The slide puzzle is a classic brain teaser. Numbered tiles are mixed up on a square board with one empty gap. Slide the tiles around, one gap at a time, until every number is back in order.
Start with the 3×3 Easy board to learn how tiles move, then step up to the 4×4 Normal board for a real challenge. Tap a tile next to the gap to slide it, or tap further along the same row or column to slide several tiles at once. Every shuffle is guaranteed to be solvable, so a solution is always there to find. It is calm, satisfying and free to play in your browser with no sign-up. Enjoy logic puzzles? Try our Sudoku strategies for beginners next.
How to play Slide Puzzle
- Choose the 3×3 Easy board or the 4×4 Normal board.
- Tap a tile next to the empty gap to slide it into the gap.
- Tap a tile further along the same row or column to slide a whole line of tiles at once.
- Arrange the tiles in number order, left to right and top to bottom, with the gap at the end.
Tips to score higher
- Solve the top row first, then the next row, working downwards.
- On the 4×4 board, finish the top two rows, then solve the last two rows column by column.
- Place the last two tiles of a row together; sometimes you must move a solved tile out briefly to fit them.
- Do not rush. Planning a few moves ahead saves many wasted slides.
Frequently asked questions
Is every puzzle solvable?
Yes. Every shuffle is created so that it can always be solved.
Can I move more than one tile at a time?
Yes. Tap a tile in the same row or column as the gap, and all tiles between it and the gap slide together.
Which board should I start with?
Start with the 3×3 Easy board. Once you are comfortable, try the 4×4 Normal board.