Best GeoGuessr Tips, Tricks to go from Beginner to Champion

GeoGuessr is an online geography game where players are placed in random locations on Google Street View and must guess their location on a world map. Its captivating and instructive qualities, which test players’ geography knowledge and observational abilities. GeoGuessr’ enormous appeal on a global scale, dynamic gameplay, and the excitement of digitally discovering new locations all play a part in its success.

To improve at GeoGuessr, you’ll need certain pointers and strategies because the game necessitates exact location identification and sharp observational skills. A player’s accuracy and overall performance can be greatly increased by employing techniques like analyzing local vegetation, identifying landmarks, and taking note of road signs.

GeoGuessr Game Modes

Here are the 4 different modes of GeoGuessr:

1. Battle Royale– In this competitive mode, participants compete to find places the quickest. After several rounds of elimination, the winner is the last person standing. It’s crucial to have acute spatial reasoning and thinking abilities.
2. Daily Challenge– Every day, gamers can test their abilities in a brand-new set of places. Within a day, compete for the highest score. It’s an excellent method to rehearse and assess your performance against people around the world.
3. Country Streak– The objective of this game mode is for players to accurately identify a consecutive number of nations without making any mistakes. With every accurate guess, the challenge gets harder, putting your attention to detail and general knowledge to the test.
4. Explorer Mode – This mode allows players to choose specific countries or regions to explore and guess locations within. It’s perfect for focusing on learning about specific areas and improving regional knowledge.

GeoGuessr Tips and Tricks

Below are 10 tips and tricks to help you become a pro in GeoGuessr.

#1. Eliminating countries that don’t have Street View coverage

Find out first which countries don’t cover Google Street View so you can move on to the next step. Since GeoGuessr uses Google Street View, you can use the process of elimination to improve your skills by knowing which countries and regions Google Street View does not cover. 

Playing a classic game will probably end up in one of the most populated countries, like the United States, Russia, or Australia.

#2. Have an idea of Left or Right-Hand driving lanes for certain countries

Suppose you don’t know which countries drive on the left and which on the right; you won’t get very far. People drive their cars on the right side of the road worldwide. Except for the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus, all of Europe drives on the right side of the road. All the countries in North America and South America are the same. GeoGuessr doesn’t have the United States of America.

Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland are some countries where people drive their cars on the left side of the road. On the other hand, all the north African countries drive their cars on the right side of the road (Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia). Most people drive on the left side of the road in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The only places that don’t are Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Only four countries in Asia where people drive on the left side are Japan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. 

People everywhere in Asia drive on the right side of the road. At first, this might seem like a lot, but as you play more, you’ll get to know the different countries quickly. Look around for other cars driving on the same side of the road to figure out which side of the road you are now on. If there are no other cars on the road, you should look at any road signs to see where they are pointing. If none are there, look for the shadow of the car and figure out which way you are looking.

#3. Use your Compass

Your compass is on the left side of the screen. This is the first thing you should consider when figuring out where your home country is. Putting the sun in the middle of your screen should help you figure out if you are in the northern or southern hemisphere because the red arrow always points north.

If the sun is to your south, you must be north of the equator. If it is to your north, you must be south of the equator. When we look at the sun from this spot, it is clear that we are looking in the general direction of the southwest. Because of this, we are now in the northern hemisphere. You could also look at the sun in the sky and how far south it is. For example, if the sun is low on the horizon but still pretty far south, you are farther north of the equator than you would be otherwise. If the sun is starting to set but has already reached its highest point, we can figure out that we are only a little north of the equator because it is only a little south.

#4. Looking for Language/Scripts on Road Signs

You may be able to tell a lot about where you are in the world by the scripts and languages you see. For example, if you see people writing in Cyrillic, you can figure out that you are now in Russia.

The Cyrillic alphabet is also used to write the alphabets of dozens of other languages, such as Bulgarian, Kazakh, Ukrainian, Macedonian, Belarusian, and dozens more. But because Russia is so big, there is a good chance that you are in Russia and not somewhere like Kyrgyzstan, which is much smaller.

Some useful language tips are:

• The letters ç and ã are used in Brazilian and Portuguese but not Spanish.
• Swedish, Finnish, Danish, and Norwegian letters set them apart. For example, Finnish has a lot of double letters (like aa or ii). Only Denmark and Norway use the ø.
• In Ukrainian Ò, Д, І, and Ї and are used, but not in Russian. In Russian Ð, ÑŠ, Ñ‹, and Ð are used, but not in Ukrainian.
• Estonian is the only language that uses õ. Lithuanian is the only language that uses —Ä—, and Polish has a lot of z’s.
• There are a lot of accents on vowels in Slovenian, Slovak, and Czech. Only Slovak has the letters ä, ľ, ĺ, Å•, and ô. Only Czech has the letters ů, Ä›, and Å™. There are many j’s in Slovenian.
• There isn’t much difference between Danish and Norwegian. Look for ae, which is used much more in Danish but still in English.

