Sudoku’s popularity isn’t surprising. Its blend of logic, focus, and satisfying problem-solving offers both a mental workout and a way to unwind. But if you’re a fan of Sudoku and looking for similar games to challenge your brain, there’s a whole world of logic puzzles and grid-based games out there. In this guide, we’ll explore 18 games like Sudoku that add variety and unique twists to keep you engaged. These alternatives offer something for everyone, whether you love numbers, patterns, or just a good puzzle!
Kakuro: The Arithmetic Challenge
Kakuro is often called a cross between Sudoku and a crossword puzzle. Instead of filling in rows and columns with single numbers, Kakuro requires you to add up groups of numbers to reach specified sums. Each group, or “block,” has a target number, and you fill it in with numbers that add up to that total without repeating any numbers in that sequence.
Why It’s Similar to Sudoku: Kakuro involves placing numbers strategically, just like Sudoku, but with the added challenge of arithmetic.
Pro Tip: Start with smaller Kakuro grids and work up to larger ones to build your confidence.
KenKen: Math Puzzles with a Twist
KenKen is a math-based puzzle that uses a grid format like Sudoku but adds operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division into the mix. Each “cage” or group of cells has a number target and an operation (e.g., 6+), which you must achieve using the numbers in the cage.
Why It’s Similar: KenKen challenges you to place numbers in a grid without repeats in each row and column, much like Sudoku.
Pro Tip: Focus on single-cell cages first, then use them as anchors to solve surrounding areas.
Nonograms (Picross): Logic Meets Art
Nonograms, or Picross, are grid-based puzzles where you use numbers along the top and side of a grid to fill in squares and create a hidden picture. Each number in a row or column represents a group of filled-in squares.
Why It’s Similar: Like Sudoku, Nonograms require deductive reasoning and pattern recognition.
Pro Tip: Start with smaller puzzles to learn the mechanics before tackling larger images.
Logic Grid Puzzles: Classic Deduction
Logic grid puzzles use clues and a grid to help players solve a mystery or reach a conclusion. These are great for those who enjoy more narrative-based puzzles.
Why It’s Similar: Logic grids rely on deductive reasoning, a skill essential for mastering Sudoku.
Pro Tip: Read through all clues before filling in the grid to avoid early mistakes.
Futoshiki: Greater or Less Than Puzzles
Futoshiki is a grid puzzle that involves filling in numbers while adhering to greater-than or less-than constraints between some cells.
Why It’s Similar: Futoshiki, like Sudoku, requires you to place numbers without repeating them in rows and columns but adds the complexity of inequality clues.
Pro Tip: Use the inequalities as a guide to narrow down options quickly.
Kakurasu: The Summoning Puzzle
In Kakurasu, players select squares in a grid to make rows and columns add up to specific totals. Each square has a value, and the objective is to create sums using selected cells.
Why It’s Similar: Kakurasu combines grid-based gameplay with mathematical logic, making it a satisfying alternative to Sudoku.
Pro Tip: Solve for rows and columns with unique totals first to make faster progress.
Hidato: Connecting Numbers
Hidato challenges players to place numbers in a grid so they connect in a path from start to finish. The puzzle provides only a few numbers at the start, and players must fill in the rest to complete the sequence.
Why It’s Similar: Like Sudoku, Hidato requires logical thinking and patience.
Pro Tip: Start from the beginning and end numbers, as they provide anchor points for your path.
Jigsaw Sudoku
Jigsaw Sudoku is a twist on the classic Sudoku grid. While the rules of Sudoku still apply, the 3×3 regions are replaced with irregular shapes.
Why It’s Similar: It’s a direct variant of Sudoku with the same rules but a unique layout that requires extra flexibility.
Pro Tip: Focus on the irregular regions first, then fill in rows and columns.
Hashiwokakero (Bridges)
In Hashiwokakero, or “Bridges,” players connect islands (circles) with lines or “bridges” according to each island’s number. The goal is to create a single network.
Why It’s Similar: Like Sudoku, Hashiwokakero demands careful planning and logical sequencing.
Pro Tip: Start with islands that have high numbers, as they give you immediate clues for placement.
Hitori: Isolating the Numbers
In Hitori, the objective is to shade out numbers in the grid so that no number repeats in any row or column. However, shaded cells must not touch horizontally or vertically.
Why It’s Similar: Hitori relies on grid logic and the process of elimination, making it appealing for Sudoku fans.
Pro Tip: Look for rows or columns with obvious duplicates and shade them first.
Suguru: Unique Shape-Based Challenge
Suguru uses irregularly shaped regions, each containing a certain number of cells. You must fill in each cell with a unique number based on the cell count of that region.
Why It’s Similar: Suguru combines the grid logic of Sudoku with shape constraints, offering a fresh but familiar challenge.
Pro Tip: Start with regions that have unique, predetermined numbers and build from there.
Numbrix
Numbrix challenges you to fill in numbers sequentially on a grid so that each number connects in a path. Unlike Sudoku, there are no repeats within rows or columns.
Why It’s Similar: Numbrix uses logic to create a single path, much like Sudoku requires logic to place numbers correctly.
Pro Tip: Begin with anchor points and work sequentially to avoid mistakes.
Shikaku (Rectangles)
In Shikaku, you divide a grid into rectangles based on numbers in each square, which represent the rectangle’s area.
Why It’s Similar: Shikaku uses grid-based logic and spatial awareness, similar to Sudoku’s need for logical placement.
Pro Tip: Start with large numbers, as they create larger, obvious rectangles.
Tents and Trees
In Tents and Trees, each tree on the grid must have a tent next to it, with row and column restrictions on the number of tents.
Why It’s Similar: Like Sudoku, Tents and Trees requires planning and elimination to place tents correctly.
Pro Tip: Begin with rows or columns that have maximum or zero tents to narrow down options.
Slitherlink
In Slitherlink, players draw lines around numbers to create an enclosed loop, with each number indicating how many lines should surround it.
Why It’s Similar: Slitherlink requires logic and pattern recognition, much like Sudoku’s structure.
Pro Tip: Focus on cells with 3s and 0s first, as they give clear clues for line placement.
Battleships Puzzle
This logic puzzle is based on the game Battleship, but here, players must place ships in a grid based on given clues and restrictions.
Why It’s Similar: Battleships require the same attention to deduction and placement as Sudoku.
Pro Tip: Look for rows or columns with high or low ship totals first.
Fillomino
Fillomino involves dividing the grid into regions, each marked by a specific number of cells. Each number must match the region’s size.
Why It’s Similar: Like Sudoku, Fillomino requires logical placement and number matching.
Pro Tip: Start by filling regions with fixed numbers, then build out the grid.
Star Battle
In Star Battle, you must place a specific number of stars in each row, column, and outlined region without them touching each other.
Why It’s Similar: Star Battle involves grid-based strategy and planning, just like Sudoku.
Pro Tip: Focus on rows or columns with only a few options for star placement.
Conclusion: Finding Your Next Favorite Puzzle
If you love Sudoku but want to explore new ways to test your logic and deduction skills, these 18 alternatives offer a wealth of variety. Each game brings something unique to the table, from arithmetic puzzles to pattern-based logic challenges. Trying out new puzzles can keep your brain engaged and help improve mental flexibility, focus, and problem-solving abilities. So go ahead, pick a game from this list, and enjoy the satisfaction of solving something fresh and challenging!
