Cipher

Cipher is a daily code-breaking puzzle. A secret code sits behind four slots, and there are six tumblers it could be built from. You make a guess, and every slot tells you something back: a tick means the right tumbler in the right slot, two arrows mean the right tumbler in the wrong slot, and a faded tumbler means it is not in the code at all. Use what you learn and crack it inside eight guesses.

How to play

1. The secret code fills four slots. Any of the six tumblers can go in any slot, and the same tumbler can turn up more than once.
2. Build a guess by dragging tumblers into the slots, or by tapping a slot and then tapping a tumbler.
3. Lock the guess in and read the marks: a tick for right tumbler and right slot, two arrows for right tumbler in the wrong slot, and a faded tumbler for one that is not in the code.
4. Use each answer to rule things out, then guess again. You get eight guesses, and there are gentler and harder levels if you want them.

Scoring and streaks

• Cracking the code keeps your streak going and earns at least one star.
• Crack it in six guesses or fewer for two stars.
• Crack it in four or fewer for three stars.

Sharing your result

When you finish, you get a spoiler-free badge to share. It shows how you did, never the answer, so friends can be curious without spoiling their own puzzle.

Common questions

Is everyone’s code the same?

Yes. The hidden code is the same for every player each day.

Can the same tumbler appear twice?

Yes. The code can use one tumbler in more than one slot. That is part of what you have to work out.

Can I make it easier or harder?

Yes. Gentle gives you five tumblers and ten guesses. Regular gives you six tumblers and eight guesses. Hard adds a fifth slot and a seventh tumbler. Pick before you start, and everyone on the same level gets the same code.

What if I run out of guesses?

The day still counts, the code is shown to you, and your streak keeps going. Playing always earns at least one star.