Masyu Puzzle Online Free
Draw a single loop through the grid that passes through every pearl. Black pearls are corners; white pearls are straight lines.
Drag between squares to draw the loop. Tap near a line to remove it.
What is Masyu?
Masyu is a loop-drawing logic puzzle: you draw one closed path through a grid so that it passes through every black and white pearl. On a black pearl the loop turns a corner and runs straight on both sides; on a white pearl it goes straight through and turns just before or after.
The puzzle was created by the Japanese publisher Nikoli, and its name is usually translated as “evil influence”. It uses no numbers at all, so it suits anyone who likes spatial puzzles. If you prefer number logic, try Kakuro or Shikaku.
How to play Masyu Puzzle
- Draw one closed loop that runs through the centres of the squares, moving straight or turning 90°. It can’t cross itself or branch.
- The loop must pass through every pearl. Squares without pearls can be used or left empty.
- On a black pearl the loop must turn, and it must then go straight through the next square on both sides.
- On a white pearl the loop must go straight through, and it must turn in the square just before or just after (or both).
- Drag from square to square to draw lines, and drag over a line again to erase it. Every puzzle is made fresh and checked to have exactly one solution, so it can always be solved by logic without guessing. Use Hint if you’re stuck, and pick a size at the top of the board.
Masyu Puzzle skills
- Spatial reasoning
- Following several rules at once
- Spotting forced moves
Level: Ages 9 and up
Tips for Masyu
A black pearl on the edge of the grid, or one square from it, can’t send its line towards that edge, because there’s no room for two straight squares.
Three white pearls in a row must all be crossed at right angles to that row: the loop can’t run straight along all three without breaking the turn rule.
Two black pearls next to each other must send their lines away from each other.
Masyu Puzzle questions and answers
What is Masyu?
Masyu is a loop puzzle published by the Japanese company Nikoli. You draw one closed loop through the grid so it passes every black and white pearl and follows the turning rules for each colour. The name comes from the Japanese for “evil influence”.
What are the rules for black and white pearls?
The loop must turn on a black pearl and travel straight for at least one more square in both directions. It must go straight through a white pearl and turn on at least one of the squares next to it along the loop.
Does every Masyu puzzle have one solution?
Yes. Every puzzle here is checked by a solver when it’s made, so there is exactly one loop that fits all the pearls.
Which size should I start with?
Start with 6 × 6. It keeps a few extra pearls to give you more starting points. 7 × 7 and 8 × 8 have fewer pearls and need longer chains of reasoning.