Pips
Loading critic reviews...
Finding live streams...
About Pips
Pips is a logic puzzle game developed by The New York Times Company, released on August 18, 2025. It’s a single-player Android, iOS, and web-based game that tasks you with arranging dominoes on a grid to meet specific rules. Each puzzle requires filling the board while satisfying numerical and positional constraints, like matching pips on adjacent tiles. The game updates daily with new challenges, making it a quick mental workout for fans of Sudoku or crossword puzzles. Simple to learn but tricky to master, it leans into the New York Times’ reputation for quality logic games.
Gameplay
You start each puzzle with a grid and a set of dominoes. Your goal is to place them without overlapping, ensuring adjacent pips match and all conditions are met. You rotate tiles and adjust their positions to balance numbers on each side. Early puzzles are straightforward, but later ones introduce obstacles like locked tiles or limited dominoes. Sessions last 5-15 minutes, making it ideal for short breaks. The interface is clean, with a drag-and-drop feel that’s intuitive on both mobile and desktop. Progress unlocks new rulesets, like color-coded restrictions, which add variety. It’s a pure test of spatial reasoning and patience.
What Players Think
As a new release, Pips hasn’t built a strong community yet. Early player reviews on Google Play and the App Store mention mixed reactions to the difficulty curve, with some finding early puzzles too repetitive. There’s no achievement system or multiplayer mode, so completion rates are likely tied to daily puzzle persistence. Average playtime data is unavailable, but the game’s free-to-play model with optional purchases (not confirmed) may influence retention. Critics from reputable outlets have yet to weigh in, but the New York Times’ track record suggests polish. Mood ratings are neutral, with users split between enjoying the mechanics and finding it too simplistic.
PlayPile's Take
Pips is a solid choice for casual puzzle fans who want a low-commitment daily challenge. It lacks depth for seasoned puzzlers but executes its core loop cleanly. The New York Times’ branding adds credibility, though the game feels derivative of existing titles. If you’re looking for a distraction-free mental exercise, it’s worth trying. Price isn’t confirmed, but given the publisher’s usual pricing, it’s likely free with optional microtransactions. Stick with it past the first 10 puzzles to see if it grows on you.
Game Modes
Single player
Deals
Finding deals...
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...