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Futoshiki
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Futoshiki

Futoshiki

Futoshiki is a Japanese number puzzle that blends clean logic with a clever twist. Fill a 5×5 grid so each row and column contains the numbers 1 to 5 without repeats, then satisfy the inequality signs between cells. If you love brain teasers in our curated puzzle games, this will be your next favorite. Explore even more Free Online Games after your session.

🌟 Why it is captivating

🧠 Pure logic, no guesses

Every puzzle has a single solution. Use deduction from row and column constraints plus the < and > signs to narrow candidates.

🎚️ Three difficulties

Choose easy for a relaxed warm up, medium for steady challenge, or hard when you want deep thinking. A built in generator provides fresh boards each time.

🎯 Minimal interface, maximum focus

Clear symbols and crisp layout keep attention on reasoning, perfect for short breaks or long, satisfying solves.

🕹️ How to play

📏 Core rules

  • Place numbers 1 to 5 so there are no repeats in any row or column.

  • Respect inequality signs. For example, 3 > 1 means the upper or left cell must be larger than the adjacent cell.

🧭 Step by step

  1. Scan for strict inequalities to lock obvious highs and lows.

  2. Use row and column elimination to form candidate lists.

  3. Cross check neighbors against < and > to prune candidates.

  4. Pencil in possibilities, then promote certain values when only one candidate remains.

💡 Tips

🔍 Start with rows or columns that already contain many clues
📐 Treat < and > like arrows that order cells from small to large
🧮 Track used numbers per line to find singles quickly
⛳ When stuck, compare two neighboring cells to force a choice

🧰 Modes and features

🧩 Unique solutions

Each generated grid is solvable without ambiguity, ideal for fans of thoughtful strategy games.

📝 Notes and candidates

Toggle small marks to manage possibilities and accelerate deductions.

🕒 Timed or relaxed

Chase personal bests or play at your own pace with gentle sound cues.

👥 Who will enjoy Futoshiki

  • Sudoku fans who want a fresh twist with inequality logic

  • New solvers seeking clear rules and fair deductions

  • Veterans who enjoy compact puzzles that reward careful planning

🔍 SEO highlights

✅ Japanese logic puzzle with inequality constraints
✅ Single solution boards across easy, medium, and hard
✅ Candidate notes, clean UI, and satisfying progression
✅ Perfect for quick sessions on mobile and desktop

❓ Frequently asked questions

Is Futoshiki free to play

Yes. You can play it in your browser at no cost.

What is the goal

Fill the 5×5 grid with 1 to 5 so no row or column repeats, while satisfying all < and > signs.

Any beginner tips

Lock extremes first. If a cell is the “smallest” in a chain, try 1 or 2. If it is the “largest,” try 4 or 5. Use candidates to reveal singles.

Does it work on phones and computers

It supports touch and mouse input for smooth play on both.

How is it different from Sudoku

Futoshiki uses inequality relations between neighboring cells, which adds directional ordering and new deduction paths beyond simple row and column checks.

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