatedly emit spaceships
- → Puffers: Moving patterns that leave debris behind