X Sudoku 6×6 Extreme — Set 23
Solver Notes
Extreme 6x6 X-Sudoku with minimal given digits. Every placement requires multi-step reasoning across diagonals, rows, columns, and boxes simultaneously.
X-Sudoku — Free Online & Printable
X-Sudoku adds a diagonal constraint to the classic sudoku rules. Both main diagonals — running from top-left to bottom-right and from top-right to bottom-left — must each contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition. This is the most accessible sudoku variant: the two extra constraints actually make many cells easier to deduce, since numbers on the diagonals are additionally restricted. If you''ve mastered standard sudoku and want a fresh twist without learning complex new rules, X-Sudoku (also called Diagonal Sudoku) is the ideal starting point.
About 6x6 Grid
The 6x6 grid strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. With 36 cells in 2x3 boxes, puzzles take 3 to 10 minutes depending on difficulty. The 6x6 is large enough to showcase variant rules meaningfully — Killer cages have room to create genuine arithmetic puzzles, Windoku windows overlap in interesting ways — while remaining completable in a single sitting. Many players find the 6x6 their "daily driver" format: challenging enough to be satisfying, short enough to fit into a break.
Extreme Difficulty
Extreme difficulty represents the hardest puzzles solvable through pure logic — no guessing required, but the reasoning chains are exceptionally long. Required techniques include forcing chains (sequences of implications that eliminate candidates by showing they lead to contradictions), multi-step coloring, and in some cases trial-and-error with backtracking when chains become impractical to track mentally. These puzzles are designed for experienced competitors and dedicated enthusiasts. Average time: 60+ minutes. Even experienced solvers may spend 10-15 minutes without making a single cell entry while planning a deduction chain.
How to Get Started
- Choose "New Puzzle" to generate a fresh puzzle with a unique solution
- Click or tap cells to enter numbers (1-6 for 6x6)
- Use the constraint highlights to track which numbers are still available
- Print the puzzle if you prefer solving on paper