Simple Minesweeper

A Familiar Friend, Refined

If you've ever wasted an afternoon clicking squares in Windows' classic Minesweeper, Simple Minesweeper for Windows by Random Salad Games LLC will feel like reuniting with an old friend. It's a no‑frills, modern port of the logic puzzle we all know, stripped of the clutter that many “enhanced” versions pile on. Think of it as the coffee shop version of Minesweeper – warm, reliable, and never trying to sell you extra foam. The goal is unchanged: clear a minefield without tripping a bomb, using number clues to deduce safe cells. What sets this app apart is its commitment to simplicity – no ads, no in‑app purchases, and a clean interface that respects your screen real estate. The developers clearly know their audience: casual solvers who want a quick mental workout, puzzle purists, or anyone who just wants a single‑cell game that doesn't demand internet or a login. If you're looking for a distraction‑free excavation, this is it.

Core Gameplay: Classic, Customizable, and Tracked

Three Difficulties – and Your Own Rules

Simple Minesweeper gives you the expected trio: Beginner (9×9 with 10 mines), Intermediate (16×16 with 40 mines), and Expert (30×16 with 99 mines). But the real treat is the Custom mode, where you can adjust both grid dimensions and mine count. Want a 5×5 field with a single mine? Go ahead. Need a 50×30 monster with 500 mines? The app handles it without stuttering. This flexibility is a lifesaver for players who find standard grids either too easy or too cramped. I tested a 20×20 board with 60 mines, and the experience felt just as smooth as the classic 9×9 – no lag, no hiccups.

More Than Just a Timer – Stats That Motivate

Many Minesweeper clones offer a timer, but this one actually keeps a persistent record of your performance. Under the hood, it tracks your best times per difficulty, win/loss ratio, and even a streak counter. The metrics aren't gamified with badges or leaderboards – they're simple numbers that quietly encourage you to beat your personal best. For a “simple” app, this level of detail adds genuine replayability without making you feel pressured.

User Experience: Smooth, Light, and Respectful

Visuals That Fade Into the Background

The interface follows Windows 11's design language – rounded corners, subtle shadows, and a light/dark theme toggle that actually works system‑wide. The cells are large enough to tap on touchscreens yet responsive to mouse clicks. Right‑click to flag, left‑click to clear; double‑click to chord. The learning curve is essentially nonexistent for anyone who has played Minesweeper before, and for newcomers, a concise one‑page “how to play” screen explains the rules clearly. Animations are minimal – a quick fade when you reveal empty spaces – which keeps the focus on logic rather than flash.

Performance: Silky Smooth on Any Modern PC

I ran this on a modest Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM, and it never skipped a frame. The app consumes about 30MB of RAM and barely touches the CPU. Even on battery‑saving mode, real‑time flagging and chording felt instant. There's also a handy auto‑save feature: if you close the window mid‑game, your progress is preserved. This is a small but thoughtful touch for those who play in short bursts.

What Truly Stands Out: Zero‑Distraction Design

The No‑Ads Promise Isn't Lip Service

Most free Minesweeper apps on the Microsoft Store hide banners, interstitials, or subscription prompts. Simple Minesweeper does none of that. The developer's approach is refreshingly straightforward: you download it, you play it, and the only thing you see is the board. No “watch a video for an extra life” nonsense. This restraint makes it the digital equivalent of a paper puzzle book – you focus solely on the mines. It's also free, with no trial limits or locked features. Random Salad Games seems to treat this as a passion project, and it shows.

A Keyboard‑First Approach (If You Want It)

While many casual users will stick to clicks, the app supports full keyboard navigation: arrow keys to move the cursor, Space to clear, and F to flag. This isn't groundbreaking, but it's implemented reliably. Combined with the absence of intrusive UI elements, the result is an app that feels like it was designed by someone who actually enjoys Minesweeper.

The Verdict: Who Should Dig In?

Simple Minesweeper is exactly what its name suggests – and that's its greatest strength. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel with power‑ups, themes, or online multiplayer. Instead, it polishes the original formula until it shines. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a clean, honest version of Minesweeper that runs on any Windows machine. If you're a casual player looking to kill five minutes, grab it. If you're a stats‑obsessed speed‑runner, the custom grid and logging will keep you satisfied. The only people who might be disappointed are those seeking novelty – this is not a puzzle game that will surprise you with new mechanics. But for what it sets out to do – provide a distraction‑free, reliable Minesweeper experience – it earns a solid 8.5 out of 10. Download it, start a Beginner board, and lose yourself in the satisfying click of a safe square.

FAQ

How do I start a new game in Simple Minesweeper?

Open the app and tap the smiley face icon at the top center. This instantly resets the current board. From the main screen, you can also select a difficulty level (Easy, Medium, Hard, or Custom) to start fresh.

What are the basic controls for revealing and flagging cells?

Tap a cell once to reveal it. Long-press (or tap and hold) a cell to place a flag if you suspect a mine. To remove a flag, long-press it again. The counter at the top shows remaining mines.

How do I change the game difficulty or set a custom board?

Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner, then select Game Mode. Choose from Easy (9x9 grid, 10 mines), Medium (16x16, 40 mines), Hard (30x16, 99 mines), or Custom to set grid size and mine count.

What does the number in each revealed cell mean?

The number indicates how many mines are in the eight directly adjacent cells. Use these clues to logically deduce safe cells and mine locations. For example, a 1 means one mine is touching that cell.

Is there a way to automatically reveal safe areas around a number?

Yes, this is called 'chording.' If you've placed the correct number of flags around a revealed number, tap the number itself to automatically reveal the remaining safe adjacent cells. This speeds up gameplay.

Can I undo a move if I accidentally tap a mine?

No, Simple Minesweeper does not include an undo feature. Accidentally tapping a mine ends the game. Tap the smiley face to reset and start a new round. Play cautiously and use flags to mark suspected mines.