# Cracking the Cryptic — Curated Sudoku Puzzles

> Handcrafted Sudoku puzzles from expert constructors. (iPhone/iPad app by Nick Carney.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Nick Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673)
- Category: Games, Board, Puzzle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 208 App Store ratings · 147 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 234 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2022-07-08
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews.md

## What is Cracking the Cryptic?

OUR NEWEST PACK – CLASSIC VOLUME #2!

Classic sudoku is where it all began, and there is still lots of skill to be deployed to solve classic puzzles, and new techniques to be explored.

Nikoli, the Japanese puzzle house, named and popularised sudoku from 1984, and we have commissioned 20 puzzles from them for this Classic Sudoku 2 app. We have also created 20 ourselves, and sourced 20 more from Sam Cappleman-Lynes, the brilliant British sudoku expert. The result is a wonderful 60-puzzle pack which will delight and challenge you.

--------------------

Welcome to the brand new Sudoku app from the most popular Sudoku channel, Cracking The Cryptic.

Unlike other Sudoku apps, we feature handcrafted and curated puzzles from the world’s best Sudoku constructors. Each collection features puzzles made by various authors that are now familiar names to those who follow the channel.  Authors like Phistomefel, Clover, Sam Cappleman-Lynes, Christoph Seeliger, Richard Stolk, jovi_al, Qodec, Prasanna Seshadri and of course, Simon and Mark!

Downloading Cracking the Cryptic will give you access to our first free collection – a variety pack by Prasanna Seshadri featuring 7 puzzles inspired from our previous Sudoku apps; Sandwich, Classic, Chess, Thermo, Miracle, Killer and Arrow Sudoku. We also have purchasable packs designed for all skill levels and featuring many unique variants not seen previously.

We’ll be releasing more free and paid packs in the future so keep an eye on the app for more Sudoku content from Cracking The Cryptic!

## Key features

- Handcrafted Sudoku puzzles
- Curated by expert constructors
- Classic and unique variants
- Regularly released puzzle packs
- Free introductory puzzle pack

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Domino Sudoku Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| GAS Volume #1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| GAS Volume #2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Lines Variety Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Zetamath | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Blobz | $1.99 | one-time |
| Classic Volume #2 | $4.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Michael Lefkowitz | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Phistomefel | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - James Sinclair | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Marty Sears | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Fog Pack #1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| CTC Approachable Sudoku #1 | $2.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Cracking the Cryptic?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Best sudoku app
- 👍 Great variety of puzzles
- 👍 Excellent user interface
- 👍 Challenging and fun puzzles
- 👍 Constant updates with new puzzles

**Cons**

- 🐛 Hints are often incorrect or unhelpful
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes, especially after updates
- 🔋 Battery draining issues
- 🔒 Too many in-app purchases required to access content

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Puzzle progress and purchases disappearing after updates
- Incorrect rules or hints in certain puzzles
- Crashes and freezes, especially on older devices or Macs
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between portrait and landscape modes

**Most requested features**

- Add more color options for pencil marking and highlighting
- Implement a way to clear progress or start puzzles from scratch
- Integrate all CTC apps into a single app for better organization
- Add keyboard support, especially on Mac
- Improve the quality and clarity of hints

## Recent user reviews (10 of 147)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Please let us reset

*2026-06-22*

I love this app and the puzzles - I have spent hours playing. However, I’ve gotten to the point where I would love to replay but the empty stars just doesn’t give the same feeling of progression because the number on the pack select menu doesn’t change. I’ve tried deleting multiple ways, but something about the way it’s saved in iCloud makes it impossible. Please please please give the option to completely reset progress.

### 5/5 — Awesome! Love all of the puzzles especially the new worm by blobz!

*2026-05-25, version 1.2.35*

But can we please have a setting to keep the calculator available? Some of the non killer puzzles require math but don’t have a calculator available.

Also I really want to see more yin yang puzzles! (:

### 4/5 — The hint system would be more useful if it weren't riddled with typos

*2026-05-09, version 1.2.35*

Trying to decipher what the helpful clue is trying to say is a puzzle unto itself when digits are frequently mistyped as other digits. Normally I try to be forgiving of typos, but they're especially egregious here where the meaning changes entirely.

The puzzles are mostly fun besides that.

