diff --git a/apps/web/src/arcade-games/know-your-world/components/GameInfoPanel.tsx b/apps/web/src/arcade-games/know-your-world/components/GameInfoPanel.tsx
index 03d9e17b..644a39ba 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/arcade-games/know-your-world/components/GameInfoPanel.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/arcade-games/know-your-world/components/GameInfoPanel.tsx
@@ -2,7 +2,8 @@
 
 import * as DropdownMenu from '@radix-ui/react-dropdown-menu'
 import { css } from '@styled/css'
-import { useCallback, useEffect, useMemo, useState } from 'react'
+import { useCallback, useEffect, useLayoutEffect, useMemo, useRef, useState } from 'react'
+import { useSpring, animated, to } from '@react-spring/web'
 import { useViewerId } from '@/lib/arcade/game-sdk'
 import { useTheme } from '@/contexts/ThemeContext'
 import {
@@ -25,6 +26,8 @@ import {
 const GIVE_UP_ANIMATION_DURATION = 2000
 // Duration for the "attention grab" phase of the name display (ms)
 const NAME_ATTENTION_DURATION = 3000
+// React-spring config for smooth takeover transitions
+const TAKEOVER_ANIMATION_CONFIG = { tension: 170, friction: 20 }
 
 // Helper to get hot/cold feedback emoji (matches MapRenderer's getHotColdEmoji)
 function getHotColdEmoji(type: FeedbackType | null | undefined): string {
@@ -75,9 +78,6 @@ export function GameInfoPanel({
   progress,
   onHintsUnlock,
 }: GameInfoPanelProps) {
-  // Get flag emoji for world map countries (not USA states)
-  const flagEmoji =
-    selectedMap === 'world' && currentRegionId ? getCountryFlagEmoji(currentRegionId) : ''
   const { resolvedTheme } = useTheme()
   const isDark = resolvedTheme === 'dark'
   const { state, lastError, clearError, giveUp, controlsState } = useKnowYourWorld()
@@ -133,6 +133,18 @@ export function GameInfoPanel({
     return lastError
   }, [lastError, currentDifficultyLevel])
 
+  // During give-up animation, show the given-up region's name instead of the next region
+  const displayRegionName = isGiveUpAnimating
+    ? state.giveUpReveal?.regionName ?? currentRegionName
+    : currentRegionName
+  const displayRegionId = isGiveUpAnimating
+    ? state.giveUpReveal?.regionId ?? currentRegionId
+    : currentRegionId
+
+  // Get flag emoji for the displayed region (not necessarily the current prompt)
+  const displayFlagEmoji =
+    selectedMap === 'world' && displayRegionId ? getCountryFlagEmoji(displayRegionId) : ''
+
   // Track if animation is in progress (local state based on timestamp)
   const [isAnimating, setIsAnimating] = useState(false)
 
@@ -148,8 +160,89 @@ export function GameInfoPanel({
     return getAssistanceLevel(state.assistanceLevel)
   }, [state.assistanceLevel])
 
-  // Check if name confirmation is required
+  // Check if name confirmation is required (learning mode)
   const requiresNameConfirmation = assistanceConfig.nameConfirmationLetters ?? 0
+  const isLearningMode = state.assistanceLevel === 'learning'
+
+  // Ref to measure the takeover container (region name + instructions)
+  const takeoverContainerRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null)
+
+  // Calculate the safe scale factor and offsets for perfect centering
+  const [safeScale, setSafeScale] = useState(2.5)
+  const [centerXOffset, setCenterXOffset] = useState(0)
+  const [centerYOffset, setCenterYOffset] = useState(0)
+
+  // Measure container and calculate safe scale + centering offsets when region changes
+  useLayoutEffect(() => {
+    if (!currentRegionName || !isLearningMode) return
+
+    // Use requestAnimationFrame to ensure text has rendered
+    const rafId = requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+      if (takeoverContainerRef.current) {
+        const rect = takeoverContainerRef.current.getBoundingClientRect()
+
+        // Calculate max scale that keeps element within viewport bounds
+        // Leave 40px padding on each side
+        const maxWidthScale = rect.width > 0 ? (window.innerWidth - 80) / rect.width : 2.5
+        const maxHeightScale = rect.height > 0 ? (window.innerHeight - 80) / rect.height : 2.5
+        // Use the smaller of width/height constraints, clamped between 1.5 and 3.5
+        const calculatedScale = Math.min(maxWidthScale, maxHeightScale)
+        setSafeScale(Math.max(1.5, Math.min(3.5, calculatedScale)))
+
+        // Calculate X offset to center horizontally on screen
+        const elementCenterX = rect.left + rect.width / 2
+        const screenCenterX = window.innerWidth / 2
+        setCenterXOffset(screenCenterX - elementCenterX)
+
+        // Calculate Y offset to center vertically on screen
+        const elementCenterY = rect.top + rect.height / 2
+        const screenCenterY = window.innerHeight / 2
+        setCenterYOffset(screenCenterY - elementCenterY)
+      }
+    })
+
+    return () => cancelAnimationFrame(rafId)
+  }, [currentRegionName, isLearningMode])
+
+  // Calculate takeover progress based on letters typed (0 = full takeover, 1 = complete)
+  // Suppress takeover during give up animation to avoid visual conflict
+  const takeoverProgress = useMemo(() => {
+    // During give up animation, suppress takeover (progress = 1 means no takeover)
+    if (isGiveUpAnimating) return 1
+    if (!isLearningMode || requiresNameConfirmation === 0) return 1
+    return Math.min(1, confirmedLetterCount / requiresNameConfirmation)
