QWOP

Stumble, flail, and fumble your way to Olympic glory in QWOP, the hilariously infuriating cult classic by Bennett Foddy. You play as Qwop, the lone athlete representing a tiny nation on the world stage—and you control every muscle in his legs. With awkward, physics-based controls and a deceptively simple goal (run 100 meters), QWOP turns running into an epic struggle of coordination, patience, and pure comedic failure.

How to play QWOP

Basic Controls

In QWOP, you control your runner’s thighs and calves separately using the Q, W, O, and P keys:

• Q and W move the thighs
• O and P move the calves

Mastering the rhythm between these four keys is the key to moving forward—without face-planting every 0.1 seconds.

FAQ

How do I actually move forward in QWOP?

Start with alternating key combos like Q + P and W + O. Try creating a stride rhythm and adjust based on how your runner is leaning. It’s more art than science.

What’s the goal of QWOP?

Run 100 meters. That’s it. Sounds simple, right? Spoiler: It’s not.

Why is it so hard?

It’s intentionally designed to be awkward and funny. The exaggerated physics and fully manual leg control are part of the game’s unique charm and challenge.

Can I beat QWOP?

Yes, absolutely! Many have conquered the 100-meter run, but it takes patience, muscle memory, and probably a few hilarious wipeouts.

Who made QWOP?

It was created by Bennett Foddy, also known for other “frustrating” games like Getting Over It. His design philosophy often centers around player struggle as comedy.