This Zertyzzle guide covers everything you need to play well: the rules, the obstacles in the later nebulae, the boosters, combos, game modes and the collection. Each topic has its own in-depth page; this one gives you the big picture and points you to the right answer. Zertyzzle, the crystal merge puzzle game from Djoox Studio, is out on Android; the iPhone version is coming soon.
Zertyzzle in thirty seconds
Zertyzzle is played on a board of 7 columns and 8 rows. You slide an entire row or column by one square; the crystal pushed off one side comes back on the other. Three identical crystals in a line merge into the next tier: Shard, then Gem, then Jewel. Three Jewels make a Zertyon, which clears its whole row and column when you tap it.
That's all there is to the basic rules. The depth comes from everything else: chain reactions, obstacles, goals to complete within a limited number of moves, and stars to earn.
The six guide pages
1. How to play
New to the game? Start with how to play Zertyzzle: the wrap-around slide, crystal families and tiers, goals, the move counter and the three stars. It also explains what happens when no move is left.
2. Obstacles
From the Frost Nebula onward, the board gets trickier: frozen crystals, thick ice, rocks, metal-banded rocks, padlocks, portals and the rainbow Wildcard. The Zertyzzle obstacles page explains how each one works and which to tackle first.
3. Boosters
The Hammer, Tornado, Magnet and Undo can rescue a level if you use them at the right time. The Zertyzzle boosters page covers exactly what each one does (including on ice and rocks), the "+5 moves" option and how to earn boosters without paying.
4. Combos and the Zertyon
Big scores come from chain reactions and five-crystal merges, which jump two tiers. Our page on combos and the Zertyon shows how to set up a chain, where a merged crystal appears and when to trigger a Zertyon.
5. Game modes
Beyond the 120 levels across 12 nebulae, Zertyzzle offers a daily challenge, the Weekly Rift and its leagues, duels with friends, teams, Endless mode, Zen mode, a 60-second mode and a level editor. It's all explained on the Zertyzzle game modes page.
6. Collection and season
A 45-card album, three planets to build, a companion animal, crystal themes, a season pass and events: the collection, planets and season page tells you how to unlock it all.
Daily habits that help you progress
Beyond single levels, a few small routines speed up your progress without spending anything:
- Three daily quests. They are renewed every day: complete them while you play to earn stardust and boosters.
- One free wheel spin a day. Stardust, boosters and, sometimes, a rare decorative item. Spins can never be bought.
- A daily streak. Play every day to grow it and earn the calendar rewards. Day 7 of the calendar gives you a shield that saves your streak if you miss a day.
- Three stars per level. Replay a level and score more points to earn all three: a good way to practise combos, which our combos and Zertyon page explains.
- Weekly leagues. In the Weekly Rift you compete against 29 other players; at the end of the week the top 5 move up a league and the bottom 5 move down.
Where to start
- Just discovering the game? Read the rules, then the combos page. The first nebulae are there to teach you.
- Stuck on a level? Go straight to the obstacles page, then the boosters page. Our 10 tips to beat the hardest levels round out this guide with concrete strategy.
- Love competition? The game modes page covers the Weekly Rift, leagues from Quartz to Zertyon, and duels.
- Playing to unwind? Zen mode, with no move limit, and building your planet are made for you.
If you're looking for more games like this, our roundup of free puzzle games for mobile walks through the main kinds of puzzle games and what sets them apart.
Free, with ads that never interrupt a level
Zertyzzle is free to play and supported by ads. No ad ever interrupts a level: some are offered in exchange for a bonus, and it's always your choice. The optional Zertyzzle Club subscription removes forced ads. Levels work offline; duels, teams and leaderboards need a connection.
More tips and game news are posted on the studio blog.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zertyzzle out yet?
Yes, on Android, on Google Play; the iPhone version is coming soon. This guide is based on the game as designed by Djoox Studio and will be updated if the rules change.
How many levels does Zertyzzle have?
The map has 120 levels across 12 nebulae, from the Azure Nebula to the Rainbow Nebula. The last level of each nebula is a special level: tougher, with double the reward. Endless mode and the level editor keep the game going beyond that.
Do you have to pay to progress?
No. Boosters are earned by playing (quests, the daily wheel, your login streak) or bought with stardust earned in the game. In-app purchases are optional, and the Weekly Rift is played with no boosters at all.
Does Zertyzzle have a mode with no move limit?
Yes. Zen mode has no move limit and no goals: you play at your own pace and stop whenever you like from the pause menu ("End the game"). If that's what you're after, see our page on relaxing puzzle games.
How do I earn all three stars on a level?
Replay the level and score more points. Chain reactions and five-crystal merges are the fastest way to raise your score, so start with the combos guide.
Where can I ask a question about the game?
On the Zertyzzle forum, where players and the team share tips and answer questions. You can also head back to the Zertyzzle page to download the game.