Scritchy Scratchy

A: The browser demo version is completely free with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no monetization whatsoever. You can play indefinitely without spending a penny. The full version on Steam and itch.io costs a few dollars and includes all card types and prestige features. But the free browser version gives you plenty of content to experience the core addictive scratching mechanic without any payment required.

A: No download needed for the browser version—just load the page and start playing immediately. You'll begin by clicking to wash dishes, earning $1 per click. Once you have enough money (around $5-10), you can buy your first scratch card and start scratching by dragging your mouse across it. The game auto-saves your progress in your browser, so you can close the tab and come back later to continue where you left off.

A: You unlock Prestige after reaching certain milestones in the game (typically after earning your first few jackpots). The game will notify you when it's available. You should prestige when your progress significantly slows down—usually when you've unlocked most cards and upgrades. Your first prestige might take 2-4 hours, but don't worry: with Prestige Points, your second run will be much faster (often under an hour). Each subsequent prestige becomes exponentially quicker.

A: Focus on Luck first—it's the most impactful upgrade early on, increasing your odds of winning across all card types. Aim for at least level 4-5 Luck before heavily investing in other upgrades. After Luck, balance Scratch Power (reveals symbols faster) and Area Size (uncovers more per drag). For cards, stick to one or two reliable types like Quick Cash or simple matching cards, and level them up completely before diversifying. High-tier cards give better payouts without increasing cost as you level them.

A: The Auto Scratcher is a machine you can purchase that automatically scratches cards for you, even when you're not actively playing or when the game is closed. You feed it cards, and it processes them based on its capacity (how many cards it can hold) and speed (how fast it scratches). Upgrade both stats to maximize passive income. It's the key to transforming the game from active clicking to true idle progression where you earn money while away.

A: Start with Quick Cash and simple match-3 style cards—they have consistent, reliable returns. Avoid expensive multi-panel cards and trap-heavy cards early on when your capital is low. Cards with symbols that reduce your winnings (like certain instant-lose symbols) should only be played once you have a large bankroll to absorb losses. Focus on leveling up one good card type rather than buying many different types—higher level cards pay more without costing more.

A: If your balance drops to zero or negative, you'll be offered a loan—avoid this if possible as it comes with penalties. To prevent bankruptcy: always keep a cash reserve (at least 5-10x your card cost), don't buy expensive cards until you're consistently profitable, upgrade Luck first to improve your odds, and avoid high-risk cards with penalty symbols. If you do go broke, you can always go back to washing dishes to rebuild capital slowly.

A: The browser version saves progress automatically to your browser's local storage. Your progress persists as long as you use the same browser and don't clear your browser data. However, progress does NOT sync across different browsers or devices—each browser has its own separate save. The Steam version has cloud saves that sync across devices. If you want to transfer browser progress, you'll need to export/import save data if the game offers that feature.

A: A single prestige run takes 2-4 hours for your first time, but subsequent runs become exponentially faster (30 minutes, then 10 minutes, etc.). The game doesn't have a traditional ending—it's designed for infinite prestige loops. Most players enjoy it for 10-20 hours total, completing several prestige cycles and unlocking most permanent upgrades. The addictive scratching mechanic keeps many players engaged far beyond the initial novelty.

A: Prioritize permanent Luck bonuses first—they compound across all future runs. Then focus on starting capital increases (so you don't have to wash dishes as long) and Auto Scratcher capacity/speed upgrades (for better passive income). Some players prefer multiplier bonuses for exponential growth. There's no single 'best' path—experiment based on your playstyle. You can't go wrong with Luck bonuses though.

A: The browser version continues to run if you keep the tab open (the Auto Scratcher will keep working). However, if you close the tab completely, progress stops. The Steam/itch.io versions support true offline progression where the Auto Scratcher accumulates earnings even when the game is closed, and it calculates rewards when you return based on time elapsed. The browser demo may have limited or no offline progression.

A: The mouse-dragging scratching mechanic creates genuine tactile satisfaction that's hard to replicate in other games. Combined with frequent wins (unlike real lottery tickets), visible progression, strategic depth, and the 'one more card' impulse, it triggers continuous dopamine rewards. The excellent soundtrack by Hannibal Sigfusson and smooth progression curve keep you engaged. The prestige system adds 'just one more run' appeal. Many players report difficulty stopping once they start!