How to play Number Snake
Fill the grid with every number from 1 to the last one, so that each number sits right next to the one before it. When you are done, the numbers join into a single snake that passes through every cell.
The rules
- Each cell holds one number, and each number from 1 to the total number of cells is used once. A 6×6 grid uses 1 to 36; a 9×9 grid uses 1 to 81.
- Each number must touch the next one on a side: above, below, left or right. Diagonal steps do not count.
- Some numbers are already placed. They stay where they are.
1 and the last number can be anywhere, not only in a corner. Every puzzle has exactly one solution.
Filling in numbers
- Drag from a number. The cells you pass get the next numbers, one by one. Drag back a cell to take the last one back.
- Tap beside a number. Select a number, then tap an empty cell next to it: the next number goes there.
- Type. Select an empty cell and type its number, on your keyboard or with the number buttons. Two digits typed quickly make one number, like 4 then 7 for 47.
- Undo takes back your last move, and Erase clears the selected cell. On a keyboard, use U and Backspace, and the arrow keys to move.
- Hint (the bulb) shows where the next number goes and the reason. If a number you placed is in the wrong cell, it points that out first.
If a number breaks a rule, it turns red and a short line under the buttons says why.
Daily puzzle
Every day there is a new 9×9 puzzle at the Hard level, the same for everyone. Missed days wait for you in the calendar, and solving on days in a row builds a streak.
Tips
- Count the gap. Between 12 and 17 there are four numbers to place, so the two cells must be close enough for a path of that length.
- Use the colours of a chessboard. If you shade the grid like a chessboard, each step moves to the other colour. Odd numbers all land on one colour and even numbers on the other.
- Watch for dead ends. An empty cell with only one empty neighbour must be an end of the snake, or a step between two numbers already placed.
- Start where the choices are few. Corners and edges have fewer neighbours, so they fill first.
Levels
| Level | Grid | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 6×6 | Plenty of numbers to start from |
| Medium | 7×7 | A relaxed solve |
| Hard | 9×9 | The classic size, fewer clues |
| Expert | 9×9 | Needs careful counting |
Questions
Is this the same as Numbrix or Hidato?
They are close relatives. Numbrix uses the same rule as Number Snake: steps go up, down, left or right. Hidato also allows diagonal steps and often uses odd-shaped grids. Number Snake is our own independent version.
Do I need an account?
No. Your progress is kept in your own browser.