Sliding Puzzle
Play the classic sliding number puzzle free in your browser — no download, no sign-up. Slide tiles into order on 3×3, 4×4 or 5×5 boards with hints and local best scores.
The sliding puzzle (15-puzzle) is a timeless brain teaser: numbered tiles sit in a grid with one empty slot. Slide neighbors into the gap until every number reads 1, 2, 3… in order. It trains spatial planning and patience — and our version tracks your moves and time as you chase a faster solve.
Why Play Here
Runs entirely in your browser. Pick 3×3, 4×4 or 5×5 and shuffle — no install, no account.
Smart hints show the next best slide, and your fastest time and fewest moves per grid size are saved locally.
How to Play
Tap any tile adjacent to the empty cell to slide it into the gap. On mobile you can also swipe a movable tile toward the blank.
Win when tiles read 1 through N in reading order with the blank in the bottom-right corner.
Classic Strategy
Solve the top row first, then the left column — the same corner-first method used on physical 15-puzzles.
Work on getting 1 and 2 into place before worrying about lower rows; each locked corner frees more room to maneuver.
Quick Tips
- Focus on one row or column at a time instead of scattering moves.
- Use the hint button when stuck — it marks the next tile to slide.
- Fewer moves often beats raw speed; plan two slides ahead.
- On 4×4, master the 3×3 corner technique before chasing record times.
- Shuffle again anytime from the panel if the scramble feels too hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every shuffle solvable?
Yes. Our shuffler only applies legal slides from a solved board, so every scramble can be completed.
How do hints work?
A hint highlights the next tile along the shortest undo path back to the solved state — slide that tile into the blank.
What's the difference from the picture jigsaw?
This game uses numbered tiles (数字华容道). Our separate Jigsaw mode uses photos you can upload.
Are scores saved?
Yes. Best time and fewest moves per grid size plus your last 10 completed games are stored locally.
