What is Statedoku?
Statedoku combines a 3×3 grid with the map of the United States. Each row and column carries one constraint, and each cell requires a state that satisfies both at once. Constraints mix regions, demographics, borders, and spelling patterns. Some labels carry a "?" that reveals the exact definition. Each state appears only once, and the grid has a single solution.
How to play Statedoku
Read the three row constraints and three column constraints. Tap the “?” beside a label if its definition is unclear.
Tap a cell to open the selector. It shows the two constraints for that cell as badges and includes a search field that requires at least four letters.
Enter a state name. Green means it fits the cell; red means it does not.
Fill all nine cells without reusing a state. The counter at the top tracks progress from 0 / 9 to completion.
The puzzle tests attribute intersection rather than map memorization. Knowing where Alaska sits on a map is irrelevant here; knowing that it is simultaneously large, sparsely populated, coastal, and starts with A is what solves cells. Because the solution is unique, the grid is solved through logical elimination as much as general knowledge.
Reading the feedback
Each cell provides immediate validation. Green marks a correct placement, red signals an incorrect state. The counter at the top advances as cells are filled. A selected cell remains highlighted in light blue until you commit a choice.
Modes
Daily grid: A dated puzzle displayed with the day of the week at the top of the page.
Archive: The footer opens previous grids for replay.
Tips for solving efficiently
Start with the narrowest constraint. Some constraints reduce the candidate list to a handful of states; others leave dozens. Beginning with the broadest constraint forces backtracking.
Each state can be used only once. A state that fits two cells at once is a trap. Save it for the cell where it has no replacement, or you will block the other.
Read the "?" on labeled constraints before assuming their scope. Political and demographic divisions vary across sources, and the game uses a specific definition.
The search field requires four letters before suggesting states. Think of the full state name, not the two-letter postal code.
Common questions
Does the game require an account?
No. The game operates without registration. The daily grid is cached in the browser.
Can I play in other languages?
Yes. The header offers EN, FR, and ES.
Are there multiple valid solutions?
No. The help panel confirms a single solution, with each state usable only once.
Can I receive the daily grid by email?
Yes. A banner invites you to sign up for daily delivery.