Top 10 Puzzle Games Like Sudoku - Train Your Brain In 2023

Have you been playing Sudoku for the longest time? Well, it can be boring to constantly play the same format, when you already know how to get it completed in no time. I have been in this situation with Sudoku and after some time, I became an expert on the lines, shapes, and even patterns.

So, to challenge myself more, I explored the internet. After much research and experimentation, I have found some other games like Sudoku that have helped me build my cognition and IQ.

If you are currently looking for some alternatives that are similar to this infamous puzzle game yet unique on their own, follow this guide to choose the most exciting one.

What Are The 10 Best Sudoku Alternatives?

Here are some games like Sudoku for puzzle lovers that will help them build cognition and their sense with grid analysis. The below-mentioned games are best for your brain enhancement.

1. Futoshiki

The most challenging and interesting game like Soduko around the corner is Futoshiki. It is also known as Unequal and is based on board puzzles. It is enjoyable and allows players to develop their senses for patterns and sequences.

If you have played Latin Squares before, I would say it is mostly that you will master it. The only difference between these two is that this one has some signs (greater than, less than) between the blocks that make it unique in its own way.

The reason for this game is that it is to unravel the digits that are behind the cell or grid. Each cell is equipped with numbers between 1 and 9, scattered across the board. Each row and column has at least one number and the players are required to make a square with them.

So, when they are unraveled, they make a Latin square. The one leverage that it gives to players is that some of the digits are already revealed.

Similarly, the signs can also lead your way. Now, you must be wondering how. The simple answer is that the numbers that are revealed have inequalities that are guided by these signs. So, as you know some of the digits are either greater or less than the revealed numbers, and you can find them easily.

All the puzzles have only one solution. So, all the players are required to do is keep calm and use their brain power to solve them.

2. Jigsaw Sudoku

If you are a Sudoku fan, this game is the one for you. The game is absolutely just like the original Sudoku and has only one difference. This is also known as the Nonomino, Irregular, or Geometric Sudoku. It is purely a logical and challenging play that will require players to use common sense and reasoning.

That being said, I like the fact that the rules of this game are simple. Just after they launched the game, it earned almost 80,000 players.

Now, instead of the traditional 3×3 square shapes, you were allowed to make in the game, with this one, you can go for irregular shapes and patterns. These random patterns are what make it interesting and challenging. Each grid has numbers between 1 and 9 which you can use for solving this puzzle.

Here, players can use one to nine pieces of the grid to make these shapes. However, players are not allowed to use the same numbers repeatedly for each pattern.

The entire gameplay has a total of 80,000 puzzles. Each puzzle has two different forms and four levels with which you progress over time. All of the grids can be solved with one formula which is pure logic.

As the players progress, they get to find multiple ways to put the numbers together. The fact that they are not limited to shapes makes them creative and free.

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3. Nonograms

Here comes yet another interesting and challenging game, just like Sudoku. It is a simple puzzle game that can be challenging if you are only going on guesses and don’t care about putting your mind in the game.

That being said, I would say the rules are quite simple when compared to Sudoku. Likewise, playing this game can help you in building the infamous “brain skill” of the player for such games.

In this game, the players are required to color the different grids to uncover the picture that is hidden. Now, the trick in this game is to look at the numbers that are mentioned on the top left of the board.

These numbers will tell you how many blocks a player has permission to shade and color. Each of these numbers represents the square blocks, in rows and columns alike.

Similarly, when you are filling the blocks, there is a catch. You are not allowed to shade them consecutively, instead, what you need to do is at least take a difference between each square. That being said, players are required to use their minds and logic.

In simple words, I would not recommend you guess the image, so else, it will shorten your chances of winning in this game. In addition, in this game, the images can be colored or black/ white.

4. Math Crossword Puzzles

If you like math and solving puzzles, look no further as I am here with this fun and exciting game. This is an absolute dream for players who like Sudoku and want to challenge their brains. This game has a number of worksheets that are available on any modern browser.

The fact that you can create your own version of the crossword puzzle makes it even more interesting and appealing. All in all, it is certainly a new twist to your boring and hectic math games that can even engage your children.

The Math Crossword Puzzles was designed during the year 2020 when the world was haunted by covid 19. It is also a great way to homeschool your child as it challenges their brain to dig deeper into math calculations.

This is because it is unlike any other traditional addition or division game, based on typical and boring calculations, rather it has a very unique template that incorporates patterns, shapes, and grids. Each grid has its own answer key, so tutoring your child is even easier.

Another thing that makes it unique in its own way is that all the puzzles and worksheets are linked to each other.

For instance, if you have chosen one worksheet to solve, the answer you will get will start the next worksheet. The equations can only be solved from left to right and top to bottom, which is the only way you get to get an answer.

A fun fact is that to check whether the answer is right, you need to go back to the previous task.

5. Rummikub

Another exciting option here is the Rummikub, which is another game based on patterns. It is preferred to be played by a group of people, so if you have friends who thoroughly enjoy playing Sudoku, this might work well.

That being said, it is equally enjoyable for solo players. All in all, this game also helps the players improve their pattern techniques, recognition of numbers, and planning sequences.

Now, coming to the gameplay, the players start off with the 14 tiles with numbers on them. Now, what they are required to do is set them in order on the rack.

These tiles have a total of four colors, including red, black, blue, and orange. Apart from this, you are also getting two joker tiles that must be placed in between the number tiles.

How this game works is that you have to place a total of three tiles in a way that the number of tiles must add up to 30. Wait, there is a catch that will require you to use your logic and brain.

You cannot use the same colors in consecutive order. For instance, if 11, 13, and 10 are all blue in color, using them one after another will disqualify you.

Similarly, if you have three tiles with 10 numbers and they have different colors, it can also get you wrong. Now, after they have got the right order of the three tiles, it is time to add more tiles to create a pattern.