+  }, [isLearningMode, requiresNameConfirmation, confirmedLetterCount, isGiveUpAnimating])
+
+  // Memoize spring target values to avoid recalculating on every render
+  const springTargets = useMemo(
+    () => ({
+      scale: safeScale - (safeScale - 1) * takeoverProgress,
+      x: centerXOffset * (1 - takeoverProgress),
+      y: centerYOffset * (1 - takeoverProgress),
+    }),
+    [safeScale, centerXOffset, centerYOffset, takeoverProgress]
+  )
+
+  // React-spring animation for takeover transition
+  const takeoverSpring = useSpring({
+    ...springTargets,
+    config: TAKEOVER_ANIMATION_CONFIG,
+  })
+
+  // Memoize the transform interpolation to avoid recreating on every render
+  const transformStyle = useMemo(
+    () => ({
+      transform: to(
+        [takeoverSpring.scale, takeoverSpring.x, takeoverSpring.y],
+        (s, x, y) => `translate(${x}px, ${y}px) scale(${s})`
+      ),
+    }),
+    [takeoverSpring.scale, takeoverSpring.x, takeoverSpring.y]
+  )
+
+  // Memoize whether we're in active takeover mode
+  const isInTakeover = isLearningMode && takeoverProgress < 1
+  const showPulseAnimation = isLearningMode && takeoverProgress < 0.5
 
   // Reset name confirmation when region changes
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -323,9 +416,40 @@ export function GameInfoPanel({
           0% { transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(100%); opacity: 0; }
           100% { transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(0); opacity: 1; }
         }
+        @keyframes takeoverPulse {
+          0%, 100% { opacity: 1; }
+          50% { opacity: 0.85; }
+        }
       `}</style>
 
+      {/* Takeover backdrop scrim - blurs background but leaves nav accessible */}
+      {/* Always rendered but uses CSS transitions for smooth fade in/out */}
+      <div
+        data-element="takeover-scrim"
+        className={css({
+          position: 'fixed',
+          // Start below the nav bar to keep it accessible
+          top: '60px',
+          left: 0,
+          right: 0,
+          bottom: 0,
+          // Below takeover content (z-index 200) but above map
+          zIndex: 150,
+          pointerEvents: 'none',
+          // Smooth transitions for opacity and blur
+          transition: 'opacity 0.3s ease-out, backdrop-filter 0.3s ease-out',
+        })}
+        style={{
+          backgroundColor: isDark ? 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5)' : 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5)',
+          // Animate between blurred (in takeover) and clear (not in takeover)
+          backdropFilter: isInTakeover ? 'blur(8px)' : 'blur(0px)',
+          WebkitBackdropFilter: isInTakeover ? 'blur(8px)' : 'blur(0px)',
+          opacity: isInTakeover ? 1 : 0,
+        }}
+      />
+
       {/* TOP-CENTER: Prompt Display - positioned below game nav (~150px) */}
+      {/* Background fills left-to-right as progress increases */}
       <div
         data-element="floating-prompt"
         className={css({
@@ -333,19 +457,37 @@ export function GameInfoPanel({
           top: { base: '130px', sm: '150px' },
           left: '50%',
           transform: 'translateX(-50%)',
-          maxWidth: { base: '92vw', sm: '500px', md: '600px' },
+          width: { base: '92vw', sm: '420px', md: '500px', lg: '560px' },
           padding: { base: '2', sm: '3' },
-          bg: isDark ? 'blue.900/95' : 'blue.50/95',
           ...floatingPanelBase,
           border: { base: '2px solid', sm: '3px solid' },
           borderColor: 'blue.500',
           rounded: { base: 'xl', sm: '2xl' },
           textAlign: 'center',
+          // Overflow handled in inline style to avoid css() recalculation
         })}
         style={{
           animation: 'glowPulse 2s ease-in-out infinite',
+          overflow: isInTakeover ? 'visible' : 'hidden',
+          // Raise z-index above scrim (150) during takeover
+          zIndex: isInTakeover ? 200 : undefined,
+          background: isDark
+            ? `linear-gradient(to right, rgba(22, 78, 99, 0.3) ${progress}%, rgba(30, 58, 138, 0.25) ${progress}%)`
+            : `linear-gradient(to right, rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.25) ${progress}%, rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.2) ${progress}%)`,
         }}
       >
+        {/* Remaining count - centered at top */}
+        <div
+          data-element="remaining-count"
+          className={css({
+            fontSize: { base: 'xs', sm: 'sm' },
+            fontWeight: 'bold',
+            color: isDark ? 'cyan.300' : 'cyan.700',
+            marginBottom: '1',
+          })}
+        >
+          {totalRegions - foundCount} left
+        </div>
         {/* Header row with Find label and controls */}
         <div
           className={css({
@@ -433,190 +575,129 @@ export function GameInfoPanel({
 
             {/* Guidance dropdown - only show if there are options to configure */}
             {shouldShowGuidanceDropdown(assistanceConfig) && (
-            <DropdownMenu.Root>
-              <DropdownMenu.Trigger asChild>
-                <button
-                  data-action="guidance-dropdown"
-                  title="Guidance settings"
-                  className={css({
-                    padding: '1 2',
