12 Days of Xmas is a festive match-3 puzzle game where you celebrate the holidays by matching tiles inspired by the classic carol. This casual browser game challenges you to clear a grid of thematic items, from partridges to pipers, using simple mouse controls.
Its progressive difficulty makes it suitable for both new and experienced puzzle players looking for a Christmas-themed brain teaser.
The game is structured around the twelve verses of the famous Christmas song. You'll play through 12 distinct levels, each representing a day.
The twist is that on each new day, a new type of tile is introduced to the board, corresponding to that day's gift.
For example, on the first day, you only have to match partridges. On the second day, turtle doves are added to the mix.
By the time you reach the twelfth day, the grid is filled with twelve different items, making it a significant strategic challenge to find matches and clear the objectives.
While the core of 12 Days of Xmas is simple tile-swapping, success requires more than just random matching. Creating matches of four or five identical tiles will generate powerful special items.
These can clear entire rows, columns, or explode in a specific area, which is essential for completing the more difficult later levels.
Planning your moves is key. Look for opportunities to create cascades, where a single move triggers a chain reaction of multiple matches. This not only scores more points but also helps you achieve the level's goal with fewer moves, which is often the main constraint.
Don't let the cheerful Christmas theme fool you-12 Days of Xmas offers a solid puzzle challenge. As the board fills with more and more unique tile types, the game shifts from a simple matching exercise to a complex game of pattern recognition and forward-thinking.
You'll need to prioritize which matches to make and how to best use your special tiles to control the increasingly chaotic board.
You can enjoy all twelve days of this festive puzzle right in your browser. As a free-to-play HTML5 game, 12 Days of Xmas requires no downloads or installations.
It runs smoothly on most devices and can be played on any network, including those at school or work, for a quick holiday-themed break.
The goal in 12 Days of Xmas is to complete 12 levels of match-3 puzzles, each themed after a day in the classic Christmas carol.
To pass a level, you must meet the specific objectives, such as clearing a certain number of a particular tile, within a limited number of moves.
Controls are managed entirely with the mouse. Use your cursor to select a tile. Left click and hold the tile, then drag it one space up, down, left, or right to swap it with an adjacent tile.
You can only swap tiles if the move results in a match of three or more identical items in a line.
Progression is linear through the 12 days. Each new level adds a new type of tile to the grid, increasing the complexity.
For instance, on day three, 'French hens' are introduced alongside the partridges and turtle doves from the previous levels, making it harder to find matches.
Plan Ahead - Before making a move, scan the entire board for potential combos or opportunities to create special tiles.
Focus on the Bottom - Matching tiles near the bottom of the grid often causes cascades, leading to free matches as new tiles fall into place. Create Special Tiles - Always prioritize matching four or five tiles when possible.
The resulting special tiles are crucial for clearing difficult levels. Manage Tile Variety - In later levels, the board gets crowded. Focus on clearing the most numerous tile types to create more space and opportunities for matches.
Check the Objective - Pay close attention to the level's goal. Don't waste moves clearing tiles you don't need to.
