What is a Maze?
A maze is a puzzle that has a starting and destination point. There are many different ways that the destination can be reached, but only one correct way. Sometimes there may be more than one way. What makes solving maze puzzles so exciting is the confusion you feel while trying to find the right path, but the feeling of accomplishment when you actually reach the destination.
About Masked or Arbitrary Shaped Maze Puzzles
Masked or arbitrary shaped maze puzzles are mazes that deviate from the traditional square or rectangular forms. Instead, they follow the contours of a specific shape or image, such as animals, letters, objects, logos, or themed silhouettes. The path and walls of the maze are confined within these shapes, making the puzzle more visually engaging and thematically tailored.
Benefits of playing Maze Puzzles
Maze puzzles have many benefits for kids as well as adults. They stimulate brain activity, helping our brains to focus and concentrate more. Not just that, such puzzles are stress relievers and improve problem solving capabilities.
Parents spend quality time with their kids while playing such puzzles. Or you can play these with your friends or colleagues. Such puzzles never get boring so you can keep playing them for hours while staying busy and engaged in this fun activity.
Online Maze Generator
Now you can create your own maze puzzles, thanks to this Maze Generator Tool. This tool creates many different shapes of your choice. You can select the number of cells of the puzzle, set the cell corridor width, select the shape from the drop down menu and even select the level you would like to play.
How to Create Custom Mazes?
Follow these steps to create the shapes of your choice:
- Set the number of cells of the puzzles. Your input should vary between 10 – 60
- Set the cell corridor width. It should be between 10 – 30
- Select the Shape from the drop down menu. It can be ‘box’, ‘circle’, ‘diamond’, ‘four rooms’, ‘L shape’, ‘moon’, ‘square’, ‘star’, ‘strike’, ‘triangle’ or ‘two rooms’ etc.
- Choose the difficulty level i.e., hard, normal, difficult
- You can also check off the Start and End Indicators
- Once you have input all these values, click on the blue “Generate Maze” button. Check off “Show Answers” button to reveal the answers
- Download by clicking on the green “Download” button. Select the PDF size of your choice. It could be letter size or A4 size. Besides, PDF, you also have the choice to download in PNG and SVG formats
- Print and start solving the maze puzzles
To see some exciting maze puzzles, click on “Maze Examples” button
How to Solve
- Find the Start and End: Look for labels or arrows that show where to begin and where to finish.
- Look Carefully: Use your eyes or a finger to trace the path. If it’s hard to go forward, try starting from the end and working backward.
- Try Different Paths: These mazes can be tricky, so don’t worry if you have to try a few routes.
- Cross Out Wrong Turns: Skip paths that hit a dead end or just loop around. Choose ones that move toward the middle or the outer edge, depending on how the maze is shaped.
- Use a Pencil: If you make a mistake, you can erase and try again easily.
Printable mazes with special shapes or designs add a fun and interesting twist to regular mazes. They are great for learning, therapy, and entertainment because they mix thinking skills with creative visuals. These puzzles can be used in schools, clinics, homes, or even in advertisements, making them both enjoyable and useful for many different people.