Arrow Sudoku
by Cracking the Cryptic
Ratings
Age
4+
Category
Puzzle
Languages
English
Thu May 12 2022
60 new puzzles!
Arrow Sudoku brings a fresh and mathematical challenge to the world's most popular number puzzle. Along with traditional Sudoku rules, each puzzle features circles with arrows. The digit in the circle is the sum of the digits along the arrow's path. With thousands of levels, daily challenges, and a smart hint system, it’s a perfect blend of arithmetic and logic for puzzle enthusiasts of all levels.
Dinsun Expert Review
Our Expert Score
Arrow Sudoku is a brilliant evolution of the classic number puzzle, and this specific implementation is the gold standard for fans of the genre. For those who find standard Sudoku a bit repetitive, the 'Arrow' variant adds a fascinating layer of arithmetic logic: the number in a circle must equal the sum of the numbers along its attached arrow. It transforms a logic game into a math-based scavenger hunt.
The UI is clearly designed by people who actually play Sudoku. The note-taking tools are intuitive, and the app's clean, minimalist look prevents eye strain during long sessions. The difficulty levels are perfectly tiered—'Easy' serves as a great introduction to the arrow mechanic, while 'Expert' will challenge even the most seasoned Sudoku grandmasters. It is a deep, intellectual experience that is both meditative and genuinely challenging.
Features
Thousands of unique Arrow Sudoku levels
Intuitive note-taking and auto-check tools
Daily challenges with unique trophies
Beautifully clean and dark-mode compatible UI
Tips & Walkthrough
Look for arrows with 3 or more cells. If the circle is a '6', the arrow cells can only contain 1, 2, and 3. Narrowing down these small-sum combinations early is the key to cracking the harder grids.
Gameplays
Pay attention to where arrows cross or share a block. If two arrows share a cell, that cell must satisfy the sum requirements for both circles simultaneously, often leaving only one possible digit.
Screenshot
Q&A
Standard Sudoku rules apply, but the number in the circle must equal the sum of the digits on its arrow.
Ratings & Reviews
Another fantastic App!
Wed May 26 2021 Someday1974This is the latest in a series of Sudoku and Sudoku variant puzzles put together by Simon Anthony and Marc Goodliffe at Cracking the Cryptic. Like the others before it, this app does not disappoint! There is something for every level of Sudoku player. There is nothing computer-generated here, everything is hand-crafted to perfection. I downloaded the app the day it became available and am doing everything within my power to keep myself from powering through them all at once. I know it sounds a little corny, but like a good meal, these puzzles cannot be gulped down, they need to be savored. The challenge is going to be to pace myself and then wait for the promised updates. Great work guys, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Arrows for my <3
Sat May 22 2021 ppieraldLove this app. Got through the first couple and they were great fun. I have done a bunch of the other apps, but not any of the arrow puzzles from the CTC video series. I really enjoyed these and will hope my skills can keep pace with the increasing difficulty. I see phiatomefel and that’s scary!
Getting sloppy
Thu Jun 03 2021 mansdadThe puzzles are quite difficult, I’m no sudoku wiz so I can usually only get about 20 puzzles in (this is my fifth CTC app) before I have to look at the hints, and this time I have found two hints in a row (puzzles #29 and #30) where the hints are just plain wrong, and therefore not helpful and frustrating because it reduces me to bifurcation. I’m going to guess based on the grammar that mark has written the hints and that’s why they are so obfuscated and rushed, perhaps Simon should try writing them on the next one
Fun puzzles
Tue May 25 2021 CCotreauI found the puzzles very enjoyable, especially Rays and Barymetric. I love the variety of different variations included with the arrows, like the kings move restraint, knight move restraint, the addition of the sandwich to the arrow puzzle. Makes me excited to see what else they add to the app
Another great app
Fri May 21 2021 Amazins88The guys at cracking the cryptic have done it again! Another great app with some amazing human constructed puzzles! I’m looking forward to getting better at my arrow sudoku techniques as I haven’t done many till now.
CTC Sudoku apps are the best, hands down
Fri May 28 2021 BHGrantThe latest in the pantheon of all-time great sudoku apps, Nick and the CTC crew have put together a fantastic collection of beautiful variant sudokus. I was only expecting standard arrows, so coming across puzzles that combined additional rule sets was a pleasant surprise. My only complaint is the lack of iCloud syncing between devices since the code situation is a bit cumbersome and doesn’t sync current progress. I’d love to be able to start a puzzle on one device and seamlessly swap over to a different device when the need arises, but that’s a bit of a first world problem so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Great app, small suggestion
Wed Mar 19 2025 groundctrl2Love the app! It’s built well and has great puzzles. I’m having a really hard time hitting the numbers 1-9, so it’d be great to see haptics and/or the ability to resize buttons added, but overall this is very well made.
Need better coloring options
Sat May 29 2021 AndyT-SJWould be 5 stars except for the lack of coloring options. Great puzzles, well worth the money