-                    fontSize: 'xs',
-                    cursor: 'pointer',
-                    bg: 'transparent',
-                    color: isDark ? 'blue.400' : 'blue.600',
-                    rounded: 'md',
-                    border: '1px solid',
-                    borderColor: isDark ? 'blue.700' : 'blue.300',
-                    fontWeight: 'medium',
-                    transition: 'all 0.15s',
-                    opacity: 0.7,
-                    display: 'flex',
-                    alignItems: 'center',
-                    gap: '1',
-                    _hover: {
-                      opacity: 1,
-                      borderColor: isDark ? 'blue.500' : 'blue.400',
-                    },
-                  })}
-                >
-                  <span>⚙️</span>
-                  <svg
-                    className={css({ w: '3', h: '3' })}
-                    fill="none"
-                    stroke="currentColor"
-                    viewBox="0 0 24 24"
+              <DropdownMenu.Root>
+                <DropdownMenu.Trigger asChild>
+                  <button
+                    data-action="guidance-dropdown"
+                    title="Guidance settings"
+                    className={css({
+                      padding: '1 2',
+                      fontSize: 'xs',
+                      cursor: 'pointer',
+                      bg: 'transparent',
+                      color: isDark ? 'blue.400' : 'blue.600',
+                      rounded: 'md',
+                      border: '1px solid',
+                      borderColor: isDark ? 'blue.700' : 'blue.300',
+                      fontWeight: 'medium',
+                      transition: 'all 0.15s',
+                      opacity: 0.7,
+                      display: 'flex',
+                      alignItems: 'center',
+                      gap: '1',
+                      _hover: {
+                        opacity: 1,
+                        borderColor: isDark ? 'blue.500' : 'blue.400',
+                      },
+                    })}
                   >
-                    <path
-                      strokeLinecap="round"
-                      strokeLinejoin="round"
-                      strokeWidth={2}
-                      d="M19 9l-7 7-7-7"
-                    />
-                  </svg>
-                </button>
-              </DropdownMenu.Trigger>
+                    <span>⚙️</span>
+                    <svg
+                      className={css({ w: '3', h: '3' })}
+                      fill="none"
+                      stroke="currentColor"
+                      viewBox="0 0 24 24"
+                    >
+                      <path
+                        strokeLinecap="round"
+                        strokeLinejoin="round"
+                        strokeWidth={2}
+                        d="M19 9l-7 7-7-7"
+                      />
+                    </svg>
+                  </button>
+                </DropdownMenu.Trigger>
 
-              <DropdownMenu.Portal>
-                <DropdownMenu.Content
-                  data-element="guidance-dropdown-content"
-                  className={css({
-                    bg: isDark ? 'gray.800' : 'white',
-                    border: '1px solid',
-                    borderColor: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.200',
-                    rounded: 'lg',
-                    shadow: 'lg',
-                    padding: '2',
-                    minWidth: '160px',
-                    zIndex: 1000,
-                  })}
-                  sideOffset={5}
-                  align="end"
-                >
-                  {/* Auto-Show Hints toggle - only if hints are available */}
-                  {shouldShowAutoHintToggle(assistanceConfig) &&
-                    (() => {
-                      const isLocked = requiresNameConfirmation > 0 && !nameConfirmed
-                      return (
-                        <DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem
-                          data-setting="auto-hint"
-                          checked={autoHint}
-                          disabled={isLocked}
-                          onCheckedChange={() => !isLocked && onAutoHintToggle()}
-                          className={css({
-                            display: 'flex',
-                            alignItems: 'center',
-                            gap: '2',
-                            padding: '2',
-                            fontSize: 'xs',
-                            cursor: isLocked ? 'not-allowed' : 'pointer',
-                            rounded: 'md',
-                            color: isLocked
-                              ? isDark
-                                ? 'gray.500'
-                                : 'gray.400'
-                              : isDark
-                                ? 'gray.200'
-                                : 'gray.700',
-                            outline: 'none',
-                            opacity: isLocked ? 0.6 : 1,
-                            _hover: isLocked
-                              ? {}
-                              : {
-                                  bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.100',
-                                },
