Introduction
Each Hidato puzzle starts with a grid partially filled with numbers, two of which are circled:
The goal is to finish filling the grid by creating a path of adjacent consecutive numbers that lead from one circled number to the other:
Start by trying to make a chain from 1 to 5:
There are four possible places to put the 2, but it isn’t yet clear which is correct.
So look for other connections that will give you clues.
You’ll see that there’s not enough information to solve chains 1 to 5 or 5 to 9.
However, there’s only one way to connect 11 to 17.
Working backwards shows you the only possible position for the 16,
because the 17 has only one empty box touching it:
Placing the 16 on the grid reveals the location for the 15 and the 14:
Now the 11 has only one empty box touching it, which means that the 12 must be there:
The 13 must be next to both 12 and 14. There’s only one such place, so that’s where you must put the 13:
There are still three possible places to put the 2, but if you don’t put it above the 1, this space will never be filled:
You can now place the final numbers to complete the puzzle:
These simple strategies can solve all levels of Hidato puzzles!
The goal is to finish filling the grid by creating a path of adjacent consecutive numbers that lead from one circled number to the other:
Hidato tips
- Each puzzle has only one solution.
- Hidato puzzles can be solved with pure logic. No guesswork is needed.
- It’s not necessary to start with the first number – sometimes it’s better to start somewhere else.
- Working backwards (counting down) can reveal key clues to solving the puzzle.
A sample Hidato
The circled numbers in the example below indicate that the lowest number on the grid is 1 and the highest is 19.Start by trying to make a chain from 1 to 5:
There are four possible places to put the 2, but it isn’t yet clear which is correct.
So look for other connections that will give you clues.
You’ll see that there’s not enough information to solve chains 1 to 5 or 5 to 9.
However, there’s only one way to connect 11 to 17.
Working backwards shows you the only possible position for the 16,
because the 17 has only one empty box touching it:
Placing the 16 on the grid reveals the location for the 15 and the 14:
Now the 11 has only one empty box touching it, which means that the 12 must be there:
The 13 must be next to both 12 and 14. There’s only one such place, so that’s where you must put the 13:
There are still three possible places to put the 2, but if you don’t put it above the 1, this space will never be filled:
You can now place the final numbers to complete the puzzle:
These simple strategies can solve all levels of Hidato puzzles!
How to play Hidato online
The next number to be placed is displayed in the box below the puzzle:
To place this number, tap/click on an empty space.
To remove a number you’ve placed, simply tap/click on it.
To advance to the next number, use the arrow buttons to left and
right or tap/click on any supplied number.
You can also edit the next number using your keyboard.
Tap/click on the button below the next number to change the direction of the
upcoming numbers to ascending or descending.
Tap/click twice on a supplied number to toggle the direction of the next number.
Have fun!