About Ludo
Ludo is one of the most played board games in the world, especially in India, where Ludo apps have been downloaded by hundreds of millions of people. It grew from the Indian game Pachisi.
Play as red against three computer players. Quick mode uses two tokens each for a shorter game; Classic uses all four.
Ludo at a glance
| Genre | Board game |
|---|---|
| Price | Free, no download or sign-up |
| Controls | Tap |
| Typical game length | 10 to 30 minutes |
| Lives | None |
| Works on | Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser |
| Daily challenge | Yes, the same puzzle for everyone each day |
How to play Ludo
- Tap the dice. Roll to start your turn.
- Roll a 6 to start. A 6 brings a token out of your yard.
- Tap a token to move. Move it forward by the number rolled.
- Race home. Go around the board and up your red home column.
Rules
- Rolling a 6, capturing a token or reaching home gives an extra roll.
- Landing on a rival sends it back to its yard, except on start and star squares.
- You need an exact roll to reach home.
Levels and difficulty
Quick (2 tokens each) or Classic (4 tokens each).
Scoring
Points for tokens reaching home and for captures, plus a big bonus for winning. Daily challenge scores can be shared with friends.
Tips and strategy for Ludo
- Bring a new token out on a 6 when your others are safe.
- Park on star squares when rivals are close behind.
- Capture whenever it does not leave you exposed.
History of the game
Ludo is based on the ancient Indian game Pachisi, and a simplified version was patented in England in 1896 under the name Ludo.
How we built and tested Ludo
We simulated full four-player games with computer players to test movement, captures, safe squares, extra rolls and finishing.
Frequently asked questions
How many players?
You play against three computer players.
What are the safe squares?
Start squares and star squares; tokens there cannot be captured.
Do I need a 6 to start?
Yes, a 6 brings a token out of the yard.