The rules
Pairs of matching numbers are scattered over the grid.
- Connect each pair with a line through neighboring cells: up, down, left or right (not diagonally).
- Lines never cross, never branch and never pass through another number.
- Every cell of the grid must be part of some line.
Every puzzle has exactly one solution, and you reach it by logic, without guessing.
How to play here
- Drag: press on a number and pull. To go back, pull back along the line. Pressing in the middle of an existing line cuts it back to there.
- Keyboard: move the cursor with the arrows. Space or Enter on a number (or a line end) starts drawing, then each arrow extends the line. Escape stops drawing, Delete erases the line.
- Every line ends in a circle with a number. Color only helps: the numbers are enough to tell lines apart.
Difficulty levels
| Level | Size | What it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 6×6 | Tight cells and colors |
| Medium | 7×7 | + No loops, or reach once or twice |
| Hard | 8×8 | + Reach, 3 to 7 times |
| Expert | 9×9 | + Reach, 8 times or more |
Techniques
Tight cell
An ordinary cell sits in the middle of a line, so it has exactly two connections. A number has one. If a cell has only two neighbors left that it can connect to, it must connect to both. That’s why you almost always start in the corners.
Colors
Cells joined by a line belong to the same number. If two neighboring cells clearly belong to different lines, they aren’t connected.
No loops
A line never comes back on itself. A connection that would close a loop is not allowed.
Reach
For each number, check which cells its line could possibly reach. A cell it can’t reach belongs to another line. This matters most when one line walls off a whole area.
Tips
- Start from the corners and edges. They have the fewest options.
- Numbers next to an edge usually run along it.
- A line that circles a large empty area is probably wrong: someone has to fill that area.
FAQ
- Does every cell have to be part of a line?
- Yes. The grid is complete only when every cell is covered by a line, and lines never cross or branch.
- Is there a new puzzle every day?
- Yes. A new Numberlink is published every day at each of the four levels: easy, medium, hard and expert. Earlier puzzles are in the archive.
- Do I need an account to play?
- No. You play right in your browser, with no sign-up and no cookies. Your progress is saved in your browser.