😀 How to play 16x16 Sudoku
By Miguel Arechaga
16x16 Sudoku, also called Super Sudoku or Hexadecimal Sudoku, is the giant version of the classic sudoku. It keeps the same idea, but with a much bigger board and 16 symbols instead of 9. It's the perfect challenge once the 9x9 starts feeling too small. Here are the rules and tips to master it.
What is 16x16 Sudoku?
It's a sudoku with 16 rows by 16 columns (256 cells) divided into 4x4 boxes. Since 16 distinct symbols are needed, it uses the numbers 1 to 9 and the letters A to G. The goal and the logic are identical to regular sudoku, just at a bigger scale.
Rules and how to play step by step
- Each row must contain the 16 symbols (1-9 and A-G) without repeats.
- Each column must contain the 16 symbols without repeats.
- Each 4x4 box must contain the 16 symbols without repeats.
- You start with some clue cells and fill in the rest with logic. Every puzzle has a unique solution.
Tips to solve 16x16 Sudoku
- Go box by box: with 256 cells it's better to focus on one 4x4 box at a time, rather than scanning the whole board at once.
- Chase the frequent symbols: find a symbol that already appears many times and place it in the boxes that don't have it yet; row-and-column elimination is very powerful.
- Note the candidates: with 16 options per cell, jotting down the possibilities helps you stay on track.
- Apply the same advanced techniques as in the 9x9: naked pairs, hidden singles, and so on. They work the same way, just with more symbols.
How it differs from regular sudoku
Compared to classic 9x9 sudoku, the 16x16 doesn't change the rules: it multiplies the size. It requires more patience and organization, but the satisfaction of finishing it is huge. If you'd rather go the other way, try 6x6 Sudoku or other sudoku variants to change up the board's shape.
