While Candy Crush Saga might be one of the most popular mobile games, it’s far from the only addictive and entertaining match-3 game available. In fact, there are quite a few games like Candy Crush you might want to check out when you run out of lives or if you just want a change of pace. While some stick strictly with the match-3 format, others have a few twists if you’re ready for more challenges.
Looking for even more strategy or maybe you want to gather friends together online for an epic game night? Try out these free online board games you can play with friends.
1. Farm Heroes Saga
Available on: iOS | Android | Windows | Facebook
Price: Free with in-app purchases
If you want something nearly identical to Candy Crush, start with Farm Heroes Saga, which comes from the same developers. In this match-3 game, you’re not playing with candy, though. Instead, you’re tasked with collecting Cropsies before Rancid the Racoon steals them all.
You’ll be collecting various fruits and vegetables to meet each level’s challenges. Of course, there are boosters and special events to spice things up. You’ll find the game play feels much like Candy Crush, but just with a different cast of characters.
2. Bejeweled Classic
Available on: iOS | Android | Facebook
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Bejeweled was actually inducted into the World Video Hall of Fame in 2020 and it’s a classic match-3 game. While there are multiple versions available, the Bejeweled Classic game features six modes to let you play how you want. Match endlessly in Zen mode or create poker matches in Poker mode.
No matter what mode you’re playing, you’ll enjoy the challenge of matching beautiful jewels. Also, the music is surprisingly good, making it fun to not just play but listen to as well. If you love Bejeweled Classic, check out Bejeweled Blitz and Bejeweled Stars.
3. Best Fiends
Available on: iOS | Android | Amazon | Facebook
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Best Fiends has quickly become one of the best games like Candy Crush thanks to its adorable cast of characters, with more being introduced all the time. In addition to just making matches by drawing lines to connect items, you use collected points to level up your characters. Every character has different abilities and you get to choose your team at the start of each level.
Getting the option to create custom teams makes Best Fiends a little different than Candy Crush. Of course, there are frequent updates and events to keep you coming back for more. Also, check out the Best Fiend’s YouTube channel for hilarious animated shorts. If you love this game, check out the sequel, Best Fiends Stars.
4. Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
Available on: iOS | Android | Amazon | Facebook
Price: Free with in-app purchases
What happens when a match-3 game meets Harry Potter? You get Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells. This themed game lets you make matches to gain access to new magical abilities and spells that you’ll need to keep beating later levels. You’ll never run out of things to do thanks to daily events. You can even band together in clubs to win collaborative challenges.
Of course, you’ll encounter plenty of Harry Potter characters and get updates from the Daily Prophet. It’s created by Zynga, which is well-known for its engaging games.
5. Gunspell
Available on: iOS | Android | Amazon | Facebook | Steam
Price: Free with in-app purchases | $4.99 on Steam (no ads or in-app purchases)
If you’re looking for a little something different, but still similar to Candy Crush, check out Gunspell. This story driven game mixes RPG and match-3 elements to create a must-play game. It’s up to you and the Order you join to protect Earth from the monsters out to destroy.
Make matches, upgrade weapons and spells, travel to different worlds, and battle against monsters. There are regular events with new things being added all the time. If you’re looking for a Candy Crush alternative with more depth, you’re in luck.
6. Sugar Blast: Pop & Relax
Price: Free with in-app purchases
If you loved playing Angry Birds, then one of the best games like Candy Crush for you might be Sugar Blast: Pop & Relax. Developed by Rovio, the same studio behind Angry Birds, this game has you tapping sugary matches to clear levels. So, you get the same kind of candy theme, but the matching aspect feels a bit different since you’re just tapping.
As with most games like this, you can create special items and use boosters to make levels easier. Beanies and Maple, the two key characters, guide you on your adventure. There are also regular events and challenges with friends.
7. Triple Town
Available on: iOS | Android | Steam
Price: Free with in-app purchases | $9.99 on Steam (no ads or in-app purchases)
Triple Town mixes city building game elements with a match-3 format. Not only is it adorable, but it can get addictive quick. The object is to match various elements, such as grass, trees, bushes, and more to gradually build your own small city. Of course, it’s not that easy. You have to also work against the giant bears determined to stop your progress.
A unique feature is you can actually pay to have unlimited turns, which isn’t an in-app purchase any other games on this list offer. So, if you don’t mind paying a fee, you never have to worry about running out of lives again.
If you want to go beyond match-3 games, check out the offerings from Amazon Luna or Netflix’s new games.
Image credit: m01229 via Flickr