You can also use joker tiles to make these sequences interesting. The only players who get this set in the shortest time will be the winner of this game.

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6. Dots and Boxes

If you don’t want to go into challenging situations yet want an interesting and fun game like Soduko, Dots, and Boxes is great. It is a fun classic game that can be played by a single player or can be enjoyed by two players.

A fun fact about this game would be that it was designed by a mathematician who called it a pipopipette. After this, it has been known by many names like the game of dots, dots and dashes, and pigs in a pen.

When it comes to the gameplay, it starts off with a grid that is all empty. Now, all the players have to do is adjust the number of tiles in a way that they either meet a horizontal or vertical line between the adjacent points.

These points must be adjacent to each other. Whoever gets the most number of 1×1 square boxes with these tiles wins the game. That being said, the game only ends when it comes to a place where no other box is left undone and the players cannot move any tile further.

7. Logic Dots 2

Here comes another fun and exciting game app. If you have always been fascinated by simple yet interesting puzzles, this one is a great option. It has a unique concept that is inspired by both infamous games like Soduko and Battleship.

Likewise, it is quite easy to play and players get addicted to the step in no time. Don’t worry if you are an iOS user as it is compatible with both Android and iPhone.

What the players are required to do is make different shapes and patterns using the dots that are on the grid. Now, you have many puzzles which you have to change into something interesting. The catch is that each grid is enclosed within numbers.

The dots you need to put together are hidden behind these numbers. So, you need to put in some common sense and logic to trace each dot. You need to make sure that the number of points in the rows and columns must be equal, so they are making a square.

Whoever gets to complete the blocks first wins the game. Now, as compared to other games, it is quite easy to play. A fun fact about this game is that it is a sequel to another really popular puzzle-based game, known as Dots.

The original version has managed to get nearly 1 million players in just a week, which is evidence of it being an interesting and addictive game.

8. Numbers Addict

As the name suggests, the Number Addict is undoubtedly the most addictive game, based on puzzles. It is quick, easy to master, and engaging in the most positive way. That being said, it helps players build their sense of sequences and patterns, which is good for the brain.

It works for both Android and iOS. The fact that it is different from other usual dots and panel sequences makes it interesting for players who want to try something new.

Now, how this game works is that it has bubbles scattered across the grid. This grid has a number of columns and rows. The bubbles also have numbers mentioned on them.

The only number you can see is “1”, and once you start adding other numbers to it, they start appearing on the screen. Similarly, whenever you are adding a number, they start disappearing around the bubbles. For instance, first, the 2s will disappear, following 3s and 4s.

Similarly, you need to continue adding numbers again and again and make a single bubble across the grid. An example of this is when you add the 1 and 2 numbers in the bubble that is close to the number 3, it will make a bubble of the same size and the previous numbers will disappear.

Now, as you continue progressing in the game, the numbers keep disappearing and the bubble increases in its size. The one who gets the largest bubble wins the game.

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9. Wordoku

The name of this game is so similar to Sudoku that you don’t even have to look at whether it is like the original puzzle or not. The only difference I was able to find between these two is that Wordoku uses letters instead of digits.

This is because you will even find it with the name “letter sudoku”. It is equally exciting and fun for players who like to solve interesting and unique puzzles. All in all, the rules are simple and players only need to have some basic logic and commonsense to master.

The gameplay supports a total of four different modes. These are named based on the level of difficulties, such as regular Sudoku, mini-Sudoku, Wordoku, and killer Sudoku. All these modes are compatible with all OS, including iPhone and Mac.

It is an app game, so you need to download it before playing. You also get to enjoy a number of upgraded features and levels, with updates. Let alone on Google Play Store, this game has managed to get around 10K+ downloads, which is quite commendable.

The puzzle is built on a square of 3×3 with nine letters scattered around. The thing that makes it unique is that you can experiment with diagonal shapes. Hence, players also have an option of spinning with which they can get possible clues to solve the puzzle.

Most commonly, it is also allowed to use the same letters repeatedly, as they are only nine. The one who gets to do the entire puzzle in less time with more words is the winner.

10. Numbrix

Last but not least on my list of games just like Sudoku is the Numbrix. It also utilizes a grid that makes the rules simple to understand, yet do not underestimate the difficulties you will face in the game.

Of all the puzzle games I have discussed here, it is one of the most logical ones and requires some detailed planning. This is further supported by all the modern browsers in your smartphones, tablets, and laptops. So, even if you are an iOS user, there is nothing stopping you from playing this.

It was designed by the Hidato Games who have come up with some of the infamous board games already. The development was primarily inspired by the work of the Israeli mathematician Dr. Gyora M Benedek.

You can find it with different names like Jadium, Hidato, and Snakepit. The game comes with a new puzzle each day, based on the difficulty levels. Originally, it introduced three levels of challenges based on the speed of each player.

The goal of the entire puzzle is to fill the cells horizontally and vertically with consecutive numbers. The catch is that there are some rules. For instance, you need to have an ascending order of the numbers and the sequence must not be in a diagonal shape.

The players are not allowed to experiment with the shape of the grid. The only possible solution to this puzzle is to scan repeatedly until you get a suitable way of putting all the numbers.

More Games Like Sudoku

Final Thoughts

After playing Sudoku for the longest time, it didn’t feel as challenging and exciting as it was. Hence, when I became an expert on the lines, shapes, and the grid, I was all set to switch to another similar yet unique game.

This is because although it is challenging and fascinating, once you have figured it out, it doesn’t feel as it used to.

So, if you have already figured out the entire game and want to check your options across the internet, trust my experience and choose the right one with the help of this list.

Top 10 Puzzle Games Like Sudoku – Train Your Brain In 2023