Arrow Sudoku
A fascinating Sudoku variant where circled digits are the sum of numbers on arrow paths
Arrow Sudoku puzzle was earlier called Assigned Sums Sudoku. Now, this Sudoku type is famous with Arrow Sudoku name and it is a standard Sudoku type now. In this Sudoku type, some Arrows are given and the digit which comes in the circled cell is the sum of all the numbers coming on the arrow path. One thing must be remembered that numbers can repeat on the arrow path. Arrow Sudoku contains mathematical calculations which are limited to the addition of a few numbers. This makes this Sudoku type very interesting. Arrow Sudoku is one of my favourite Sudoku types.
To solve Arrow Sudoku puzzles, one should be looking for the arrow which covers the largest part and then assign minimum digit possible to each cell from where this arrow passes. This will give the minimum number possible for the circled cell.
Rules of Arrow Sudoku Puzzles
Place a digit from 1 to 9 into each of the empty cells so that each digit appears exactly once in each row, column and 3×3 outlined box. Additionally, the number placed in a cell with a circle must be the sum of the numbers placed in cells the adjoining arrow passes through. Numbers may repeat on arrows.
Why Solve Arrow Sudoku?
- Experience a unique blend of arithmetic and Sudoku logic — the arrow rule requires basic addition.
- Develop sum-based reasoning — learn to calculate minimum and maximum possible sums on arrow paths.
- Master the largest arrow technique — the longest arrow paths give the strongest constraints.
- Understand repeatable numbers on arrows — a key difference from other Sudoku variants.
- Perfect for experienced Sudoku solvers seeking a fresh challenge with math elements.
- A great entry point into Sudoku variants with arithmetic constraints.
Key Techniques for Solving Arrow Sudoku
- Find the longest arrow — the arrow covering the largest number of cells gives the strongest constraints.
- Calculate minimum possible sums — assign the smallest possible digit to each cell on the arrow path.
- Identify the circled cell — the circled cell must be the sum of the digits on the arrow path.
- Use standard Sudoku logic — always apply row, column, and box eliminations alongside the arrow rule.
- Consider digit repeats — numbers can repeat on the arrow path, unlike standard Sudoku.
- Look for short arrows — the shortest arrows (1-2 cells) often have limited possibilities and are easier to solve.
🎯 Arrow Sudoku Puzzles
🎯 Diagonal Arrow Sudoku
Arrow Sudoku Rules apply. Additionally each marked diagonal must also contain digits 1-9 only once.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arrow Sudoku?
Arrow Sudoku is a variation of Classic Sudoku where some cells contain arrows. The digit placed in the circled cell at the start of an arrow must be the sum of all digits along the arrow path. Numbers may repeat on the arrow path. This combines arithmetic with Sudoku logic.
How is Arrow Sudoku different from Classic Sudoku?
In addition to standard Sudoku rules (each row, column, and box contains 1-9), Arrow Sudoku adds the arrow sum constraint. The circled cell at the arrow's start must equal the sum of digits along the arrow path. This creates a mathematical layer that standard Sudoku does not have.
Can numbers repeat on the arrow path?
Yes — numbers may repeat on the arrow path. This is a key difference from standard Sudoku where each digit must appear exactly once in a row, column, or box. The repetition rule applies only to the arrow path, not to rows, columns, or boxes.
Do I need to be good at math to solve Arrow Sudoku?
Only basic addition is required. The math in Arrow Sudoku is limited to summing a few numbers (usually 2-4 digits). If you can add single-digit numbers, you have all the math skills needed. The real challenge is the logic, not the arithmetic.
What is Diagonal Arrow Sudoku?
Diagonal Arrow Sudoku combines Arrow Sudoku rules with Diagonal Sudoku rules. In addition to the arrow sum constraint, each of the two main diagonals must also contain the digits 1-9 exactly once. This adds an extra layer of constraint for experienced solvers.
Where can I find more Sudoku variants?
The Sudoku Variations Main Page is the central index for all Sudoku variant types available on Fun With Puzzles. It covers a wide range of constraint-based variants and is the best place to discover new Sudoku challenges.
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