The best games to play when bored on your phone open in seconds, fill a few minutes nicely and let you put them down at any point. That's exactly what Zertyzzle is built for: short levels you can play offline, no sign-up to get started, and something new every day. It's free and coming soon to Android and iPhone.
What makes a good boredom-buster
Waiting rooms, commutes, queues, coffee breaks: you often have just a few minutes, sometimes with no signal. A good game for those moments should:
- make sense instantly, with no long tutorial;
- fit into a two-to-five-minute gap;
- work without a connection, on the subway or on a plane;
- make you want to come back, without guilt-tripping you when you don't.
Zertyzzle in two minutes
Zertyzzle, the crystal merge puzzle game, comes down to three rules:
- Slide a whole row or column: the crystal pushed off one edge comes back on the other.
- Three identical crystals in a line merge into a stronger one: Shard, then Gem, then Jewel.
- Three Jewels make a Zertyon, which clears its whole row and column.
You'll get the idea in the very first level. The rest you pick up as you play, and the details are in how to play Zertyzzle.
Sessions that fit into any break
Short levels
Every level has a goal and a limited number of moves, so a game takes just a few minutes. There are 120 levels spread across 12 nebulae, each with its own look and music. You can leave a level at any time, and your progress on the map is kept.
60 seconds mode
One minute to score as many points as you can. The timer starts with your first slide. Perfect when your bus is two minutes away.
Zen mode
At the other end, Zen mode has no move limit and no goals: play for as long as you like and stop whenever you choose. Great for a long wait.
Endless mode
Endless stages that keep getting harder, with three lives. You can pause the run and pick it up again later.
The Zertyzzle game modes guide covers all of them.
Something new every day
If you like a little daily routine, with zero obligation:
- the daily challenge: a new level every day, the same for everyone;
- the daily wheel: one free spin a day (spins can never be bought);
- three daily quests that reward stardust and boosters;
- a login streak with rewards, plus streak protection if you miss a day.
The game offers a daily reminder, but it's optional, never pushy, and you can switch it off in settings.
When you've got a bit more time
Longer stretches of boredom are covered too: build and decorate three little planets with your stardust, complete an album of 45 illustrated cards, grow your companion animal, or challenge a friend to a duel on the exact same board (see our page on puzzle games to play with friends).
No signal, no sign-up
- Levels work offline. Only online features (duels, teams, the Weekly Rift) need internet. More on our offline puzzle games page.
- No sign-up to start. If you want your progress on another phone later, you can save it with your email, Google or Apple account.
- Free to play and supported by ads, but ads never interrupt a level. Some are offered in exchange for a bonus, only if you want them, and the optional Zertyzzle Club subscription removes forced ads.
Want to unwind rather than just pass the time? Our relaxing puzzle games page is for you. For more ideas, browse our roundup of free puzzle games for mobile.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a game of Zertyzzle take?
A few minutes for a map level, exactly one minute in 60 seconds mode. Zen mode and endless mode last as long as you want, and you can stop them anytime.
Can I play Zertyzzle without internet?
Yes, levels work offline. You only need internet for duels, teams, the Weekly Rift and saving your progress to your account.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can start playing right away. Saving with an email, Google or Apple account is optional.
Do ads interrupt the game?
No. Ads never interrupt a level. The game is supported by ads, and the optional Zertyzzle Club subscription removes forced ads.
Your next dull moment, sorted
Zertyzzle is coming soon to Android and iPhone. Check out the Zertyzzle game page to see it in action and be ready on launch day.