-                            _focus: isLocked
-                              ? {}
-                              : {
-                                  bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.100',
-                                },
-                          })}
-                        >
-                          {isLocked ? (
-                            <span>🔒</span>
-                          ) : (
-                            <DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
-                              <span>✓</span>
-                            </DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
-                          )}
-                          <span className={css({ marginLeft: isLocked || autoHint ? '0' : '4' })}>
-                            💡 Auto-Show Hints
-                          </span>
-                        </DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem>
-                      )
-                    })()}
-
-                  {/* Auto-speak toggle - only if speech supported AND hints available */}
-                  {isSpeechSupported &&
-                    shouldShowAutoSpeakToggle(assistanceConfig) &&
-                    (() => {
-                      const isLocked = requiresNameConfirmation > 0 && !nameConfirmed
-                      return (
-                        <DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem
-                          data-setting="auto-speak"
-                          checked={autoSpeak}
-                          disabled={isLocked}
-                          onCheckedChange={() => !isLocked && onAutoSpeakToggle()}
-                          className={css({
-                            display: 'flex',
-                            alignItems: 'center',
-                            gap: '2',
-                            padding: '2',
-                            fontSize: 'xs',
-                            cursor: isLocked ? 'not-allowed' : 'pointer',
-                            rounded: 'md',
-                            color: isLocked
-                              ? isDark
-                                ? 'gray.500'
-                                : 'gray.400'
-                              : isDark
-                                ? 'gray.200'
-                                : 'gray.700',
-                            outline: 'none',
-                            opacity: isLocked ? 0.6 : 1,
-                            _hover: isLocked
-                              ? {}
-                              : {
-                                  bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.100',
-                                },
-                            _focus: isLocked
-                              ? {}
-                              : {
-                                  bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.100',
-                                },
-                          })}
-                        >
-                          {isLocked ? (
-                            <span>🔒</span>
-                          ) : (
-                            <DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
-                              <span>✓</span>
-                            </DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
-                          )}
-                          <span className={css({ marginLeft: isLocked || autoSpeak ? '0' : '4' })}>
-                            🔈 Auto Speak
-                          </span>
-                        </DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem>
-                      )
-                    })()}
-
-                  {/* Hot/Cold toggle - only if available */}
-                  {showHotCold &&
-                    (() => {
-                      const isLocked = requiresNameConfirmation > 0 && !nameConfirmed
-                      return (
-                        <>
-                          <DropdownMenu.Separator
-                            className={css({
-                              height: '1px',
-                              bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.200',
-                              margin: '1 0',
-                            })}
-                          />
+                <DropdownMenu.Portal>
+                  <DropdownMenu.Content
+                    data-element="guidance-dropdown-content"
+                    className={css({
+                      bg: isDark ? 'gray.800' : 'white',
+                      border: '1px solid',
+                      borderColor: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.200',
+                      rounded: 'lg',
+                      shadow: 'lg',
+                      padding: '2',
+                      minWidth: '160px',
+                      zIndex: 1000,
+                    })}
+                    sideOffset={5}
+                    align="end"
+                  >
+                    {/* Auto-Show Hints toggle - only if hints are available */}
+                    {shouldShowAutoHintToggle(assistanceConfig) &&
+                      (() => {
+                        const isLocked = requiresNameConfirmation > 0 && !nameConfirmed
+                        return (
                           <DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem
