Although Candy Crush is by far the most famous game where you have to line up the same elements in order to get bonuses and earn points, you will find that there are many more similar projects that can be just as exciting.
In this list, we highlight the best alternatives to Candy Crush on PC and mobile platforms that offer an equally satisfying match-3 gaming experience.
Zookeeper World
Platforms: Mac, iOS
Zookeeper World is the latest in a series of puzzle games exclusively for Apple Arcade that introduces some exciting new features.
Here players have to solve simple match-3 puzzles to create their own zoo and fill it with cute animals, plants and decorations.
As you complete the requests of visitors and your boss, your zoo will rank up, attracting new guests and discovering new species of animals, as well as triggering unique in-game events.
Download (iOS)
Grindstone
Obviously drawing on match-3 mastodons like Candy Crush and Bejeweled, Grindstone is a puzzle game with a very simple yet endlessly entertaining formula.
In it, players take on the role of a warrior filled with rage, forging his way through the ranks of monsters. On each turn, you pave the way for your blade, the purpose of which is to make as many successful attacks as possible in a row.
Buy
Bejeweled Blitz
Platforms: iOS, Android
Any Candy Crush fan is sure to love Bejeweled, which revolutionized the puzzle genre back in 2000 when it was first released for web browsers.
Influenced by modern trends, Bejeweled has established itself as a popular product for mobile devices thanks to its colorful aesthetic, authentic style of classic puzzles, and user-friendly gameplay.
While countless iterations have been released over the years, we recommend picking one of the more modern incarnations, Bejeweled Blitz for mobile.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Two Dots
Platforms: iOS, Android
While technically a match-4 game rather than a match-3 game, Two Dots manages to capture the essence of Candy Crush by using similar game mechanics.
Players are presented with a playing field filled with colorful dots that need to be connected to create a line that erases the same dots and opens new ones.
Like Candy Crush, new victory conditions are introduced as you progress, and the free-to-play model is quite friendly and doesn’t artificially slow down your progress.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
Platforms: iOS, Android
Next, we have a project for Candy Crush fans who are familiar with the magical world of Harry Potter, and the vast majority are.
While you could very well play it without reading any of the books or even watching any of the movies set in this fantasy universe, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells gets a lot more interesting once you understand the basic context.
The game gives all Harry Potter fans the chance to meet their favorite characters in over 1000 levels based on the tried and true match 3 formula.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Pokémon Shuffle Mobile
Several attempts have been made to adapt the Pokémon universe to mobile devices, resulting in hits like Pokémon Go, as well as many forgotten spin-offs. Shuffle Mobile falls into the first category, combining role-playing combat with match-3 puzzles where you connect tiles to perform more powerful attacks.
The more you play, the larger your Pokémon squad becomes, allowing you to change your strategy and use new tactics in more difficult battles.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Triple Town
Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
With bright visuals and cute square bears, Triple Town is a great recommendation for Candy Crush fans who like non-trivial puzzles.
Here you have to build a kingdom by matching tiles together and leveling up elements to create bushes, houses and other objects for your city.
The adorable bears will try to stop you, demanding that you defeat them in combat. However, there is a premium peaceful mode that immediately switches you to your favorite match-3 gameplay.
Download (Android) Download (iOS) Buy (PC)
Match Land
Platforms: iOS, Android
Match Land is a fantasy RPG based on match-3 mechanics in the best tradition of Candy Crush. In it you will assemble a squad of heroes, consisting of healers, swordsmen, magicians and other daredevils who are ready to fight legendary monsters.
Match Land has much more depth than most puzzle games in the genre, where players combine multiple attacks before time runs out.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Farm Heroes Saga
Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android
Most of the projects below on this list are essentially clones of Candy Crush that differ from it in theme or visual elements. Many of them were released by the same King studio, so this should not be taken as shameless plagiarism, but rather as an attempt to expand the audience.
The first game of this kind is Farm Heroes Saga, in which you take on the role of a farmer who goes on a journey to collect berries, vegetables, fruits and other fruits by matching the corresponding tiles.
As in Candy Crush, the gameplay is based on combos, chain reactions, power-ups and upgrades that allow you to score even faster and strive for maximum results.
Download (Android) Download (iOS) Download (PC)
Pet Rescue Saga
Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android
Like Farm Heroes, Pet Rescue Saga, by King, is for all Candy Crush fans, but those who love cute animals as much as match-3 puzzles.
This is the perfect game to play for a long time as it relies on a life system rather than the classic energy system found in most match 3 puzzles. Instead of sweets or vegetables, players get a variety of adorable pets that randomly appear on the playing field every time you match three of the same tiles in a line.
Download (Android) Download (iOS) Download (PC)
Toon Blast
Platforms: iOS, Android
Toon Blast managed to outdo Candy Crush both in terms of cartoon style and on-screen chaos, introducing a host of hilarious cartoon characters. However, in terms of gameplay, this is a standard match-3 game in which players need to match and swap tiles to clear sections of the playing field.
The user interface and gameplay will feel familiar to anyone who has played any of King’s puzzle games before, and the more levels you go through, the more difficult it becomes.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Bubble Witch 3 Saga
Platforms: iOS, Android
Bubble Witch is a famous puzzle series that combines the joy and excitement of the best match 3 games like Candy Crush.
The third part is designed in such a way that it is very easy to learn, but difficult to pass. The essence of the gameplay is that you use a magic wand to break bubbles by combining them by color.
Bubble Witch 3 boasts a fabulous atmosphere and a very user-friendly interface, which is complemented by many nice rewards and special in-game events that keep you coming back for more.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Cookie Jam
Platforms: iOS, Android
If the delicious sweetness of Candy Crush no longer pleases you, you can try to fill this lack of sugar with Cookie Jam. In it, you have to try to solve over 6000 puzzles, focusing on matching cookies and candy, trying to create the longest possible chains.
Of all the Candy Crush clones, Cookie Jam is by far the most popular and successful attempt to recreate the fun gameplay of the hit puzzle game.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Juice Jam
Platforms: iOS, Android
Juice Jam is a popular puzzle game that eschews Candy Crush’s unhealthy sweet pastry theme in favor of natural fruits and berries.
Players are tasked with creating combinations by matching fruit tiles and preventing the evil boss from scaring away your shop’s happy customers through over 3,000 levels.
Of course, you’ll be doing more than just making delicious fruit jam, as Juice Jam does have puzzles and daily events dedicated to cupcakes and other sweets.
Download (Android) Download (iOS)
Homescapes
Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Homescapes is arguably as popular as Candy Crush itself. This is a free puzzle game from Playrix, the same company that created the popular farming game Township.
In the story, you take on the role of a butler named Austin, who transforms a derelict mansion, moving from room to room and gradually putting it in order.
Like other Playrix games, Homescapes combines life simulation elements with classic match-3 mechanics to create an addictive gameplay that’s hard to put down.
Download (Android) Download (iOS) Download (PC)
Sourced from gamingscan.com