Daily Shikaku Puzzle — New Cat Puzzle Every Day

Every day at midnight UTC, MeowBlock generates a new Shikaku (rectangle partition) puzzle. Everyone worldwide gets the same puzzle — solve it, track your time, and build your streak. A fresh challenge waits for you every morning.

How to Play Shikaku

Shikaku is a logic puzzle from Japan, originally published by Nikoli (the same company behind Sudoku). The rules are simple:

• The grid contains several numbered cells.
• Draw rectangles around each number so that the area of the rectangle equals the number (a "4" needs a 1×4, 2×2, or 4×1 rectangle).
• Each rectangle must contain exactly one number.
• Rectangles cannot overlap, and every cell must be covered.

That's it — no math beyond multiplication. The challenge comes from figuring out which rectangle shapes fit where, especially when multiple numbers compete for the same space.

Shikaku Solving Strategies

Not sure where to start? These techniques work on any Shikaku puzzle:

• Start with primes. Numbers like 2, 3, 5, and 7 can only form 1×N or N×1 rectangles. Their shape is forced — place them first.
• Work from corners and edges. A number in a corner has far fewer placement options than one in the center. Resolve constrained positions early.
• Look for the largest number. A "6" on a 6×6 grid can only be 1×6, 2×3, 3×2, or 6×1. The bigger the number, the fewer shapes fit.
• Eliminate by overlap. If placing one rectangle would block another number entirely, that placement is wrong. Think one step ahead.
• Fill the gaps last. Once most rectangles are placed, the remaining empty cells often form only one valid shape.

For more detailed techniques, see our Shikaku Tips page.

About the Daily Challenge

MeowBlock's daily puzzle is a 6×6 grid — small enough to solve in a few minutes, large enough to require real thought. The puzzle is generated from a date-based seed, so every player worldwide sees the exact same board. Compare your time with friends or aim for a personal best.

Your streak counter tracks consecutive days solved. Solve today's puzzle to add +1; miss a day and it resets to zero. Reach 7 days to unlock the ⭐ Week Warrior badge. After solving, share your result as text or download a card image with your board and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you solve a Shikaku puzzle?

Drag to draw rectangles on the grid. Each rectangle must contain exactly one number, and the rectangle's area (width × height) must equal that number. Every cell must be covered by exactly one rectangle — no overlaps, no gaps.

What is the best strategy for Shikaku?

Start with numbers that have only one possible rectangle shape — primes like 2, 3, 5, 7 can only be 1×N or N×1. Then work on numbers near corners or edges where placement options are limited. Fill in the easy rectangles first, and the remaining shapes often fall into place.

How does the MeowBlock daily puzzle work?

A new 6×6 Shikaku puzzle is generated every day at midnight UTC, seeded by date so everyone worldwide gets the same puzzle. Solve it to build your streak — miss a day and it resets. Hit 7 days for the Week Warrior badge.

Where can I play Shikaku puzzles for free?

MeowBlock offers free Shikaku puzzles at meow-block.com. Play the daily challenge, work through level packs from 4×4 to 8×8, or use the online solver if you get stuck. No download or registration required.

Related Pages

• Shikaku Rules — full rule breakdown with examples
• Shikaku Tips — advanced solving techniques
• 5×5 Guide — beginner strategies for smaller grids
• Online Solver — stuck? get the answer instantly
• How to Play Shikaku — complete beginner's guide