What is Malus Mode?
Malus Mode adds an extra challenge to every draw. When it is on, a red malus card is added to the cards you draw.
Malus cards are deliberately difficult constraints, meant to push you out of your comfort zone.
How it works
Tap the "Malus" button next to your card count (it turns red when armed)
Draw your cards as usual
Red confetti tells you an extra malus card has joined your hand
Work with the malus card along with the rest of your hand
A taste of what's inside
There are 40 malus cards in the deck today, and you can propose your own. These five give you an idea.
Left Hand Only
Compose or perform your main parts using only your left hand.
Good luck with those chord progressions.
No Sound
Compose the next section without listening to it. Turn off your speakers/headphones.
Speed Run
You have exactly 5 minutes to lay down the entire structure of the track.
Reverse Theme
The main theme/melody of the track must be reversed audio.
No FX
Zero FX allowed on any track. Keep it super raw and dry!
And 35 more in the deck.
Why we added it
We added it because the best ideas often come from constraints.
When you're forced to compose with one hand, without hearing, or in 5 minutes flat, your usual habits stop working and you have to find another way in. That is often where the ideas you would never have tried come from. It is also meant to be fun, and a track finished under a malus is one you know you earned.
Suggest your own malus cards
If you have an idea for a fun or diabolical constraint, send it to us.
You can contribute in two ways:
Via feedback
Use "Send feedback" in your profile, or write to us from the contact page.
Via the contribute page
Propose your malus card directly at /app/contribute.
Approved suggestions join the malus pool, next to the 40 official cards.
Tips for surviving Malus Mode
- Start small: Try the mode with just one challenge first
- Embrace chaos: Some malus cards are hardcore
- Document your wins: Share your malus creations, which are even more impressive
- Challenge friends: Who can create the best track with "No Sound"?
Try it: one malus card on your next draw
Arm the red Malus button, draw, and work with whatever it adds.
Draw with Malus onUpdated October 2026: the card count, the Malus button and the ways to suggest a card were updated to match the app today, and the publication date was corrected.