Sliding Puzzle is a free online version of the classic number tile puzzle. Slide the tiles until they are in order from 1 upward with the gap in the last corner. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline once loaded.
Inspired by: The 15 puzzle (1870s) and plastic handheld sliding puzzles.
How to play Sliding Puzzle
- Choose Easy 3x3, Classic 4x4 or Hard 5x5.
- Tap or click a tile in the same row or column as the gap to slide it. Several tiles can move at once.
- Arrow keys also work. Each arrow moves a tile in that direction into the gap.
- Put the numbers in order from 1 at the top left, with the gap at the bottom right.
- Your moves and time are counted and your best time is saved for each size.
Controls
- Keyboard: Arrow keys slide a tile in that direction. P or Esc to pause.
- Mouse: Click a tile to slide it. Click New shuffle for a fresh puzzle.
- Touch screen: Tap a tile to slide it. Tiles in the same row or column as the gap slide together.
Tips to score higher
- Solve the top row first, then the next row, and work down one row at a time.
- For the last two rows, finish them column by column.
- Do not rush the final tiles. Take a moment to plan, as a wrong slide can undo your work.
- Every shuffle here is solvable, so you are never stuck with an impossible puzzle.
The story behind Sliding Puzzle
The 15 puzzle became a craze in the United States and Europe in 1880. Its invention is often credited to Noyes Chapman, though a puzzle maker named Sam Loyd later claimed it. People of all ages tried to solve it, and the puzzle even appeared in newspapers. Later it came in plastic frames and keychains and sat in bags, gift hampers and school desks. If you grew up in India in the 80s or 90s, you probably remember a small coloured square that you pushed around in the back of the car on long family drives.
Questions players ask
Is Sliding Puzzle free?
Yes. It is free to play, with no sign up and no download.
Can every puzzle be solved?
Yes. Each shuffle is made by sliding tiles from the solved board, so a solution always exists.
What is the difference between 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5?
The bigger the grid, the more tiles and the harder the puzzle. 4x4 is the classic 15 puzzle.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. Tap a tile to slide it.
Does it save my best time?
Yes. Your best time for each size is saved in your browser on this device.