Last updated: March 2026
What Is Mine Sweeper?
Mine sweeper is a classic logic and deduction puzzle game that became a worldwide phenomenon after being included with Microsoft Windows in 1992. The game presents a grid of hidden cells, some containing mines, and challenges you to reveal every safe cell using only numbered clues.
Each number tells you exactly how many of the 8 surrounding cells contain mines. By combining information from multiple numbers and using logical deduction, you can determine which cells are safe to click and which ones hide mines. The satisfaction of clearing a difficult board through pure logic is what keeps millions of players coming back.
This free online version features three classic difficulty levels plus custom grids, a timer with best time tracking, first-click safety, chord clicking for advanced play, and full mobile support. No download or account required.
How to Play Mine Sweeper
Left-click to reveal a cell. If it shows a number, that many adjacent cells contain mines. If it is blank (zero adjacent mines), the entire connected blank region opens automatically. Your first click always opens a safe area.
Right-click to flag cells you have identified as mines. On mobile, use the Flag mode toggle or long-press a cell. The mine counter decreases with each flag placed, helping you track your progress.
Chord click a numbered cell when the correct number of adjacent flags are placed to auto-reveal all remaining neighbors. This advanced technique is essential for competitive play and dramatically speeds up board clearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mine sweeper?
Mine sweeper (also written as Minesweeper) is a classic logic puzzle game where you uncover cells on a grid, using numbered clues to deduce which cells contain hidden mines. The numbers indicate how many mines are adjacent to each revealed cell. Your goal is to reveal every safe cell without clicking on a mine.
How do I play mine sweeper online?
Click any cell to reveal it. Numbers show how many adjacent mines surround that cell. Right-click or long-press to flag cells you think contain mines. The game is won when all non-mine cells are revealed. Your first click is always safe — the board generates around your starting position.
What difficulty levels are available?
There are three preset levels: Beginner (9x9 grid, 10 mines), Intermediate (16x16 grid, 40 mines), and Expert (30x16 grid, 99 mines). You can also create a Custom grid with any dimensions from 5x5 up to 40x30 and choose your own mine count.
Can I play mine sweeper on my phone?
Yes. The game is fully optimized for mobile with touch-friendly controls. Use the Reveal/Flag toggle to switch between uncovering cells and marking mines, or long-press any cell to flag it. The grid scales to fit your screen size.
Does mine sweeper track my best times?
Yes. Best times for Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert difficulties are tracked within your browser session. The timer starts on your first click and stops when you win. Your fastest time for each difficulty is displayed in the stats panel below the board.