All the New Games in Squid Game Season 2, Explained

Season 2 of Squid Game introduces a host of new and deadly games that push participants to their limits.

While the first season featured traditional Korean games like Red Light, Green Light and Ddjaki, the new season expands the roster with a mix of classic games, international inspirations, and cruel twists designed to test both physical and mental endurance.

Here’s a breakdown of the new games and how they’re played.

1. Russian Roulette

Players: Gi-hun vs. The Recruiter

How It’s Played: This high-stakes game features a revolver with a single bullet in one of six chambers. Players take turns spinning the cylinder, placing the gun to their head, and pulling the trigger. The game ends when the bullet fires.

Context: This game occurs outside the official competition when Gi-hun confronts The Recruiter. In a shocking twist, The Recruiter ends the game by taking his own life.

2. Rock, Paper, Scissors Minus One

Players: Mr. Kim vs. Choi Woo-seok

How It’s Played: A variation of the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors, this game requires players to use both hands to form shapes but subtract one hand’s result after the reveal. This added complexity makes the game more strategic and nerve-wracking.

Context: Played outside the Games, this twisted version is introduced by The Recruiter to torment Gi-hun’s employees.

3. Flying Stone

Game Type: Part of the Six-Legged Pentathlon

How It’s Played: Players must throw a stone from 10 feet away to knock over a standing stone. Precision and aim are crucial, as going out of bounds leads to immediate disqualification.

Context: This is the second game in the Six-Legged Pentathlon, where five players are tied together, and each must complete a game to advance.

4. Gong-gi

Game Type: Part of the Six-Legged Pentathlon

How It’s Played: Similar to the game of Jacks, players use five small stones. They toss one stone into the air while picking up others from the ground, gradually increasing the number picked up.

The final challenge involves catching all five stones in the palm after tossing them into the air.Context: Dae-ho, a member of Gi-hun’s team, completes this game, leveraging childhood memories to succeed.

5. Spinning Top

Game Type: Part of the Six-Legged Pentathlon

How It’s Played: Players must tie a string around a spinning top, throw it forward, and ensure it spins upon hitting the ground. Success is achieved if the top spins, regardless of duration.

Context: This game tests coordination and precision and is completed by Seon-nyeo, with help from another player.

6. Jegi

Game Type: Part of the Six-Legged Pentathlon

How It’s Played: Similar to hacky sack, players kick a weighted toy into the air and must keep it aloft for five consecutive kicks.

Context: This is the final game of the Pentathlon. Despite being tied to teammates, Myung-gi completes it with ease.

7. Mingle

Game Type: Third Game in the Main Competition

How It’s Played: Players are placed on a large merry-go-round. When the music stops, they must form groups matching specific numbers and move to one of fifty rooms. Players who fail to find a group or enter an incorrect room are eliminated. The game continues until only one team remains.

Context: Unlike the cooperative Pentathlon games, Mingle forces players to betray others, amplifying the tension and chaos.

Themes and Implications

The new games in Squid Game Season 2 highlight the series’ signature blend of simplicity and brutality. While some games draw from traditional Korean childhood activities, others are designed to exploit human psychology, forcing players into desperate, life-or-death decisions.

With the third season already announced for 2025, fans can expect even more inventive and deadly challenges. For now, these games serve as a chilling reminder of the show’s core question: What are people willing to do to survive?