Get started with match-and-merge games

Rev up your reflexes and learn about match-and-merge games, where sweets, jewels and even dragons can transform into treasures unknown. The more items you successfully match or merge, the sweeter the rewards will be and the further you’ll progress.

This popular genre has spawned hundreds upon hundreds of games to choose from. If you’re unsure where to start playing, don’t worry. We’re here to help you jump in with this guide that’ll take you through tips and recommendations for getting started.

'Match and merge' is a subgenre of puzzle games. It involves matching two or more of the same elements together, then merging them to create a higher-tier item. For example, two apples may initially combine to form a fruit basket and that fruit basket could later merge with another fruit basket to make a delicious pie.

The mechanic itself is simple but these games become increasingly more complex as you progress, with many creative obstacles designed to challenge you. Objectives will become tougher and the grid-based gameplay will force you to make strategic decisions about which elements to merge first.

There’s a lot more to match-and-merge games than meets the eye. While their core gameplay often remains the same, many games have evolved beyond that. You’ll typically take on other tasks to fill in an overarching storyline. It could be that with every level you’re renovating a lofty castle, or maybe you’re uncovering neighbourhood secrets or even solving a town-wide mystery.

Gameplay can also vary greatly based on the rules and objectives set in place to keep things fresh and engaging across the genre. For example, time-limited events and challenges can add difficulty to a game, while powerups and boosts may give you just the lifeline that you need to complete a challenging level.

Don't know what to play first? Take a gander at our hand-picked selection of match-and-merge games to find a starting point.

Dive into a deep, cross-generational mystery in Merge Mansion. In the cozy village of Hopewell Bay, nothing is as it seems – especially the downtrodden mansion that you’ve been tasked with renovating. Each neglected room conceals more family secrets than the last and it’s up to you to get to the bottom of things.

Match and merge your way through complex levels to renovate and decorate the grounds, from the dining room to the pool house. As you progress, one thing becomes crystal clear: this house has no shortage of mystery abound, and Grandma seems to be at the root of it all…

Restore the lush vale of Dragonia to its former glory by matching and merging magical items. Merge Dragons’ beautiful, three-dimensional landscape tasks you with dragging items together to heal a realm plagued by Zomblins – but are you up to the challenge?

If collecting mythical beasts is up your alley, then you’re in luck – merge and hatch precious dragon eggs to discover over 37 unique mythical beasts, then keep on evolving them through their growth stages to spawn more. These majestic creatures can even help you harvest items around Dragonia and defend against the evil fog that’s taken over your camp.

Crank up the drama with Love & Pies. Mystery is afoot ever since a café in Appleton burned down, and everyone in town is a suspect. Your objective is to uncover the truth while you help Amelia rebuild her family’s café – all while keeping an ear open for gossip on what’s happening in this small town.

Merge ingredients to bake delicious treats for the customers and let yourself get carried away by a story that’s brimming with lively, diverse characters, including exes, rivals, relatives and more. True love may even be right around the corner… if you’re not too busy playing detective, that is.