If you're looking for games like Candy Crush (short levels, clear goals, a limited number of moves) but want something that still feels new, Zertyzzle is worth a look. It keeps what makes the genre so satisfying: lining up three identical pieces, beating a level before you run out of moves, and pulling out a booster when you're stuck. Then it changes the core move: you slide whole rows, and matched crystals merge instead of vanishing. Zertyzzle is free and coming soon to Android and iPhone.
What people love about Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga, published by King, is one of the best-known mobile games in the match-3 genre: you line up candies of the same color to clear them, level after level, with a set number of moves and a goal to reach. It's a format with real strengths: sessions that last a few minutes, difficulty that ramps up gently, and the little thrill of a chain reaction.
When people search for games like Candy Crush, they usually want those same strengths with something fresh on top. That's exactly the idea behind Zertyzzle. If it's the genre itself you're after, our page on match 3 games for adults covers it in more depth.
What Zertyzzle has in common with Candy Crush
If you enjoy Candy Crush, you'll feel at home in Zertyzzle, the crystal merge puzzle game within a few levels:
- Matching three identical pieces is still the heart of the game: three identical crystals in a line set things off.
- Levels with goals and limited moves: each level shows the crystals you need to create, and a counter tracks your remaining moves.
- Boosters for tight spots: the Hammer breaks the crystal of your choice, the Tornado shuffles the board, the Magnet removes every crystal identical to the one you tap, and Undo gives you your last move back. The Zertyzzle boosters guide explains when to use each one.
- Obstacles that keep levels fresh: ice to break, rocks to shatter, padlocks that freeze a row, rainbow wildcards.
- A map to work through: 120 levels across 12 nebulae, with a special level at the end of every chapter.
What's genuinely different
You slide whole rows, and they wrap around
In most match-3 games you swap two neighboring pieces. In Zertyzzle you slide an entire row or column by one square, and the crystal pushed off one edge comes back on the opposite edge. Every move shifts a whole line, so you have to think about what will reappear on the other side. A match that looked impossible suddenly becomes one slide away.
Crystals merge instead of disappearing
Three identical crystals in a line don't just vanish: they merge into a single, stronger crystal on the square you played. You climb through the tiers: Shard, then Gem, then Jewel. Five in one move jump two tiers at once. Three Jewels create a Zertyon: tap it and it clears its whole row and column. It's the logic of a merge puzzle game blended with the fun of matching.
Ways to play with other people
Zertyzzle adds several social modes:
- Duels: challenge a friend on the exact same board, and the higher score wins.
- Teams of up to 20 players who chase a weekly goal together and open chests.
- The Weekly Rift: one challenge for everyone, no boosters, with leagues from Quartz to Zertyon. Every score is verified by our servers.
A level editor
You can also design your own levels (board, crystal colors, moves, goals, obstacles) and share them with a short code. Friends enter the code and try to beat them.
What about ads?
Plenty of players look for games like Candy Crush "with no ads". Here's the honest answer: Zertyzzle is free to play and supported by ads. However, ads never interrupt a level. Some are offered in exchange for a bonus, like a few extra moves, and it's entirely your choice. The optional Zertyzzle Club subscription removes forced ads. You'll find the full picture on our page about a puzzle game with no forced ads.
Who will enjoy Zertyzzle?
Zertyzzle is a good fit if you like short sessions and goal-based levels but want a mechanic that asks a bit more of your brain. The rules of Zertyzzle fit on one page and take a minute to learn; mastering wrap-around rows and chain reactions takes a lot longer. For more ideas in the same spirit, browse our roundup of free puzzle games for mobile.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zertyzzle a Candy Crush clone?
No. Both games share the idea of matching three and beating levels with limited moves, but Zertyzzle is built on a different mechanic: you slide whole rows that wrap around, and matched crystals merge into higher tiers, up to the Zertyon, instead of disappearing.
Is Zertyzzle free?
Yes. It's free to play and supported by ads, with no ads during a level. In-app purchases (stardust, boosters, cosmetic items, the Zertyzzle Club subscription) are optional.
Can I play Zertyzzle offline?
Yes, levels work offline. You only need an internet connection for online features: duels, teams, the Weekly Rift and saving your progress to your account.
When is Zertyzzle coming out?
Zertyzzle is coming soon to Android and iPhone. The download buttons on this page will go live on release day.
Give crystal merging a try
If you love Candy Crush but you're ready for something new, Zertyzzle offers the same bite-sized levels and the same satisfying matches, plus merging, wrap-around rows and duels with friends. Take a look at the full Zertyzzle overview and get ready for launch.
