How to Play Arrow Sudoku
Fill the 9x9 grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9 exactly once — just like classic Sudoku. Each arrow on the grid adds one rule.
- Path sums to the circle: The digits along an arrow's path add up to the digit in its circled cell.
- The circle is largest: Because it holds the sum, the circled cell is always the biggest digit on its arrow — a two-cell path already needs a circle of at least 3.
- Repeats are allowed: A digit may repeat along a path as long as normal Sudoku rules permit (different rows, columns, and boxes). Only the total has to match.
- Conflict checking: If a path already overshoots its circle, the arrow's filled cells are ringed in amber immediately.
How this Arrow Sudoku works
- Daily puzzle: One shared puzzle per difficulty per day — the same grid for every player. The Daily Puzzle button brings you back to it.
- New Puzzle: Pulls a fresh grid from a bank of 150 arrow puzzles (50 each of Easy, Medium, and Hard), every one pre-verified to have a single logical solution.
- Notes: Toggle Notes (or press N) to pencil in candidates. Correct placements automatically clean up notes in the affected row, column, and box.
- Keyboard play: Arrow keys move the selection, 1–9 place digits, Backspace erases.
Arrow strategy: work the long paths and small circles
Long arrows are the most constrained. A four-cell path that sums to 9 or less forces very small digits, and a circle sitting in the same row or column as its own path is doubly limited. Start where the numbers are squeezed tightest. Our Arrow Sudoku rules & strategy guide covers minimum and maximum path sums in depth. New to variants? Try the 6x6 mini Arrow Sudoku first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arrow Sudoku?
Arrow Sudoku is a Sudoku variant with arrows on the grid. The digits along each arrow's path add up to the digit in its circled cell, on top of the usual row, column, and box rules.
How does the circle work?
The circled cell holds the sum, so it is always the largest digit on its arrow. A two-cell path already needs a circle of at least 3, so circles never hold 1 or 2.
Can digits repeat along an arrow?
Yes — a digit may repeat on the path as long as normal Sudoku rules allow it. Only the sum has to match the circle.
Can I play on my phone?
Absolutely. The board and number pad are designed mobile-first. And if you enjoy this, the free Sudoku - Brain Puzzles iOS app adds smart hints that teach arrow logic, daily streaks, and iCloud sync — plus Thermo, Killer, Kropki, Mega 16x16, and more.