If you can’t figure out what language you’re seeing on your screen, you can use the GeoGuessr map. On the map, you can zoom in on a country you think you might be in. If you look at the names of the cities and compare them to the characters you find, you might be able to figure out your city.

#5. International Symbols on Road Signs

From one country to the next, road signs can be very different. If you are in Europe, you will see a white line down the middle of the road. The line between two traffic lanes in the United States is usually yellow.

In the UK, roads are marked uniquely and interestingly. But there’s more to this problem than just the signs. Also, watch out for street signs, highway signs, and markers.

In Brazil, for example, the names of roads taken care of by the state will include the state’s name. This would be cut down to MG for the state of Minas Gerais and RJ for the capital city, Rio de Janeiro.

In each country, roads are marked differently. In Italy, however, roads with names that start with SS are national roads. At the same time, roads with names that start with SR or SP are regional roads. So, you must be in Italy if you see a road that starts with an SS, SR, or SP. On the sides of the roads in Thailand are white signs with numbers and the names of cities. Look at the stop signs and other warning signs to figure out where you are. Minor language changes can sometimes help you figure out where you are in time.

For example, if you see a stop sign that says “Alto,” it could mean you are in Mexico or one of the nearby countries, like Guatemala. If, on the other hand, you see a stop sign that says “Pare,” you are probably in a South American country like Colombia, Chile, or Argentina.

Most stop signs in France still say “Stop,” but most stop signs in Quebec say “Arrêt.” In different situations, people in New Brunswick often say both Stop and Arrêt.

You might have seen signs in Wales that said “Araf,” which means “Slow” in Welsh. In the US, more signs say “Yield,” while in the UK, more signs say “Give Way.” If you see signs in French but are surrounded by signs that lead to the UK, you might be in Jersey.

#6. Car License Plate

In GeoGuessr, recognizing car license plates is a valuable tip for predicting locations accurately. The shape, color scheme, and sequences on plates, along with country codes and emblems, can provide crucial hints about a car’s origin. European license plates often feature a distinct blue stripe on the left side, which contains the country code. For example, plates from France have an “F”, Germany has a “D”, and Italy has an “I”. These common plates can immediately place you in Europe. Baltic countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia also use plates with this blue stripe, but you may notice differences in font and spacing.

In North America, the United States has varied car license plates that can be more challenging due to the different designs in each state. However, some states like South Carolina and South Dakota have unique symbols or backgrounds. In Canada, provinces like Ontario and Quebec have their distinct formats and colors. In Latin America, yellow license plates are common in Colombia, while white plates are typical in Brazil and Argentina. Look for specific country codes and national emblems that can confirm your guess.

South Korea has plates with a unique combination of numbers and Hangul characters, which are distinct from other Asian countries. Sri Lanka uses plates with a distinct style and often features the country’s name or emblem. In South Africa, license plates usually include a combination of letters and numbers, and sometimes a provincial code at the end. These codes, along with local road signs, can help you narrow down the specific region within the entire country.

#7. Road Material and Quality

When playing GeoGuessr, a keen eye for details on the road can be a powerful tool to narrow down or eliminate potential locations. The material and quality of roads are often distinct in different parts of the world and can provide critical clues to pinpoint your location. In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, roads are generally well-maintained asphalt with clear lane markings. In rural areas, especially in South Dakota and South Carolina, you might encounter gravel roads, which can be a distinguishing feature. In major cities, the roads are typically wider and in excellent condition.

European countries often have high-quality asphalt roads as well, but the road markings and street signs can vary. For instance, European license plates usually have a blue stripe on the left side, which is absent in many other regions. In Baltic countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, you might notice distinct road markings and signs that differ from Western Europe. Additionally, road quality can vary, with some rural roads being less maintained.

In Latin America, road quality can be quite variable. In South America, for instance, you may find a mix of asphalt and dirt roads, especially outside major cities. Countries like Brazil and Argentina might have well-maintained highways, but rural areas often feature unpaved roads. Asia presents another unique set of characteristics. In South Korea, roads are usually very well maintained, with distinctive road signs and often visible internet domains on signage. Conversely, in Sri Lanka, you might find more variable road quality, with some areas featuring older asphalt or concrete roads.