-                            data-setting="hot-cold"
-                            checked={hotColdEnabled}
+                            data-setting="auto-hint"
+                            checked={autoHint}
                             disabled={isLocked}
-                            onCheckedChange={() => !isLocked && onHotColdToggle?.()}
+                            onCheckedChange={() => !isLocked && onAutoHintToggle()}
+                            className={css({
+                              display: 'flex',
+                              alignItems: 'center',
+                              gap: '2',
+                              padding: '2',
+                              fontSize: 'xs',
+                              cursor: isLocked ? 'not-allowed' : 'pointer',
+                              rounded: 'md',
+                              color: isLocked
+                                ? isDark
+                                  ? 'gray.500'
+                                  : 'gray.400'
+                                : isDark
+                                  ? 'gray.200'
+                                  : 'gray.700',
+                              outline: 'none',
+                              opacity: isLocked ? 0.6 : 1,
+                              _hover: isLocked
+                                ? {}
+                                : {
+                                    bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.100',
+                                  },
+                              _focus: isLocked
+                                ? {}
+                                : {
+                                    bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.100',
+                                  },
+                            })}
+                          >
+                            {isLocked ? (
+                              <span>🔒</span>
+                            ) : (
+                              <DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
+                                <span>✓</span>
+                              </DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
+                            )}
+                            <span className={css({ marginLeft: isLocked || autoHint ? '0' : '4' })}>
+                              💡 Auto-Show Hints
+                            </span>
+                          </DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem>
+                        )
+                      })()}
+
+                    {/* Auto-speak toggle - only if speech supported AND hints available */}
+                    {isSpeechSupported &&
+                      shouldShowAutoSpeakToggle(assistanceConfig) &&
+                      (() => {
+                        const isLocked = requiresNameConfirmation > 0 && !nameConfirmed
+                        return (
+                          <DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem
+                            data-setting="auto-speak"
+                            checked={autoSpeak}
+                            disabled={isLocked}
+                            onCheckedChange={() => !isLocked && onAutoSpeakToggle()}
                             className={css({
                               display: 'flex',
                               alignItems: 'center',
@@ -654,171 +735,252 @@ export function GameInfoPanel({
                               </DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
                             )}
                             <span
-                              className={css({
-                                marginLeft: isLocked || hotColdEnabled ? '0' : '4',
-                              })}
+                              className={css({ marginLeft: isLocked || autoSpeak ? '0' : '4' })}
                             >
-                              {hotColdEnabled ? '🔥' : '❄️'} Hot/Cold
+                              🔈 Auto Speak
                             </span>
                           </DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem>
-                        </>
-                      )
-                    })()}
-                </DropdownMenu.Content>
-              </DropdownMenu.Portal>
-            </DropdownMenu.Root>
+                        )
+                      })()}
+
+                    {/* Hot/Cold toggle - only if available */}
+                    {showHotCold &&
+                      (() => {
+                        const isLocked = requiresNameConfirmation > 0 && !nameConfirmed
+                        return (
+                          <>
+                            <DropdownMenu.Separator
+                              className={css({
+                                height: '1px',
+                                bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.200',
+                                margin: '1 0',
+                              })}
+                            />
+                            <DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem
+                              data-setting="hot-cold"
+                              checked={hotColdEnabled}
+                              disabled={isLocked}