### 1/5 — Ohne Geld nicht spielbar

*2026-04-10*

Game geöffnet. Spielen gedrückt. Gesehen, dass jedes Game Geld kostet. Deinstaliert. Ladet es einfach nicht runter

### 1/5 — Dommage ..

*2026-01-20*

Superbe app, mais la seule du développeur où le partage familial n’est pas pris en compte

### 5/5 — high quality puzzle

*2025-11-27*

so good worth paying! Just a tiny problem with the app. After the recent update, purchase notices pop up everytime the app is opened. I bought 4 packs after the update, and somehow I have to close 8 pop-ups in a row. Not so serious one but if you could fix that then it would be much less bothering

### 3/5 — Hard and not unlocked

*2025-11-17*

All of these apps follow the same pattern and are generally geared for the very advanced to expert solvers. Also, I paid money for this app, so there is 0.0 reason why I need to complete some number of puzzles to get to other ones. I am not a great solver to any degree, but not a beginner. The 1-stars are generally very difficult for me. My final complaint is the absolute battery hog these apps are. There is a “battery saver” mode, but they drain battery like nobody’s business, so completely close the app when you are not playing. Other than that, I’ve bought them all and get tp about 3-start before giving up.

### 5/5 — Best sudoku app for experts and challenge-seeking enthusiasts

*2025-11-10*

This is the best Sudoku app, hands down. I’ve tried countless Sudoku apps in search of a real challenge, but none satisfied me—until I discovered this one! Finally, a Sudoku app designed for true Sudoku lovers seeking the highest challenge. I highly recommend this app to anyone who loves a real challenge.

### 5/5 — Purchase pop up

*2025-10-29, version 1.2.32*

Very good app and I’ve recently made two purchases for new levels which causes the “Purchase Complete: Your content has been unlocked. Enjoy!” message to pop up twice for each purchase every time I open the app. So every time I open the app I’m getting four pop ups. Can be quite annoying.

### 4/5 — Amazing puzzles

*2025-10-21*

One issue though: every single time I open the app, between 2 and 4 "Purchase completed" popups appear, although my latest purchase was weeks ago

## Frequently asked questions about Cracking the Cryptic

### What is Cracking the Cryptic?

Cracking the Cryptic is a mobile application that provides a curated selection of handcrafted Sudoku puzzles. These puzzles are designed by some of the world's most renowned Sudoku constructors, offering a unique and challenging experience beyond typical Sudoku apps.

### What kind of puzzles are available?

The app features classic Sudoku puzzles, as well as many unique variants not commonly found elsewhere. Puzzles are created by various authors familiar to fans of the Cracking The Cryptic channel, ensuring a diverse range of styles and difficulties.

### Is the app free to download and play?

Yes, the app is free to download and includes an initial free collection of puzzles. Additional puzzle packs, designed for various skill levels and featuring unique variants, are available for purchase within the app.

### What devices is Cracking the Cryptic compatible with?

While specific compatibility details are not provided in the description, Sudoku apps are typically designed for both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Users can check their respective app stores for exact device requirements.

### What are the benefits of playing these curated Sudoku puzzles?

Playing these curated puzzles offers a chance to explore new techniques and deploy significant skill, as highlighted by the app's focus on classic Sudoku. The handcrafted nature of the puzzles provides a more engaging and challenging experience for dedicated Sudoku players.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.36 — 2026-05-27

The Sudoku Worm of Zetamath is out now!

### 1.2.35 — 2026-04-09

New Release!
Blobz’ worm consists of 12 6x6 puzzles each featuring a different set of variants, many of which are making their first appearance in our games!

### 1.2.34 — 2025-12-02

Minor bug fixes

### 1.2.33 — 2025-11-08

New Pack: Classic Volume #2!

New quality of life update and bug fixes

### 1.2.32 — 2025-09-23

Fixed an issue causing the game to freeze randomly

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| [Close Cities](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/close-cities/id6475958084) | 4.8 (329) | Free | Games |
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## More apps by Nick Carney

- [Achromatic!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/achromatic/id1434235674)
- [Sandwich Sudoku](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandwich-sudoku/id1476116705)
- [Classic Sudoku!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-sudoku/id1488838275)
- [Chess Sudoku](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-sudoku/id1500654482)
- [Thermo Sudoku](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermo-sudoku/id1513994223)
- [Miracle Sudoku](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/miracle-sudoku/id1527363795)

All apps by Nick Carney: https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673

## Related topics

[cracking the cryptic](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cracking-the-cryptic) · [variant sudoku](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/variant-sudoku) · [cracking](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cracking) · [sudoku variants](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sudoku-variants) · [expiration date](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/expiration-date)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-03.*