How to Play Shapedoku: A Simple Guide for Beginners

The goal

You start with a 9 by 9 board that is split into nine smaller 3 by 3 boxes. Some cells already hold a shape. These are the locked starting shapes, and they cannot be changed. Your job is to fill every empty cell so the whole board is complete and correct.

The three rules

• Every row must contain each of the nine shapes exactly once.
• Every column must contain each of the nine shapes exactly once.
• Every 3 by 3 box must contain each of the nine shapes exactly once.

That is the entire game. No shape may repeat in the same row, column or box. When all three rules are satisfied across the whole board, you win.

How to place a shape

1. Tap an empty cell to select it.
2. Tap the shape you want from the picker below the board.
3. The shape drops into the cell. If it breaks a rule, the board gently flags it as a mistake.
4. To change an editable cell, select it and choose a different shape, or use Clear to empty it.

Using notes

When a cell could hold more than one shape, turn on Notes mode. Now tapping a shape adds a small pencil mark instead of a final answer. Notes let you keep track of the candidates for a cell without committing. When you place a final shape, Shapedoku can automatically clean up notes that are no longer possible in that row, column and box, which keeps the board tidy.

Hints and mistakes

Stuck on a puzzle? Use a hint to reveal one correct cell. In classic play you have room for a few mistakes before the game ends, so you can experiment and learn. A mistake counter keeps you aware of how many you have left.

Choosing a difficulty

Shapedoku offers four difficulties so you can grow at your own pace:

• Easy: relaxed puzzles that are perfect for learning.
• Medium: a balanced challenge for regular play.
• Hard: for players who enjoy real logic.
• Extreme: a serious test for confident solvers.

There is also a fresh Daily Challenge every day, plus special modes like Speed and No Mistakes once you are comfortable. Start on Easy, learn the flow, and work your way up. You can play right now in your browser, free and with no login.