Match 3 games are a type of puzzle game that challenges players to match three or more identical items in a grid. These games are some of the most popular mobile and PC games, with hundreds of millions of downloads each year.
Candy Crush was one of the most popular match 3 games, and for good reason. It’s extremely addicting, and if you’re not constantly playing it, you feel like a loser. There are so many different levels to play on, and the more you play, the harder it gets. The game is designed in a way that makes it difficult to stop playing, because once you’ve cleared all of the candy from one level, the next one becomes much harder. In a way, Candy Crush is like a drug—it’s hard to break free from its grasp.
While they may seem simple at first, match 3 games can be quite challenging and addictive. In fact, there are entire online communities and Facebook groups dedicated to match 3 games, with players sharing tips and tricks on how to beat the levels.
If you’re looking for a fun and addictive casual game, I strongly recommend you to download and play free match 3 games from GameTop. In this article, I will introduce you to the basics of match 3 games and explain what makes them so addictive.
How to play match 3 games

Match 3 games require you to make lines, chains, or groups of three or more of the same elements. Your goal is to line up three tiles in a row. When this happens, it sets off a chain reaction in which more tiles match before the line or matches disappear. The board contains various tiles that must be moved, shifted, or rotated in order for them to drop down and match into lines or groups.
Here are my top tips for how to play match 3 games:
- Make sure to pay attention to the game board. The patterns will usually give you a hint as to what the next move should be.
- Try to create long chains of matches. The longer the chain, the more points you’ll score.
- Use special items wisely. Some items can clear a whole row or column, so use them when you’re really stuck.
Why are match 3 puzzle games so popular?

We’re all familiar with match 3 puzzle games, right? The ones where you need to line up three matching elements of the same color in a row or column in order to cause them to disappear and score points.
And, no matter how many times we play those games, they always seem to be more fun the second time around. That’s because there’s something inherently addicting about matching things up—about putting things into order and making a coherent whole out of disparate parts.
In a sense, match 3 puzzle games are like little stories: You make your way through them one step at a time, solving problems and racking up points until you reach the satisfying conclusion. And whether you’re playing on your smartphone, PC, or console, it doesn’t really matter: Match 3 puzzle games just keep getting better and better.
The levels are quick and with each passing level, you feel a sense of accomplishment, which in turn, drives positive feelings towards the game.
Cool game graphics and design make a big difference. Bright colors and creative art and graphics make the game more enjoyable and interesting.
There are some match 3 games that are mindless, where all you do is match stacks of similar objects instead of working towards a goal. These games can be very simple, and they’re usually easy to get into, but they don’t offer much in the way of challenge or fun.
On the other hand, there are match 3 games like Cradle of Rome with good storylines. These games are more interesting because they require you to solve puzzles in order to advance the story. Usually these games are much harder to get into than the mindless Match 3 games, and they often have a lot more variety and depth than them. They’re also much more challenging, so if you enjoy challenges then these types of games are definitely for you.
Match 3 games to play
There are plenty of match three games to choose from here, but these are a few of my favorites. These games embrace the features mentioned above and provide a higher-quality game experience.
Around the World in 80 Days
Like its name suggests, Around the World in 80 Days is about, you guessed it, traveling around the world. This match 3 game is based on the adventure novel written by the French writer Jules Verne, and it puts us in the shoes of Jean Passepartout, a valet for an English gentleman named Phileas Fogg.
In this game, Jean is tasked to accompany Mr. Fogg in circumnavigating the world within 80 days, while helping him with many errands on the way. These errands can be completed by solving either match 3 boards or other puzzles that can be challenging. True to its roots as an adventure story, this match 3 game reveals more about the backstory as you progress along. Can you find Mr. Fogg’s diary and help him achieve his goals?
Fishdom
If you’re the type of person who loves spending time in a fish tank or observing marine life, you’ll love Fishdom. In this match 3 game, players help their little fish friends turn their aquariums into bustling oasis ecosystems by matching three or more items of the same type to earn points and advance to the next level.
As you raise your fish and complete goals, you gain access to new levels, facilities and species of fish, all of which affect the way your aquarium looks and functions. This is one of the most interesting and family friendly games I have ever played.
Cradle of Rome
Cradle of Rome gives you the chance to write your own history of the Roman Empire. Play through 100 levels of match and puzzle game fun, travel back in time to the days of the Roman Empire and match your way to victory. Solve challenging mini-games and puzzles as you turn your small settlement into a flourishing empire.
Discover all-new game modes and earn trophies to prove your match 3 skills, so that you can build your own Roman Empire and become the greatest Emperor ever.