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Mobile gaming has exploded in popularity, but few games have stuck in our minds (and thumbs) like Candy Crush. Ever since its debut in 2012, this sensation has become a staple, setting the bar for match-3 puzzle games. As we head into 2025, the casual gaming world offers numerous great options when you’re looking for a change. For those searching for alternatives, we’ve put together a list of addictive options that will challenge your puzzle skills.
The lasting popularity of match-3 games stems from their simplicity and fun. They combine strategy, luck, and skill, providing your brain with a workout that’s both relaxing and exciting. Like a perfectly made dessert, these games give you quick wins every time you make a match, and they slowly get harder to keep you hooked.
Why look for something different than Candy Crush? Perhaps you’ve completed all the levels and are looking for something new. Alternatively, you may prefer a different theme or innovative new twists on the classic gameplay. Additionally, with phones continually improving, we’re seeing games with impressive graphics and features that weren’t available when Candy Crush first launched.
Let’s explore some of the best games in the same style and discover what makes each one unique. From matching fruits to finding ancient treasures, these games build on what Candy Crush started. Whether you’re a puzzle expert or just want something fun to play free games online without downloading, our list has something for everyone.
8 games similar to Candy Crush to play online (no download)
Sweet Tooth Town: A Sugary Adventure
🍬 Why it’s similar to Candy Crush: Sweet Tooth Town shares the same colourful match-3 gameplay that Candy Crush fans love, with vibrant candy-themed graphics and satisfying matching mechanics.
🍬 What makes it unique: This game adds town-building elements to the traditional match-3 formula. As you complete levels, you’ll earn resources to build and customise your own sweet-themed town.
🍬 Perfect for Players who enjoy strategic thinking and creating something while solving puzzles.
🍬 Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (Intermediate)
🍬 Why you’ll love it: Sweet Tooth Town combines the satisfaction of match-3 gameplay with the rewarding feeling of watching your town grow and develop with each completed level.
Garden Blast: Match, Pop, and Bloom!
🍬 Why it’s similar to Candy Crush: Garden Blast features the same addictive matching mechanics with colourful garden elements instead of candies.
🍬 What makes it unique: The garden theme brings fresh gameplay elements like growing plants and flowers as you match. Special power-ups are themed around garden tools and natural elements.
🍬 Perfect for Nature lovers and anyone who enjoys watching things grow and bloom while solving puzzles.
🍬 Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (Intermediate)
🍬 Why you’ll love it: The calming garden atmosphere combined with satisfying match-3 gameplay creates a relaxing yet engaging experience that’s perfect for unwinding.
Bejeweled Stars
🍬 Why it’s similar to Candy Crush: As the spiritual predecessor to Candy Crush, Bejeweled Stars features the classic gem-matching gameplay that inspired the whole genre.
🍬 What makes it unique: The game includes a star system where you collect and use stars to unlock special powers and features.
🍬 Perfect for Purists who want to experience the original match-3 formula with modern enhancements.
🍬 Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (Intermediate)
🍬 Why you’ll love it: Bejeweled Stars offers refined gameplay mechanics with beautiful visuals and satisfying effects that have been perfected over years of development.
Stack’em HD
🍬 Why it’s similar to Candy Crush: Stack’em HD offers colourful matching gameplay but with a twist on the traditional formula.
🍬 What makes it unique: Instead of swapping, you stack similar items to make matches, creating a vertical dimension to puzzle-solving.
🍬 Perfect for: Players looking for a fresh approach to matching games with different strategic considerations.
🍬 Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (Intermediate)
🍬 Why you’ll love it: The stacking mechanics create new challenges and opportunities for chain reactions that aren’t possible in traditional match-3 games.
Trizzle
Why it’s similar to Candy Crush: Trizzle features colourful matching gameplay with special combinations and power-ups.
🍬 What makes it unique: This game utilises Russian nesting dolls (matryoshkas) as its matching elements, resulting in a distinctive visual style and gameplay experience..
🍬 Perfect for Players who appreciate cultural themes and distinctive art styles in their puzzle games.
🍬 Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (Intermediate)
🍬 Why you’ll love it: The charming Russian doll theme brings a fresh aesthetic to the match-3 genre, and the dolls’ nesting nature creates interesting gameplay mechanics.
10 games like Candy Crush to download on your phone
ZooKeeper Battle
ZooKeeper Battle brings matching into the world of competitive gaming. You play against others in real-time battles, matching animals to attack your opponent and defend yourself. The competition adds excitement to the matching gameplay, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry.
Cut the Rope: BLAST
This spin-off from the popular Cut the Rope series combines matching gameplay with the cute Om Nom character. You’ll match colourful candies to feed Om Nom while solving physics-based puzzles, creating a hybrid experience that offers more variety than traditional match-3 games.
