What makes a maze difficult?
Three things: size (more cells to search), dead ends (more wrong turns) and route length (more steps to remember). This page starts at the largest preset, 32 × 32, with the branching style, which creates the most forks. In our tests of 60 mazes of this size, branching mazes averaged about 327 dead ends against about 104 for winding mazes of the same size, though the correct route is shorter (about 63 cells versus about 250).
| Challenge | Settings |
|---|---|
| Lots of wrong turns | Expert, Branching |
| Long route to follow | Expert, Winding |
| Bigger than the presets | Difficulty → Custom size, up to 40 × 40 |
| Race against someone | Share the maze code so you both solve the same maze |
How to solve a hard maze
- Work from the finish as well as the start. Many dead ends lead away from the exit; starting backwards can show the right corridor quickly.
- Cross out dead ends as you find them. A shaded dead end can't trap you again.
- Use the wall-follower rule. Because the start and finish are both on the outer edge of these mazes, keeping one hand on the same wall (say, the left) all the way will always reach the finish. It is not the shortest route, but it never fails.
- Look for long straight corridors. The correct route often uses the main corridors; short stubs are usually dead ends.
- Check with the answer sheet only when you are stuck: tick “Show answers” or print the answer sheet.
Printing a hard maze
Print expert mazes one per page so the corridors stay wide enough to trace with a pencil; sizes above 22 × 22 are limited to two per page. Use US Letter or A4, black and white, and “fit to page”. If a page feels too easy, increase the size with a custom grid; if it is too hard, step down to Hard (22 × 22) on the main maze worksheet page.
FAQ
How do I make a harder maze?
Increase the size (Expert is 32 × 32; Custom goes up to 40 × 40) and choose the Branching style, which adds many more dead ends.
Is there a way to always solve a maze?
Yes. In these mazes the start and finish are both on the outer edge, so following one wall with the same hand will always lead to the finish, although not by the shortest route.
Do hard mazes have more than one solution?
No. Every maze has exactly one route from start to finish, which is also what the answer sheet shows.
Can I print a difficult maze for a group?
Yes. Share the maze code and everyone prints the same maze, or press New maze for a different one each.
Is it free to print the mazes?
Yes. There is no sign-up, watermark or limit. Print as many worksheets as you like for home, classroom or personal use.
Are my mazes or settings uploaded?
No. Mazes are generated in your browser, and nothing you type (such as a worksheet title) is sent to our servers.