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NYT Sudoku Today’s Daily Puzzle

Pick Easy, Medium, or Hard and start filling in the grid.

About the game

Free Sudoku, one number at a time

Stuck on a number puzzle, or looking for a fun way to spend a few minutes? Give NYT Sudoku a try today. Pick Easy, Medium, or Hard and start filling in the grid. This free Sudoku game lets you enjoy a daily Sudoku puzzle online without signing up. Whether you are new to Sudoku or already know the rules, you can choose your level, take your time, and work through each puzzle one number at a time.

Easy · Medium · Hard

9×9 grid

100% free

Sudoku board with numbers and the orange selected cell

Three levels

Pick your level

Start gently and move up whenever you feel ready.

Level 1

Easy Sudoku

More starting numbers and simpler moves. A good place to begin.

See Easy tips

Level 2

Medium Sudoku

A little more to think about, without being too tough.

See Medium tips

Level 3

Hard Sudoku

Fewer starting numbers, so every clue counts.

See Hard tips

Level 1

Easy Sudoku

Just getting started with Sudoku? Easy Sudoku is a good place to begin. These puzzles usually have more starting numbers, giving you more clues to work with. Take your time, learn the rules, and build your confidence without feeling rushed.

To play NYT Sudoku Easy, choose Easy from the game’s level menu. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Great for beginners: If you are new to Sudoku, start with Easy to learn the rules and build confidence before trying harder puzzles.
  • Look for nearly complete rows: Check which numbers from 1 to 9 are missing.
  • Check columns and boxes: A number must not repeat in the same row, column, or 3×3 box.
  • Fill in one number at a time: Start with cells where only one number fits.
  • Practice at your own pace: If you are looking for free easy Sudoku puzzles, this level is a simple way to improve your number skills.

Once you feel comfortable with sudoku easy puzzle. It’s time to move up to Medium for a bigger challenge.

Easy Sudoku board with many starting numbers
Medium Sudoku board

Level 2

Medium Sudoku

Know the basic rules and want something a little harder? Medium Sudoku gives you more to think about without making the puzzle too tough. It is a good choice for everyday play when Easy feels too simple, but Hard seems like a big jump.

Choose Medium from the game’s level menu to start your NYT Sudoku Medium puzzle. These tips can help you work through medium Sudoku puzzles:

  • Check several areas: A number that does not fit in one row may still be possible in another cell.
  • Use notes: Write down the numbers that might fit in an empty cell.
  • Try Auto Candidate Mode: If available, this feature shows possible numbers in empty cells.
  • Remove options as you go: Each number you place can rule out other choices in nearby cells.

If you want a daily Sudoku Medium challenge or a little practice during a break, this level helps you build careful thinking skills one move at a time.

Level 3

Hard Sudoku

Ready for a tougher puzzle? Hard Sudoku asks you to look more closely at the grid and think through your choices. These puzzles usually have fewer starting numbers, so the next move may not be clear right away. That is part of the challenge!

Select Hard from the game’s level menu to play NYT Sudoku Hard today. When the grid feels tricky, try these steps:

  • Start with the fullest areas: Check rows, columns, and 3×3 boxes that already have many numbers.
  • Use notes to track options: Keep possible numbers in mind when a cell has more than one answer.
  • Rule out numbers: Look at nearby rows, columns, and boxes to see which numbers cannot fit.
  • Check your progress: If you get stuck, use a hint or Check Puzzle if the game offers these features.

You do not need to rush or guess. Take your time, use each clue, and let every correct move bring you closer to solving the puzzle.

Hard Sudoku board with fewer starting numbers

Beginner friendly

How to Play Sudoku

Learning how to play Sudoku NYT puzzles starts with three simple rules. You do not need to do any maths. You just need to place the right numbers in the right spaces.

Every Sudoku puzzle has a 9×9 grid divided into nine smaller 3×3 boxes. Your goal is to fill every empty cell with a number from 1 to 9.

Keep these three rules in mind:

1

Rows

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9 without repeating.

2

Columns

Each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9 without repeating.

3

3×3 boxes

Each small box must also contain the numbers 1 to 9 without repeating.

Four steps to solve any puzzle

Step 1

Start with the easiest spot

Look for a row, column, or box that already has many numbers. Check which numbers are missing and see where they can fit. If only one number works in an empty cell, you have found your next move.

Step 2

Use Normal Mode

Normal Mode is for entering a number when you are ready to fill a cell. Select an empty space and check its row, column, and 3×3 box. If the number already appears in any of these areas, it cannot go there. Once you find a number that fits, enter it and move on.

Step 3

Try Candidate Mode

Sometimes, more than one number can fit in a cell. Instead of choosing one right away, use Candidate Mode to note the possible answers. These notes help you compare choices as you solve the puzzle. If Auto Candidate Mode is available, it can show possible numbers for empty cells and save you from entering them one by one.

Candidate Mode showing small notes in a cell

Step 4

Check your moves as you go

You do not have to finish the puzzle in one go. Move to another part of the grid when you get stuck, then return to the tricky cells later. If the game offers Check Puzzle, use it to review your entries. With practice, you will start to spot useful patterns and find answers more easily.

Archive

Play Past Puzzles

Missed a daily puzzle? You may still have a chance to solve it. Visit our NYT Sudoku Archive to browse past puzzles and choose an available date. You can return to a puzzle you missed or try one again for extra practice. It is an easy way to enjoy more Sudoku whenever you have time.

Previous days calendar in the Sudoku game

Questions

FAQ

When does the daily Sudoku reset?

The daily Sudoku resets at midnight in your local time zone, according to this game’s schedule. A new puzzle is then available for the new day. If you still see the old puzzle, check the date shown in the game.

Where can I see today’s answers?

Need help with NYT Sudoku answers or looking for Sudoku answers today NYT? Open the three-dot (•••) menu and look for Reveal Cell or Reveal Puzzle, if available. Reveal Cell shows the answer for one square, while Reveal Puzzle shows the full solution.

The three-dot menu with Reveal Cell and Reveal Puzzle
Is it free?

Yes, you can play online Sudoku for free without creating an account. Choose Easy, Medium, or Hard and start solving. Your progress is saved in your browser, so you can return to the puzzle later on the same browser if the saved data is still available.

What is the difference between Easy, Medium, and Hard?

NYT Sudoku Easy usually has more starting numbers and simpler moves. NYT Sudoku Medium needs more careful checking, while NYT Sudoku Hard often takes more steps to solve. The rules stay the same, but each level offers a different challenge.

Puzzle guides

Keep your brain buzzing

Tips, guides and more daily puzzles to enjoy after today’s Sudoku.

Guide

Daily Puzzle Games Like Wordle

Love Wordle? Sudoku is the perfect daily number puzzle. Discover more daily brain bites to play next.

Read the guide

Archive

NYT Sudoku Archive

Missed a day? Play past daily Sudoku puzzles in Easy, Medium and Hard, anytime.

Browse past puzzles

Ready for today’s puzzle?

Pick a level, take your time, and solve it one number at a time.