Cardinal Chains

Cardinal Chains

Original minimalist puzzles

24 ratings
12 reviews
$2.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • March 21, 2018
  • October 15, 2025

Features

Cardinal Chains video #1 for iPhone
Cardinal Chains screenshot #2 for iPhone
Cardinal Chains screenshot #3 for iPhone
Cardinal Chains screenshot #4 for iPhone
Cardinal Chains screenshot #5 for iPhone
Cardinal Chains screenshot #6 for iPhone
Cardinal Chains screenshot #7 for iPhone
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About

A minimalist puzzle game where players link numbers in non-decreasing sequences to fill a monochrome grid with color. It offers a relaxing experience with a handcrafted soundtrack and elegant design, free from timers or ads.

500 unique handcrafted puzzles
Non-decreasing sequence gameplay
Chill-out soundtrack
Minimalist design
Customizable color themes
Achievements and cloud saves
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What's New in Cardinal Chains

1.1.3

October 15, 2025

Minor compatibility improvements.

User reviews

Great Aesthetic - Great Puzzles

Good music, visuals, and satisfying sound effects. Puzzle logic is simple and fair. Got this on Linux from itch.io a few years back. It’s so good buying again to replay on the go now that I have an iPhone.

Highly recommended.

Entertaining

Simple concept. I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy this much. Seemed too easy, but they put together quite the variety of challenging puzzles that kept me engaged. Just wish there was a way I could skip a level and go back to it later. Gets kind of frustrating when you get stuck on one, but I always figure it out eventually.
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Great easy and challenging puzzle mix

This game is so much fun. It starts easy. Afterward there is a mix of easy and hard puzzles — so that you can get a rest with an easy puzzle after solving a harder one. They’re challenging put not so hard as to be frustrating. Just get it if you like puzzles.

Absolutely fantastic

This is such a great puzzle game. The puzzles can be difficult but never feel unfair. It’s simple yet challenging, especially in the later levels. It is absolutely worth its inexpensive price given how many levels there are. I’ve gotten my money’s worth already, and I’ve only just scratched the surface of this gem!
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Great game, lovely interface

The puzzle style has surprising depth, and is satisfying to solve- this is amplified by how well the interface works. Spend $2 on this instead of spending hours of your life watching ads on a free game.

Developer apps

FAQ

What is the core gameplay of Cardinal Chains?

Cardinal Chains involves filling a monochrome grid by linking numbers in non-decreasing order, starting from marked cells. The goal is to color the entire grid with a single, correct solution for each puzzle.

How many puzzles are included in Cardinal Chains?

The game features 500 unique, carefully handcrafted puzzles. These puzzles are designed to offer varying levels of difficulty, ensuring a long-lasting challenge for players.

Does Cardinal Chains have ads or in-app purchases?

No, Cardinal Chains is designed for pure gameplay and does not feature any advertisements, in-app purchases, or other distractions. It is a premium experience focused solely on the puzzles.

Can I customize the appearance of Cardinal Chains?

Yes, Cardinal Chains offers several built-in color themes, including options for colorblind users. You can also create and apply your own custom color themes directly within the game.

Is Cardinal Chains available offline?

The game description does not explicitly mention offline play. However, its minimalist design and focus on single-player puzzles suggest it is likely playable without an internet connection.

What devices can I play Cardinal Chains on?

Cardinal Chains is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to run on Apple's mobile operating system.

How often is Cardinal Chains updated?

The latest version of Cardinal Chains is 1.1.3, last updated on October 15, 2025. This indicates a relatively recent update, suggesting ongoing support and potential for future improvements.

What is the age rating for Cardinal Chains?

Cardinal Chains has an age rating of 4+. This means it is suitable for children aged 4 and above, indicating its content is generally appropriate for a wide audience.