Hidato (also called Number Snake) is a logic puzzle invented by Dr. Gyora Benedek. You are given a grid with some numbers already placed. The goal is to fill every cell with consecutive numbers from 1 to N so that each number is orthogonally or diagonally adjacent to the next number in the sequence.

How do you solve a Hidato puzzle?

Start by finding the lowest and highest given numbers. Look for forced connections — if two consecutive given numbers are near each other, the path between them is often forced. Work outward from the endpoints (1 and the maximum) and fill gaps where only one path is possible.

What grid sizes are available?

Four options: 5×5 square (25 cells, quick puzzles), 7×7 square (49 cells, balanced challenge), 10×10 square (100 cells, advanced), and hexagonal (beehive) grids for a fresh twist on the classic format.

What is the difference between Hidato and Numbrix?

Hidato allows diagonal adjacency — each number can connect to any of its 8 neighbours (orthogonal + diagonal). Numbrix only allows orthogonal connections (up, down, left, right). This makes Hidato paths more flexible but also harder to constrain logically.

What is a hexagonal (beehive) Hidato?

Hexagonal Hidato uses a honeycomb grid of hexagonal cells instead of squares. Each hex cell has six neighbours. The same rules apply — fill every cell with consecutive numbers so each pair of successive numbers shares a hex edge or vertex.

Play Hidato Online

Fill every cell with consecutive numbers from 1 to N. Each number must be adjacent (including diagonally) to the next — creating a number snake through the grid!

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Hidato number snake puzzle — fill the grid with a consecutive number path

What Is Hidato?

Hidato (Hebrew for “my riddle”) is a number-placement logic puzzle invented by Israeli mathematician Dr. Gyora Benedek. Also known as Number Snake, Hidoku, or Beehive Hidato when played on hexagonal grids, the puzzle has appeared in newspapers and puzzle books worldwide since 2005.

You are given a grid — square or hexagonal — with some cells already containing numbers. Your task is to fill every empty cell with a number so that the integers from 1 to N (where N is the total number of cells) form a continuous chain. Each consecutive pair of numbers must occupy adjacent cells — including diagonals on square grids and all six neighbours on hexagonal grids.

The result is a single unbroken path of numbers that snakes through the entire board — hence the “Number Snake” nickname. Every well-formed Hidato puzzle has exactly one unique solution achievable through pure logic.

Rules of Hidato

Fill every cell: Place a number in each empty cell so that every integer from 1 to N appears exactly once (N = total cells).
Consecutive adjacency: Each number K must be adjacent (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on square grids; sharing an edge on hexagonal grids) to both K−1 and K+1.
Given clues are fixed: Pre-placed numbers cannot be moved. They anchor the path and constrain where the chain can go.
Unique solution: A properly constructed Hidato puzzle has exactly one solution, solvable without guessing.

How to Solve Hidato Puzzles

1. Locate the Endpoints

Find the cells containing 1 and the maximum number. These are the start and end of your number snake. Begin building the path outward from these anchors.

2. Bridge Known Gaps

When two given numbers like 5 and 8 are close together, the missing numbers 6 and 7 must fit in cells between them. If only one path connects the two clues, those cells are forced — fill them immediately.

3. Look for Bottlenecks

Corners and edges limit how many neighbours a cell has. If a number is in a corner, its successor and predecessor can only be in 3 cells (square grid) or fewer (hex). These bottlenecks often produce forced placements.

4. Use Parity and Distance

Count the Chebyshev distance (maximum of row and column differences) between two given numbers. If the distance equals the numeric gap, the path between them must travel in a straight diagonal — every cell along the way is determined.

5. Eliminate Impossible Paths

If placing a number in cell A would leave cell B unreachable (no way to connect the remaining sequences), then A is not valid for that number. Think ahead to ensure the path can still complete.

6. Work From Multiple Anchors

Don’t focus on one end of the chain. Extend paths from every given clue simultaneously. Converging chains quickly narrow down the remaining possibilities.

Grid Shapes & Sizes

5×5 Square: 25 cells — quick puzzles ideal for learning the rules and basic solving techniques.
7×7 Square: 49 cells — the classic Hidato experience with longer paths and more complex branching.
10×10 Square: 100 cells — large grids for experienced solvers wanting a serious session.
Hexagonal (Beehive): Honeycomb layouts where each cell has six neighbours instead of eight. A fresh challenge even for square-grid veterans.

Square Grid vs Hexagonal (Beehive) Hidato

Neighbours: Square cells have up to 8 neighbours (including diagonals); hex cells have exactly 6 edge-sharing neighbours.
Path flexibility: Diagonal movement on square grids allows wide “jumps” in the chain. Hex grids force tighter snaking.
Visual feel: The honeycomb layout makes beehive Hidato feel like a distinct puzzle, even though the rules are essentially the same.

Hidato vs Other Number Puzzles

vs Sudoku: Sudoku restricts duplicates in rows, columns, and boxes. Hidato cares about consecutive adjacency — different constraint, different solving logic.
vs Numbrix: Numbrix uses the same consecutive-path idea but only allows orthogonal adjacency (no diagonals). Hidato’s diagonal connections create a very different solving experience.
vs KenKen: KenKen combines arithmetic and Latin-square constraints. Hidato is purely about spatial path connectivity.
vs Fillomino: Fillomino fills groups of equal numbers. Hidato fills a single chain of consecutive numbers — entirely different logic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hidato (Number Snake) is a logic puzzle where you fill a grid with consecutive numbers from 1 to N so that each pair of successive numbers occupies adjacent cells — including diagonals on square grids.

Start from the endpoints (1 and N) and any given clues. Bridge gaps between nearby clues where only one path is possible. Look for bottlenecks at corners and edges, and work from multiple anchors simultaneously.

Hidato allows diagonal adjacency (up to 8 neighbours per cell on square grids), while Numbrix only permits orthogonal movement (4 neighbours). This makes the path more flexible in Hidato and changes the solving strategies.

Beehive Hidato uses hexagonal cells arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Each cell has six neighbours instead of eight. The same consecutive-path rule applies — fill every hex with a number so each successive pair shares a hex edge.

Yes. All puzzles on this site are generated with a unique solution that can be found through logic alone — no guessing required.

Square grids: 5×5, 7×7, and 10×10. Additionally, hexagonal (beehive) grids are available. Each comes in Easy, Medium, and Hard difficulties — the harder the level, the fewer given clues you start with.

More Puzzle & Strategy Games

If you enjoy Hidato, try these other free games on our site:

Fillomino

Fill every cell so each connected group of identical numbers has a size equal to its value.

Nurikabe

Shade cells to form a connected sea around numbered islands.