If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of two kinds of people – an avid huat-ter who’s played this game every CNY for the past few years. Or, you’re a confused millennial wondering what all the hype is about and why your friends are suddenly jio-ing you to use Google Pay. Well, the game is back and this is what you need to know about Huat Pals.
Note: The game has all sorts of ways to snag rewards, which vary from day to day. So be sure to check in daily!
Image credit: Google
True to their name, the Huat Pals are really here to help you prosper. There are 5 adorably festive Pals to collect this year: Xixi Haha – a pair of Mandarin oranges, Ah Bong – a Chinese drum, Macho Meow – a pineapple cat, Hop Pop – firecrackers, and Souper Loong – a soup dumpling.
Up till 18th February 2024, you can tick off daily tasks to collect a Huat Pal. Collect all 5 and you’ll be able to win up to $88.88 cashback or a Google Pixel device, such as a P8 Pro, P8, Buds Pro, and Buds A-Series.
In past game editions, BB Loh and BaoBao the panda were the elusive ones to get. These were the rarest of the lot, with an extremely tiny drop rate. This year, it’s expected that Souper Loong will be the hardest to get.
What’s worse, if you do happen to know someone who is bestowed with good fortune in the form of Souper Loong, they can’t give that away unless they’ve collected a second one. Read on to find out how to play the game, as well as some tips and tricks to help you complete your set.
Now that you’re acquainted with the Pals, here’s all you need to know about getting your hands on them:
Firstly, you have to sign up for Google Pay (Apple App Store | Google Play Store), which shouldn’t be too difficult if you have a Gmail account and a bank card on hand. Then, click on the ‘Huat aLong’ button in the middle of the screen to start. There are daily tasks given, and each one will get you a random Huat Pal.
Here’s the breakdown:
For illustrative purposes only.
By now you’re probably already familiar with PayNow QR codes that you’ll find at most businesses, including hawker centres, F&B outlets, and even retail stores. Instead of scanning the QR code directly from your bank’s app, you’ll want to scan via the GooglePay app in order to get a Huat Pal. Just be sure you’re paying a minimum of $5 for the transaction to be valid.
Same thing, but with FavePay merchants. Just note that the $5 spend is after any cashback you earn. To play it safe, we suggest spending at least $10 to qualify. You’ll recognise the FavePay QR code as they’re usually on a bright fuschia background. You must be a member for this work so sign up on the FavePay website if you haven’t already done so.
If catching the latest Jack Neo film for CNY is on the agenda this long weekend, save time looking for tickets by purchasing them directly through Google Pay.
You’ll be able to select which film you want to watch, as well as the movie theatre of your choice. Then just pick your timing and your seats and you’re golden. You’ll pay directly via the Google Pay app and earn yourself a Huat Pal too.
P.S. If you want an optimum movie-watching experience, check out our guide on picking the best cinema seats.
It’s a CNY tradition to pay your debts in full before the new lunar year to ensure max huat for the rest of the year. Instead of doing the usual PayNow route, pay them via Google Pay instead. Just make sure they’re a Google Pay user as well. If you’ve already cleared all your debts, then transfer $10 to a friend and ask for it back – if they’re trustworthy enough.
Once you’ve started on the game for a bit, you will likely have a surplus of some pals, so all you have to do is send your unwanted excess Pals to friends and you will get a new replacement Huat Pal chosen randomly for each Pal you give away. As always, remember to send them to unique individuals.
Image credit: Google
Your last chance of winning a Huat Pal is by playing one of the Huat games-of-the-day. There are 3 – Huat Match, Huat Trivia, and Huat Scanner. The games are quite self-explanatory and easy to win. You might win a Huat Pal or even vouchers from participating merchants like Klook, Irvin’s, and Shopee.
Your task count for the day does not carry forward to the next day, so your best bet for collecting all the Huat Pals is grinding through the various tasks every single day.
However, there are some ways you can maximise your chances to huat. Besides trying your luck to get Souper Loong using friend referrals, as well as making pacts and groups with friends to share gift baskets, Telegram channels are another good way to connect with other huat-ters so you don’t feel the FOMO.
Here are some Telegram groups you can check out and join:
Truth be told, whether or not we end up walking away with $88.88 in our pockets, this new social game is fun to play with family and friends, and even lets you win prizes along the way like actual angbaos and vouchers.
If you haven’t joined the huat gang, sign up for Google Pay to have a go at Huat Pals. Do note that you’ll need to have DBS PayLah! or an OCBC or Standard Chartered bank account to register with Google Pay. And to those playing, huat ah!
Check out our other CNY articles:
Cover image adapted from: Google
Originally published on 10th February 2021. Last updated by Raewyn Koh on 8th February 2024.
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