+                              onCheckedChange={() => !isLocked && onHotColdToggle?.()}
+                              className={css({
+                                display: 'flex',
+                                alignItems: 'center',
+                                gap: '2',
+                                padding: '2',
+                                fontSize: 'xs',
+                                cursor: isLocked ? 'not-allowed' : 'pointer',
+                                rounded: 'md',
+                                color: isLocked
+                                  ? isDark
+                                    ? 'gray.500'
+                                    : 'gray.400'
+                                  : isDark
+                                    ? 'gray.200'
+                                    : 'gray.700',
+                                outline: 'none',
+                                opacity: isLocked ? 0.6 : 1,
+                                _hover: isLocked
+                                  ? {}
+                                  : {
+                                      bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.100',
+                                    },
+                                _focus: isLocked
+                                  ? {}
+                                  : {
+                                      bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.100',
+                                    },
+                              })}
+                            >
+                              {isLocked ? (
+                                <span>🔒</span>
+                              ) : (
+                                <DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
+                                  <span>✓</span>
+                                </DropdownMenu.ItemIndicator>
+                              )}
+                              <span
+                                className={css({
+                                  marginLeft: isLocked || hotColdEnabled ? '0' : '4',
+                                })}
+                              >
+                                {hotColdEnabled ? '🔥' : '❄️'} Hot/Cold
+                              </span>
+                            </DropdownMenu.CheckboxItem>
+                          </>
+                        )
+                      })()}
+                  </DropdownMenu.Content>
+                </DropdownMenu.Portal>
+              </DropdownMenu.Root>
             )}
           </div>
         </div>
-        <div
+        {/* Animated container for takeover - includes region name and instructions */}
+        <animated.div
+          ref={takeoverContainerRef}
           key={currentRegionId || 'empty'} // Re-trigger animation on change
-          data-element="region-name-display"
+          data-element="takeover-container"
           className={css({
-            fontSize: isAttentionPhase
-              ? { base: 'xl', sm: '2xl', md: '3xl' }
-              : { base: 'lg', sm: 'xl', md: '2xl' },
-            fontWeight: 'bold',
-            color: isDark ? 'white' : 'blue.900',
-            overflow: 'hidden',
-            textOverflow: 'ellipsis',
-            whiteSpace: 'nowrap',
             display: 'flex',
+            flexDirection: 'column',
             alignItems: 'center',
-            justifyContent: 'center',
-            gap: { base: '1', sm: '2' },
-            transition: 'font-size 0.5s ease-out',
+            position: 'relative',
+            transformOrigin: 'center center',
           })}
           style={{
-            animation: `attentionGrab ${NAME_ATTENTION_DURATION}ms ease-out`,
-            textShadow: isDark ? '0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.3)' : 'none',
+            // Dynamic z-index moved to inline style to avoid css() recalculation
+            zIndex: isInTakeover ? 200 : 'auto',
+            // React-spring animated transform
+            ...transformStyle,
+            // Pulse animation during takeover (fades after halfway)
+            animation: showPulseAnimation ? 'takeoverPulse 0.8s ease-in-out infinite' : 'none',
           }}
         >
-          {flagEmoji && (
-            <span
-              className={css({
-                fontSize: isAttentionPhase
-                  ? { base: 'xl', sm: '2xl', md: '3xl' }
-                  : { base: 'lg', sm: 'xl', md: '2xl' },
-              })}
-            >
-              {flagEmoji}
-            </span>
-          )}
-          {/* Inline letter highlighting for name confirmation */}
-          <span>
-            {currentRegionName
-              ? currentRegionName.split('').map((char, index) => {
-                  // Determine if this letter needs confirmation styling
-                  const needsConfirmation =
-                    requiresNameConfirmation > 0 &&
-                    !nameConfirmed &&
-                    index < requiresNameConfirmation
-                  const isConfirmed = index < confirmedLetterCount
-                  const isNextToConfirm = index === confirmedLetterCount && needsConfirmation
-
-                  return (
-                    <span
-                      key={index}
-                      className={css({
-                        transition: 'all 0.15s ease-out',
