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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past month, you’ve probably heard something about Netflix’s new survival show “Squid Game.”
The Korean hit was released in September 2021, and as of this article’s publication, has surpassed 110 million viewers worldwide. To put that into perspective, “Game of Thrones” averaged about 45 million viewers per episode across all platforms. However, that number has surely climbed since GoT ended in 2019.
What is “Squid Game”?
“Squid Game” focuses on a group of indebted participants who agree to play a series of games to win a massive cash prize. The games get progressively more challenging — both physically and psychologically — as the players try to be the last man or woman standing.
It’s basically a more violent version of the “Hunger Games.” If you’re out, then you’re dead.
As players progress, they quickly learn that different strategies and experiences that they had in the past can either help or hurt them in the various challenges. So, that got us wondering, if the “Squid Game” was real (and thank goodness it’s not), what apartment possessions would help renters most as they advance through the competition?
Common items in your apartment that would give you a “Squid Game” advantage
We thought about things that are frequently found in apartments — and a few things that are less common. Obviously, you aren’t allowed to bring any of these items with you, but rather using them in the past would give you the unique experience and skills necessary to solve the majority of the games.
Here’s our list of 11 apartment items that would help you survive “Squid Game.”
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
1. Working sewing machine
This one might be the most obvious of the bunch. The second game on the show involves players trying to remove a shape from the honeycomb — without breaking that shape. Players are given a sewing needle and 10 minutes to accomplish the task.
We figure most people have some form of a sewing kit in their apartments to fix broken buttons and small holes, but that doesn’t make you a master of the needle. But, if you have a working sewing machine that’s not just a vintage décor item, chances are you’re a pretty good seamstress or seamster. With a practiced hand (and maybe Gi-hun’s saliva trick), you should be able to knock out that umbrella in a cinch.
2. Yoga mat
The first game that players see is a not-so-simple version of Red Light, Green Light. While you may think this is a game of speed, it’s really more about agility. You need to be able to stop and start on a dime and hold a pose in some pretty uncomfortable positions to survive this first “Squid Game” challenge.
What else do people use to practice holding poses in uncomfortable positions for an extended period of time? Yogis for the win here.
3. Glass coffee table
OK, this is another obvious one.
If you have a glass coffee table in your apartment, you’ve had at least one moment when you’ve dropped something (likely your cell phone or car keys), held your breath and prayed as it tumbled toward the glass. When that item just harmlessly clinked off the surface instead of shattering it, you got the noise you need to tell what tempered glass sounds like when something is bounced off of it.
4. Lots of stairs and no elevator
If you live in a fifth-floor walk-up, the struggle is real. But think of the silver lining here that could save your life in “Squid Game.”
Chances are you’re not going to make multiple trips up and down several flights of stairs with your grocery bags. So, you’re doing it all in one trip, weighing down your body with cans of La Croix and frozen pierogies. This becomes a pretty good leg workout, especially after a few months.
Think how prepared you now are to just plant your feet and let your opponents tire themselves out during tug of war.
5. Neighbor’s spare key
A pivotal moment in “Squid Game” came in the third episode when players started forming teams to look out for one another during the games and for protection after the games ended. This involved building trust and forming relationships with complete strangers. However, there’s still a feeling of skepticism for many people — after all, only one person can win.
If you have a neighbor’s key, you’ve unknowingly begun forming your own social teams in your apartment community. While you trust your neighbors to grab your packages or hold your keys in case you get locked out, you don’t want them to know all of your business. But if they need you, you’re there with a tablespoon of sugar.
Just don’t play marbles with them…
6. Book of sudoku puzzles
Speaking of marbles, one of the most psychologically challenging games in the show came in the sixth episode when players partnered up and then learned they had to play a game of marbles against each other. Players on the verge of losing (we’re looking at you, Sang-woo) showed their wits by tricking their opponents into handing over all of the marbles.
In a scenario like this, you want to be quick-witted, a good problem solver and great with numbers. Check, check and check for all you sudoku fans who now have better odds of surviving “Squid Game.”
7. TV in your bedroom
Sleeping after lights out in “Squid Game” can be just as deadly as the games themselves. After the first night of riots, players built bunkers to protect themselves from other gangs.
You’ll have no trouble taking the first or even second watch if you’re already used to staying up late to binge your favorite sitcoms from the ’90s. And if you’re one of the lucky people who can fall asleep with the TV on, you still likely have the uncanny ability to immediately wake up at the slightest disturbance, like when Ross accidentally said Rachel when marrying Emily on “Friends.”
8. Set of tools
There’s no direct correlation here between any of your tools and any specific moment in the show, rather it just makes you think outside the (tool)box a little bit.
If you’re able to MacGyver something in your apartment just using a Phillips head screwdriver and duct tape, you’ll have a better chance of using what’s around to survive the “Squid Game.” Just look at what Mi-nyeo did with the smuggled lighter.
Also, if you don’t have a toolbox, here are a few essential tools you really should have for your apartment.
9. Pogs
Trends from the ’90s are “cool” again, so it’s likely there are a few very hipster-minded renters out there who have stumbled upon a collection of Pogs from a used toy store. Probably in Portland. And while many of us may shake our heads at the strange decisions of our youth, those Pogs may actually keep you out of the “Squid Game” in the first place.
Remember way back at the beginning of the show, Gi-hun was approached on a subway platform to play ddakji, a Korean version of milk caps — from which Pogs originated. Things didn’t go too well for Gi-hun. By the time he was able to flip his opponent’s card, he was happy to take the money.
If you’re a Pog champion, you’re likely not losing as many of those first rounds. Do you really think the Front Man would eagerly recruit someone who was able to win that easily? We doubt it.
10. A Philadelphia Eagles jersey
IYKYK.
Attending a football game in Philadelphia is basically like participating in a low-key “Squid Game.” This is especially true if you have the audacity to wear opposing colors. You’ve witnessed all the dirty tricks and have seen what’s needed for survival. In fact, chances are that you’d be leading one of the gangs during the night riots while everyone is trying to rest, making enemies with all the other players.
We’re pretty sure Deok-su was an Eagles fan.
11. Cats
Let’s be honest here. Who really knows what cats are thinking? They wander around the apartment all night, making all sorts of noise and may or may not already be trying to kill you while you sleep.
If you’ve survived this long, you’re probably in good shape for the “Squid Game.”
This article is for entertainment purposes only and should be viewed as such.
Source: rent.com