Sliding Seas
Sliding Seas takes match-3 gameplay to the ocean with a unique island-building mechanic. As you match tiles, you’ll rescue castaways and build a thriving seaside community. The combination of matching and simulation elements creates a more immersive experience.
Hexbee
Hexbee stands out with its hexagonal grid rather than the traditional square layout. Matching bee-like creatures on this unique grid creates new strategic possibilities and visual patterns, making it feel fresh even for veteran match-3 players.
Pokemon Shuffle Mobile
Pokemon Shuffle Mobile brings the beloved Pokemon characters into a match-3 format. You’ll match Pokemon faces to attack and catch wild Pokemon, adding collection and battle elements that appeal to Pokemon fans and puzzle enthusiasts alike.
Triple Town
Triple Town combines matching with a city-building strategy. You match three or more items to create better structures, gradually building a thriving town. The long-term planning aspect adds depth that many match-3 games lack.
Royal Match
Royal Match wraps its matching gameplay in a royal castle theme where you help King Robert renovate his kingdom. With vibrant graphics and well-designed levels, it offers a polished experience for those who enjoy narrative elements with their puzzles.
Bejeweled Blitz
Bejeweled Blitz takes the classic matching formula and speeds it up, challenging you to score as many points as possible in just one minute. These quick rounds are ideal for short gaming sessions, creating a more intense and adrenaline-fueled experience.
Toon Blast
Toon Blast combines cartoon characters with tap-to-clear block mechanics rather than swapping. The charming characters and story elements create a more engaging narrative experience than many match-3 games.
Cookie Jam
Cookie Jam mixes baking themes with match-3 gameplay, challenging you to create delicious treats by matching ingredients. With over 5000 levels and regular updates, it offers nearly endless puzzle-solving entertainment for sweet-toothed gamers.
Tips to Master Match-Three Games Like Candy Crush
Always look for the biggest match
🍬Tip! Creating four or five-tile matches generates special pieces with powerful effects. These special pieces can clear entire rows, columns, or areas, helping you make significant progress with a single move. Always scan the board for potential larger matches before settling for basic three-tile combinations.
Use power-ups wisely
🍬Tip! Save them for harder levels or when you’re stuck. Power-ups are precious resources that can make the difference between success and failure on challenging levels. Instead of using them as soon as they’re available, save them for situations where you’re a few moves away from completing objectives but running out of turns.
Plan moves ahead
🍬Tip! Think strategically to clear objectives faster. Like chess players thinking several moves ahead, successful match-3 players visualize how the board will change after each move. Consider how pieces will fall, what new matching opportunities will arise, and how to set up chain reactions for maximum efficiency.
Focus on clearing obstacles first
🍬 Tip! Remove blockers like jelly, ice, or cages early to free up the board and create better matches. Obstacles limit your matching options and prevent access to portions of the board. Prioritizing their removal early in a level gives you more flexibility and matching opportunities for the remainder of your turns.
Take breaks and have fun!
🍬Tip! Avoid frustration and enjoy the game at your own pace. Match-3 games are designed to be enjoyable, not stressful. If you find yourself getting frustrated with a particularly challenging level, take a short break and return with fresh eyes. Remember that persistence usually pays off, and most levels become manageable with practice and patience.
Why play match-three games on POGO?
Pogo offers a premium experience for match-3 enthusiasts with high-quality games that you can play directly in your browser. Unlike many mobile alternatives that require downloads and constant updates, Pogo’s games are instantly accessible with no installation needed.
One of the biggest advantages of playing on Pogo is the ad-free experience available with club pogo premium games. Without interruptions, you can fully immerse yourself in the colorful, satisfying gameplay that makes match-three games so addictive.
Pogo also offers a social dimension that many mobile games lack. You can compete with friends on leaderboards, earn badges and achievements, and become part of a community of puzzle enthusiasts. This social aspect adds depth to the gaming experience and keeps it fresh even after hundreds of levels.
For those concerned about fairness, Pogo’s games are designed to be winnable through skill rather than pushing players toward in-app purchases. While premium membership offers enhancements, free online games for adults on Pogo provide complete experiences without the need to spend money to progress.
With regular updates and new content, Pogo ensures that there’s always something fresh to experience in their match-3 collection. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a quick brain break or a dedicated puzzle solver seeking a challenge, Pogo’s match-3 games offer the perfect blend of accessibility and depth.
FAQs
Are Candy Crush and other match-3 games good or bad for the brain?
Match-3 games like Candy Crush can provide beneficial mental exercise. They help improve pattern recognition, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making skills. These games require you to analyze the board, plan several moves ahead, and adapt to changing circumstances—all valuable cognitive skills. Many experts suggest that puzzle games, including match-3 games, can help maintain mental sharpness when played in moderation. However, like any activity, balance is important, and excessive gameplay could lead to decreased productivity or eye strain. Overall, as part of a balanced lifestyle, match-3 games can be a fun way to keep your mind active and engaged.