-                      })}
-                      style={{
-                        // Dim unconfirmed letters that need confirmation
-                        opacity: needsConfirmation && !isConfirmed ? 0.4 : 1,
-                        // Highlight the next letter to type
-                        textDecoration: isNextToConfirm ? 'underline' : 'none',
-                        textDecorationColor: isNextToConfirm
-                          ? isDark
-                            ? '#60a5fa'
-                            : '#3b82f6'
-                          : undefined,
-                        textUnderlineOffset: isNextToConfirm ? '4px' : undefined,
-                      }}
-                    >
-                      {char}
-                    </span>
-                  )
-                })
-              : '...'}
-          </span>
-        </div>
-
-        {/* Type-to-unlock instruction OR inline hint */}
-        {requiresNameConfirmation > 0 && !nameConfirmed ? (
+          {/* Region name display */}
           <div
-            data-element="type-to-unlock"
+            data-element="region-name-display"
             className={css({
-              marginTop: '2',
-              fontSize: { base: 'sm', sm: 'md' },
-              color: isDark ? 'amber.300' : 'amber.700',
+              fontSize: { base: 'lg', sm: 'xl', md: '2xl' },
+              fontWeight: 'bold',
+              color: isDark ? 'white' : 'blue.900',
+              whiteSpace: 'nowrap',
               display: 'flex',
               alignItems: 'center',
               justifyContent: 'center',
-              gap: '1.5',
+              gap: { base: '1', sm: '2' },
             })}
+            style={{
+              textShadow: isDark ? '0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.3)' : 'none',
+            }}
           >
-            <span>👆</span>
-            <span>Type the underlined letter{requiresNameConfirmation > 1 ? 's' : ''}</span>
+            {displayFlagEmoji && (
+              <span
+                className={css({
+                  fontSize: { base: 'lg', sm: 'xl', md: '2xl' },
+                })}
+              >
+                {displayFlagEmoji}
+              </span>
+            )}
+            {/* Inline letter highlighting for name confirmation */}
+            <span>
+              {displayRegionName
+                ? displayRegionName.split('').map((char, index) => {
+                    // Determine if this letter needs confirmation styling
+                    // Disable during give-up animation (showing the given-up region)
+                    const needsConfirmation =
+                      !isGiveUpAnimating &&
+                      requiresNameConfirmation > 0 &&
+                      !nameConfirmed &&
+                      index < requiresNameConfirmation
+                    const isConfirmed = index < confirmedLetterCount
+                    const isNextToConfirm = index === confirmedLetterCount && needsConfirmation
+
+                    return (
+                      <span
+                        key={index}
+                        className={css({
+                          transition: 'all 0.15s ease-out',
+                        })}
+                        style={{
+                          // Dim unconfirmed letters that need confirmation
+                          opacity: needsConfirmation && !isConfirmed ? 0.4 : 1,
+                          // Highlight the next letter to type
+                          textDecoration: isNextToConfirm ? 'underline' : 'none',
+                          textDecorationColor: isNextToConfirm
+                            ? isDark
+                              ? '#60a5fa'
+                              : '#3b82f6'
+                            : undefined,
+                          textUnderlineOffset: isNextToConfirm ? '4px' : undefined,
+                        }}
+                      >
+                        {char}
+                      </span>
+                    )
+                  })
+                : '...'}
+            </span>
           </div>
-        ) : (
-          currentHint && (
+
+          {/* Type-to-unlock instruction - included in takeover container */}
+          {/* Hide during give-up animation since we're showing the given-up region */}
+          {!isGiveUpAnimating && requiresNameConfirmation > 0 && !nameConfirmed && (
             <div
-              data-element="inline-hint"
+              data-element="type-to-unlock"
               className={css({
                 marginTop: '2',
-                fontSize: 'md',
-                color: isDark ? 'blue.300' : 'blue.700',
+                fontSize: { base: 'sm', sm: 'md' },
+                color: isDark ? 'amber.300' : 'amber.700',
                 display: 'flex',
                 alignItems: 'center',
                 justifyContent: 'center',
                 gap: '1.5',
-                whiteSpace: 'nowrap',
-                overflow: 'hidden',
-                maxWidth: '100%',
               })}
             >
-              {/* Speaker button - subtle styling */}
-              {isSpeechSupported ? (
-                <button
-                  onClick={(e) => {
-                    e.stopPropagation()
-                    if (isSpeaking) {
-                      onStopSpeaking()