In Africa, road conditions can be a telling clue. South Africa, for instance, has a mix of well-paved roads in urban areas and less maintained roads in rural regions. The material can vary from asphalt in cities to gravel in the countryside. Street View on Google Maps provides valuable insights into these details. For example, the presence of yellow license plates might indicate locations like Colombia or Ecuador in South America. 

#8. Cultural Clues

In Geoguessr, identifying the location can be akin to detective work, where cultural clues become invaluable. Observing architecture, clothing, and signage through Google Street View offers significant insights. For instance, European countries often exhibit distinct architectural styles, such as the Gothic churches of France or the colorful facades in the Baltic countries. Similarly, traditional wooden houses might point towards Scandinavian countries. 

Clothing can be a subtle yet effective indicator; a street scene where people are dressed in hanboks might suggest South Korea, whereas saris could point to India or Sri Lanka. These cultural markers are often highlighted in major cities, where diverse fashion trends converge. 

Signage is another crucial element. Road signs, directional signs, and street signs can hint at the linguistic and cultural context of the location. Cyrillic script on signs can indicate Russia or another Slavic country, while Spanish signage might suggest a location in Latin America or Spain. Pay attention to internet domains on signs or advertisements, like “.fr” for France or “.za” for South Africa, which are direct clues.

Geographical features and surrounding bodies of water can also provide context. For instance, a coastal view with specific architectural styles might suggest Southern Europe or South America. Daily Challenge mode in Geoguessr often includes a variety of locations, requiring a sharp eye for these cultural clues to succeed. By piecing together these elements from Google Maps and Google Street View, players can make educated guesses about the entire country or specific regions within it, enhancing their gameplay experience.

#9. Landscape Analysis

In the game of GeoGuessr, mastering landscape analysis can significantly enhance your ability to predict locations. Key elements such as topography, vegetation, and water bodies are crucial in narrowing down possibilities. Topography, or the physical features of the land, provides hints about the region’s geography. For example, mountainous terrains might suggest locations like the Alps in Europe or the Rockies in North America. Flat, expansive landscapes could indicate the Great Plains in the United States or the pampas of South America.

Vegetation is another vital clue. The type of trees, shrubs, and overall greenery can help identify a region’s climate and biome. Tropical vegetation with lush, dense forests might point to locations in South America or Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, dry, sparse vegetation could suggest regions like South Africa or parts of Australia. Noting the vegetation patterns can also help distinguish between similar climates; for example, the specific types of pine trees in northern Europe differ from those in the Baltic countries.

Bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and coastlines, are significant landmarks in GeoGuessr. Recognizing a major body of water can instantly narrow down your options. Coastal areas often have distinctive features such as sandy beaches or rocky cliffs, which can hint at regions like the Mediterranean in Europe or the rugged coastlines of South America. Inland bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes in North America, are equally telling.

#10. Meta Clues

“Meta Clues” are an essential strategy in Geoguessr for predicting locations with precision. One key factor is image quality, which often varies by region. Higher image quality, for example, is more prevalent in North America and major cities worldwide due to more frequent updates on Google Street View. In contrast, rural areas or less frequently mapped regions may have lower image quality, which can help narrow down possibilities.

Car generation is another critical clue. In countries like South Korea and Sri Lanka, Google Street View cars are distinct, sometimes featuring visible roof racks or unique markings. Noticing these details can swiftly pinpoint the country. Additionally, coverage density is a telling clue; some countries, like South Africa and those in the Baltic region, have more comprehensive Google Maps coverage, making them more likely candidates if you notice extensive Street View data.

License plates also provide significant hints. For instance, European plates with a blue stripe on the left are a common sight across the continent, with variations in their format indicating specific countries. In contrast, yellow license plates can indicate locations in South America or even specific areas like South Dakota in the United States. White plates are common in North America and many European countries, whereas black plates might appear in places like Sri Lanka. Specific details like a rear plate’s format can offer further clues; for example, the presence of colored plates or the common license plate styles prevalent in a region.

Street signs and road signs also offer vital information. European directional signs often include a variety of symbols and languages, whereas, in the United States, street signs are typically green with white text. Pay attention to the language on signs; Cyrillic script, for instance, suggests a Baltic country. Internet domains on signs can also be a giveaway—domains like “.co.za” for South Africa or “.cl” for Chile point directly to their respective countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About Geoguessr

• Geospatial Tools
• Geocoding maps API