Arrow Puzzle: a simple rule, a satisfying challenge
Arrow Puzzle is a relaxing logic game built on one simple rule: an arrow can only leave the board if nothing stands in its way. The board is packed with colorful arrows pointing up, down, left and right. Tap one, and if its path to the edge is clear, it flies away. If another arrow blocks it, it bumps into it and bounces back, and you lose a heart.
Your job is to find the right order to clear the whole board. The first levels take seconds; the later ones, on big crowded boards, make you stop and plan.
How to play
- Look along each arrow. Follow the direction it points all the way to the edge of the board.
- Tap arrows with a clear path. They fly off with a whoosh, and the board opens up.
- Avoid the bumps. Tapping an arrow that is blocked costs one of your three hearts.
- Clear the board. When every arrow has escaped, you get up to three stars, one for each heart you kept.
Stuck? Hint makes an arrow with a clear path light up. Restart gives you the same board again, and Levels lets you replay any level you have reached.
Strategy that works
Work from the outside in. Arrows on the edge of the board that point outwards can always leave, so they are free moves. Each one you remove may clear the line for an arrow further in.
Check the whole line. It is easy to look only at the next square. The rule is about the entire path to the edge: one arrow at the far end of the row still blocks the way.
Look for key arrows. Some arrows block several others at once, for example an arrow sitting at the crossing of a busy row and column. Freeing that arrow first opens up many moves.
Slow down on big boards. The larger levels are dense. Taking a moment before each tap saves hearts, and keeping all three hearts earns the full three stars.
Why arrow puzzles are so popular
Arrow escape puzzles are among the fastest-growing puzzle games of the year. They hit a sweet spot: the rule fits in one sentence, every tap has an instant, satisfying result, and yet the bigger boards demand real planning. Short levels make them perfect for a few minutes on a break, and they are great for children too, because they build spatial reasoning and forward planning without needing to read.
Our version is free, runs in your browser on any phone, tablet or computer, works in full screen, and every level can be solved.
More logic puzzles to try
Like planning moves ahead? Try Block Puzzle, where you fit pieces onto a grid, or the calm Cat Sudoku. For another satisfying clearing game, play Mahjong Solitaire, and for pure logic, the Queens puzzle.
How to play Arrow Puzzle
- Every tile on the board is an arrow pointing up, down, left or right.
- Tap an arrow to send it flying in the direction it points. It escapes only if no other arrow is in its path to the edge.
- If an arrow is in the way, your arrow bumps into it, comes back, and you lose one of your three hearts.
- Clear every arrow to finish the level. Lose all three hearts and the level starts again.
Arrow Puzzle tips
Start at the edges
Arrows on the outer ring that point outwards can always leave. Clearing them first opens paths for the arrows behind them.
Follow the line of sight
Before tapping, look along the arrow's direction all the way to the edge. One arrow anywhere in that line blocks it.
Think in chains
Removing one arrow can free a whole row. Look for the arrow that unblocks the most others.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Arrow Puzzle?
Tap an arrow and it moves in the direction it points. If the path to the edge of the board is clear, it flies away. If another arrow is in the way, it bumps and you lose a heart. Clear the whole board to win.
Can every level be solved?
Yes. Every board is built backwards from an empty board, so there is always an order in which all the arrows can leave. Our tests check the first 200 levels automatically.
Is Arrow Puzzle good for kids?
Yes. The rules take seconds to learn, early levels are small, and it trains planning and spatial thinking without any reading.
How many levels are there?
Levels keep going. The board grows from 4×4 to 9×9 and gets denser, and each level number is the same board for every player.
