Hyper / Windoku
Four extra shaded 3×3 boxes must each contain 1–9
Easy
Hyper / Windoku Easy
Medium
Hyper / Windoku Medium
Hard
Hyper / Windoku Hard
Expert
Hyper / Windoku Expert
What is Hyper / Windoku?
Hyper Sudoku (also called Windoku) adds four extra shaded 3×3 regions to the standard grid. These regions overlap with the normal boxes and must each contain every digit 1–9, just like the standard boxes. The extra constraint can dramatically reduce candidate counts and often makes puzzles easier than they first appear.
At a Glance
| Constraint type | Extra Regions |
| Typical givens | 26–32 |
| Difficulty rating | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
| Avg. solve time — Easy | 6 min |
| Avg. solve time — Medium | 15 min |
| Avg. solve time — Hard | 30 min |
| Avg. solve time — Expert | 55 min |
How to Solve Hyper / Windoku
| Technique | What it does | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Region Overlap Analysis | Each Hyper region overlaps with two standard 3×3 boxes. Any digit placed in the standard box cells within a Hyper region also constrains the full Hyper region. | Beginner |
| Extended Naked Singles | With 13 regions total (9 standard boxes + 4 Hyper), naked singles appear far more often than in classic Sudoku. | Beginner |
| Pointing Pairs (Hyper) | If a digit in a Hyper region is locked to one row or column of that region, eliminate it from the rest of that row or column. | Intermediate |
| Hyper–Box Interaction | A digit placed in a standard box cell that falls inside a Hyper region removes that digit from the entire Hyper region. | Intermediate |
| X-Wing across Hyper | Hyper regions can serve as a fifth unit type in advanced X-Wing and Swordfish patterns. | Advanced |
Average Solve Times
Easy
6 min
Medium
15 min
Hard
30 min
Expert
55 min
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Hyper regions always in the same position?
Yes — the four regions sit symmetrically at rows 2–4/cols 2–4, rows 2–4/cols 6–8, rows 6–8/cols 2–4, and rows 6–8/cols 6–8.
Is Hyper easier or harder than Classic?
Usually easier. The extra regions cut candidate counts so deeply that many expert techniques become unnecessary.
Can a cell belong to two Hyper regions?
No — the four Hyper regions are positioned so no two overlap.