Woodoku is a block puzzle game that mixes the shape-fitting of classic falling-block games with the grid logic of sudoku. You are given a 9 by 9 board and, each turn, a set of three wooden-style pieces. You drag each piece onto the board. When you fill a full row, a full column or a complete 3 by 3 square, that section clears and frees up space. The game ends when none of the pieces you hold can fit anywhere. There is no timer, which makes it relaxed and thoughtful rather than frantic.

Rules and scoring
Pieces cannot be rotated, so you work with the shapes you are given. Every placement earns points, and clearing several lines at once, or clearing lines on consecutive turns, gives larger rewards. This is where the game becomes strategic. A careless placement can leave awkward gaps, while a planned one can set up a multi-line clear with a single piece. Because the nine squares of the board count as well as rows and columns, the grid offers more ways to score than a simple line-clearing game.

Strategy tips
Think about all three pieces before you place the first one, since the order you use them in can decide whether the board stays open. Try to keep the centre of the board as free as possible and build clearable lines along the edges. Avoid creating isolated empty cells that no piece can fill. When the board is nearly full, look for placements that clear lines immediately rather than building for a larger combo that you may not survive to complete. Over time you will start to recognise which piece shapes fit well together.

Who it suits
Woodoku suits players who like calm, mentally engaging puzzles. It works well in short sessions and also for longer sittings because each game has no fixed length. It is a good option for people who find timed puzzles stressful. Fans of sudoku, Tetris and tile puzzles often enjoy it, although there are no numbers involved.

Playing offline, ads and purchases
The game can usually be played offline. It is free to download and supported by advertising, so you may see ads between games or when you choose to watch one for a reward. Optional purchases may remove ads or provide other conveniences. Check the store listing for the current offers. Because advertising is part of the experience, consider switching to airplane mode if you want uninterrupted play, but remember that some features may need a connection.

Daily challenges and wellbeing
Daily puzzles and other modes add variety, but there is no need to play every day. If you notice yourself playing for longer than you intended, set a timer. Brain games are enjoyable, though they should not replace sleep, exercise or study time.

How it compares
Compared with Blockudoku, Woodoku has a warm wooden look and a calm feel. Compared with Tetris, it has no falling pieces and no speed, so it rewards planning over reflexes.

Our take
Woodoku is a polished and relaxing block puzzle that is easy to learn and hard to put down. Install it from the official store link on this page and enjoy it at your own pace.