The Best Sudoku Variants for Beginners

By Andrew Boyko, developer of CageDoku · Updated October 23, 2026

If you enjoy classic Sudoku and want something fresh, these variants are ordered from gentlest to most demanding. The ranking is our opinion, based on how much new reasoning each variant asks for.

1. Diagonal (Sudoku X)

One extra visual rule and no new arithmetic. If you know classic Sudoku, you can start immediately. Rules and tips.

2. Thermo

A thermometer is a clear picture: digits grow from bulb to tip. The range trick gives quick wins. Rules and tips.

3. Kropki

White and black dots link neighbours. Few rules to learn, and the pairs are easy to memorise. Rules and tips.

4. Killer

No givens, but cages and sums. Needs a little arithmetic and the cage combinations; rewarding once they click. Beginner guide.

5. Arrow

Like Killer with one big sum per arrow. It combines logic with arithmetic. Rules and tips.

6. Sandwich

Clues outside the grid and a little detective work about where the 1 and 9 sit. Rules and tips.

Also worth a try: Anti-Knight

A chess-flavoured rule that adds eliminations everywhere. Rules.

Try them all in one app

CageDoku has all eight variants (Killer, Classic, Thermo, Arrow, Kropki, Sandwich, Chess and Diagonal) with hints that teach the technique and no ads.

Frequently asked questions

Which Sudoku variant is easiest?

Diagonal (Sudoku X) is the closest to classic Sudoku, followed by Thermo.

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