How do you solve a 15 puzzle?
The 15 puzzle looks chaotic, but a steady layer-by-layer method turns it into a series of small, manageable steps.
Solve in layers
On the 15 puzzle, complete the top row and the leftmost column first. Once those are locked in, you effectively have a smaller puzzle to solve, and you repeat the same idea on it. Working outside-in keeps solved tiles out of your way.
The last-two-tiles trick
The tricky part of each row is the final two tiles, which often need a little rotation to slot in together. Place the second-to-last tile in the last spot, put the final tile just below it, then rotate them into position. Practising this move is what our guide to getting better would call a high-value skill.
Finish the 2x2
Keep shrinking until only a 2x2 corner is left. From there you simply cycle the tiles around until they land in order. If a puzzle ever seems impossible, remember our scrambles are always solvable, as our page on whether every slide puzzle is solvable explains.
Related questions
What is a slide puzzle?
A slide puzzle is a grid of numbered tiles with one empty gap. You slide neighbouring tiles into that gap, one at a time, until the numbers sit in order. Common sizes are 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5, with the 4x4 version known as the famous 15 puzzle.
Is every slide puzzle solvable?
Not every possible arrangement is solvable. A rule called parity means about half of all random tile layouts can never be sorted, no matter how you move. The good news is that Puzzle.now only ever generates scrambles that are guaranteed solvable, so your board always has an answer.
How do you get better at puzzles?
Improve by practicing a little and often rather than cramming, and by learning each game's core method instead of relying on trial and error. Review the moments you got stuck, and mix different puzzle types to build broad skills. Small, steady practice beats rare marathons.