-                    } else {
-                      onSpeak()
-                    }
-                  }}
-                  data-action="speak-hint"
-                  title={isSpeaking ? 'Stop speaking' : 'Read hint aloud'}
-                  className={css({
-                    background: 'transparent',
-                    border: 'none',
-                    padding: '0',
-                    cursor: 'pointer',
-                    fontSize: 'inherit',
-                    lineHeight: 'inherit',
-                    color: 'inherit',
-                    opacity: isSpeaking ? 1 : 0.7,
-                    transition: 'opacity 0.2s',
-                    _hover: { opacity: 1 },
-                    flexShrink: 0,
-                  })}
-                >
-                  {isSpeaking ? '⏹️' : '🔈'}
-                </button>
-              ) : (
-                <span className={css({ opacity: 0.7 })}>💡</span>
-              )}
-              <span
+              <span>⌨️</span>
+              <span>Type the underlined letter{requiresNameConfirmation > 1 ? 's' : ''}</span>
+            </div>
+          )}
+        </animated.div>
+
+        {/* Inline hint - shown after name is confirmed (or always in non-learning modes) */}
+        {currentHint && (requiresNameConfirmation === 0 || nameConfirmed) && (
+          <div
+            data-element="inline-hint"
+            className={css({
+              marginTop: '2',
+              fontSize: 'md',
+              color: isDark ? 'blue.300' : 'blue.700',
+              display: 'flex',
+              alignItems: 'center',
+              justifyContent: 'center',
+              gap: '1.5',
+              whiteSpace: 'nowrap',
+              overflow: 'hidden',
+              maxWidth: '100%',
+            })}
+          >
+            {/* Speaker button - subtle styling */}
+            {isSpeechSupported ? (
+              <button
+                onClick={(e) => {
+                  e.stopPropagation()
+                  if (isSpeaking) {
+                    onStopSpeaking()
+                  } else {
+                    onSpeak()
+                  }
+                }}
+                data-action="speak-hint"
+                title={isSpeaking ? 'Stop speaking' : 'Read hint aloud'}
                 className={css({
-                  overflow: 'hidden',
-                  textOverflow: 'ellipsis',
+                  background: 'transparent',
+                  border: 'none',
+                  padding: '0',
+                  cursor: 'pointer',
+                  fontSize: 'inherit',
+                  lineHeight: 'inherit',
+                  color: 'inherit',
+                  opacity: isSpeaking ? 1 : 0.7,
+                  transition: 'opacity 0.2s',
+                  _hover: { opacity: 1 },
+                  flexShrink: 0,
                 })}
               >
-                {currentHint}
-              </span>
-            </div>
-          )
+                {isSpeaking ? '⏹️' : '🔈'}
+              </button>
+            ) : (
+              <span className={css({ opacity: 0.7 })}>💡</span>
+            )}
+            <span
+              className={css({
+                overflow: 'hidden',
+                textOverflow: 'ellipsis',
+              })}
+            >
+              {currentHint}
+            </span>
+          </div>
         )}
 
         {/* Voting status for cooperative mode */}
@@ -843,63 +1005,6 @@ export function GameInfoPanel({
           )}
       </div>
 
-      {/* TOP-LEFT: Progress Indicator - positioned below game nav */}
-      <div
-        data-element="floating-progress"
-        className={css({
-          position: 'absolute',
-          top: { base: '130px', sm: '150px' },
-          left: { base: '2', sm: '4' },
-          padding: { base: '1.5 2', sm: '2 3' },
-          bg: isDark ? 'gray.800/90' : 'white/90',
-          ...floatingPanelBase,
-          rounded: { base: 'lg', sm: 'xl' },
-          display: 'flex',
-          flexDirection: 'column',
-          alignItems: 'center',
-          gap: '0.5',
-        })}
-      >
-        <div
-          className={css({
-            fontSize: '2xs',
-            color: isDark ? 'gray.400' : 'gray.600',
-            fontWeight: 'semibold',
-            display: { base: 'none', sm: 'block' },
-          })}
-        >
-          Progress
-        </div>
-        <div
-          className={css({
-            fontSize: { base: 'md', sm: 'xl' },
-            fontWeight: 'bold',
-            color: isDark ? 'green.400' : 'green.600',
-          })}
-        >
-          {foundCount}/{totalRegions}
-        </div>
-        {/* Mini progress bar */}
-        <div
-          className={css({
-            width: '60px',
-            height: '4px',
-            bg: isDark ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.200',
-            rounded: 'full',
-            overflow: 'hidden',
-          })}
-        >
-          <div
-            className={css({
-              height: '100%',
-              bg: 'green.500',
-              transition: 'width 0.5s ease',
-            })}
-            style={{ width: `${progress}%` }}
-          />
-        </div>
-      </div>
-
       {/* BOTTOM-CENTER: Error Banner (toast-style) */}
       {lastError && (
         <div