Where is Waldo on Google Maps: How to Find Him, Play April Fools' Day Game

4_1_Google Wheres Waldo
In honor of April Fools' Day, Google Maps launched an interactive Where's Waldo game. No, it's not a prank. Google

Google Maps got in on the April Fools' Day fun, yet again. However, instead of hunting for Pokémon or playing Pac-Man, this year you'll finally be able to track down Waldo.

It's not a prank—you'll actually be able to search for the candy-cane-striped, children's puzzle book character. And his friends, too: Wenda, Woof, Wizard Whitebeard and Odlaw.

In order to join in on the fun, users should update their app. Upon opening Google Maps, Waldo will be waving at you from the left side of the screen. Click on him and you'll be ready to start searching.

Waldo and his friends just left Google in California for an awesome adventure.

Can you spot them with Google Maps?
When you find him, don’t forget to let us know with #WaldoMaps! https://t.co/jIFTOOgrUm pic.twitter.com/bparGZOWw4

— Google Maps (@googlemaps) March 31, 2018

"The fun doesn't stop there. Once you spot me, you'll be transported to places all around the world, where you can search for me over and over again. Incredible!," Waldo wrote in a Google Maps statement.

The game takes its user to places, such as the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium in South Korea, where you'll have to look among hundreds of other athletes to find the hidden characters. Once you locate Waldo, you can move on the next level. Or, you can choose to remain on the current level until you locate all of his friends.

Google is encouraging players to take a screenshot and share it with @GoogleMaps on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #WaldoMaps. Here's a glimpse into where the game has taken some users:

Just lost an hour of my life playing Where's Wally on @googlemaps 🔍 #WaldoMaps pic.twitter.com/0RSqOouyAM

— Kristie 🕵🏼‍♀️ (@kristiekinghorn) March 31, 2018

Well I spent about 3hrs so far playing #WheresWaldo on Google Maps. I'm STILL stuck on Level 4 - Buñol, Spain Tomato festival. My eyes are all goofy from these colors. #GoogleMaps #waldomaps pic.twitter.com/lHFH5VQQAt

— A.C. Junior (@OfficialMisterC) March 31, 2018

Although the game is a bit easier than the illustrated books, due to your ability to zoom, many took to social media to say that they spent at least an hour completing all the maps. Users will be able to play the game, which launched yesterday, for the next week, The Verge reports.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go