For hundreds of magnificent match-3 games, head to – trumpets, please! – Royal Match. The popular puzzler’s palatial makeovers and fun, pick-up-and-play style make for an engaging mix, and have ensured the game’s status as a smash hit since its launch in 2021.
Why it’s popular
The match-3 games here are not only smart and inventive, they’re also delivered in a regal package. Your objective is to create a castle fit for a king – specifically, King Robert – but to earn the stars you need for the renovations, you must complete puzzles before your moves run out. Every time you fail you lose a life.
To negotiate each puzzle more efficiently, you can deploy power-ups and medieval-themed boosters – the jester’s hat shuffles all the tiles on the game board, for example. There are bonus levels to explore, too: rescue King Robert from threats to the royal household to build up your coin reserves (essential if you need to grab some extra moves). Joining teams in the game’s online community, meanwhile, can bring additional rewards to help you in your quest.
Getting started
Royal Match draws you in from the very first level – even if you’ve never seen a match-3 puzzle in your life. The game offers helpful hints whenever you’re struggling to find your next move, and is endlessly good fun even for casual players who opt to sidestep the storyline and slide blocks around at random.
If you want the renovations to progress without burning through your lives, though, you’ll need to develop a few sophisticated strategies. That means getting a feel for the in-game obstacles, and learning what each of the boosters and power-ups bring to your arsenal. It’s also worth noting that in-game boosters don’t diminish your move count, so they can be a handy tool when you find yourself backed into a tight corner.
Did you know?
Istanbul–based developer Dream Games isn’t resting on its laurels when it comes to its crown jewel of a puzzler. The team adds new levels to the game on a regular basis, so even if you’re one of King Robert’s most loyal subjects, you’ll always find something new to enjoy.