Free Online 15 Puzzle
Challenge yourself with the classic 15 Puzzle sliding tile game, free in your browser — no download or sign-up required. Prefer something else? Try Sudoku, 2048, Kakuro or Minesweeper.
15 Puzzle
Challenge yourself with the classic 15 Puzzle sliding tile game, free online. Arrange the numbered tiles in order using the fewest moves possible.
How to Play the 15 Puzzle
The 15 Puzzle is a classic sliding tile game played on a 4x4 grid with 15 numbered tiles and one empty space. Slide tiles into the empty space, one at a time, until the numbers read 1 through 15 in order with the empty space in the bottom-right corner.
Controls
- Click or tap any tile next to the empty space to slide it into that space.
- Arrow keys also work on desktop — each key slides the tile adjacent to the empty space in that direction.
- Every shuffle is checked to be solvable, so you can always reach the finished order.
Solving strategy
- Solve the top row first, sliding 1, 2, 3 and 4 into place from left to right.
- Next solve the left column below the top row, then repeat the same top-row/left-column approach on the smaller grid that remains.
- Leave the last four tiles (bottom-right 2x2 block) for last — they usually need a short back-and-forth sequence to lock into place.
What are the rules of the 15 Puzzle?
Slide the numbered tiles around the 4x4 grid using the single empty space, arranging them in order from 1 to 15 reading left to right, top to bottom, with the empty space ending in the bottom-right corner.
Is every shuffle solvable?
Yes. Every shuffle on PuzzleDigits is checked against the mathematical solvability rule for the 15 Puzzle before it's given to you, so you'll never be stuck with an impossible board.
What's the fastest way to solve the 15 Puzzle?
Solve it layer by layer: place the top row first, then the left column, then repeat that pattern on the remaining smaller grid, saving the last 2x2 block for a final short sequence of moves.
Is there a move counter or best score?
Yes. Every move you make is counted, and your fewest-moves record is saved automatically in your browser so you can try to beat it next time.
Can I play the 15 Puzzle on mobile?
Yes, just tap any tile next to the empty space to slide it, or use arrow keys on a desktop keyboard.