What is Pokedoku?
Pokedoku is a daily Pokemon grid puzzle. A 3×3 board presents nine cells, each defined by one row category and one column category. Categories include type, region, evolution stage, Mega forms, and other Pokemon properties. You must place one Pokemon in each cell that satisfies both its row and column requirement. You have exactly nine guesses, no Pokemon may be used twice, and scoring rewards rare answers over popular ones through a uniqueness metric.
How to play Pokedoku
- Read the six category labels: three across the columns and three down the rows.
- Tap an empty cell to open the Pokémon search box.
- Enter a Pokémon that matches both the cell’s row and column categories.
- Confirm your choice. By default, you must tap a second time before the answer is locked in. You can disable this confirmation in Settings.
- Keep going until all nine cells are filled or you have used all nine guesses.
Why the uniqueness score matters
Pokedoku differs from other grid games by prioritizing obscure answers. Filling the entire board is straightforward for players familiar with two or three generations, but using well-known Pokemon like Charizard or Mewtwo produces a poor score. Each correct answer displays the percentage of players who chose that same Pokemon, and your uniqueness score sums those percentages. Lower totals are better. An untouched board shows a score of 900. This mechanic shifts the challenge from basic knowledge to deep familiarity with regional forms, ability rosters, evolution chains, and Pokedex edges. Casual players typically run out of guesses before completing the grid, as no hints or partial credit exist. Budget three to six minutes per puzzle. No account is required to play the daily board.
Reading the feedback
A correct answer places the Pokemon sprite in the cell with a percentage badge showing how many players selected that Pokemon. UNIQ is your running uniqueness score, which adds up all your answer percentages - lower is better. PTS counts completed squares and PP counts remaining guesses. An incorrect answer leaves the cell empty and still deducts one guess from PP.
Modes
Today's Puzzle
The shared daily board. One attempt per day. Resets at midnight US Eastern time.
Unlimited
Generate and solve your own grids outside the daily schedule.
Tic-Tac-Toe
A head-to-head mode where two players alternate claiming squares on a shared grid. Play against a random opponent or create a private game with a friend. The site advertises customizable lobbies as live.
Tips and strategy
Correct is not the goal, rare is. Two valid Pokemon can produce vastly different uniqueness scores. Once you identify a working answer, pause and consider whether a less famous Pokemon also satisfies both categories before committing.
Nine guesses for nine cells means no trial picks. If a square leaves you uncertain, complete the cells you are confident about first. Because no Pokemon may be reused, each confirmed answer narrows the pool available for the remaining squares.
Common questions
Is a high or low uniqueness score better?
Low. Your uniqueness score sums the percentages of all your answers. A Pokemon chosen by many players increases your score significantly, while a rare pick adds little. Lower totals indicate better performance.
Which region does a Mega or regional form belong to?
Mega and GMAX forms are assigned to their base Pokemon's debut region, not Kalos or Galar. A regional form with a region in its name counts for the region where that form debuted. Any other form that debuted in a different region from its base counts for both regions.
Does every square always have multiple valid answers?
On the standard daily board, nearly always. The site notes that Master and Fan puzzles may intentionally construct cells that accept only a single Pokemon.