Help & FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about MindPlay and how the games work.
- Are all the games free?
- Yes. Every game on MindPlay is completely free to play — no account, no paywall, no ads. We plan to add optional Pro features (leaderboards, cross-device stat sync, daily challenges) in the future, but the games themselves will always be free.
- Do I need to create an account?
- No account is needed to play. Your scores and personal bests are saved locally in your browser. A future Pro tier will add cross-device sync if you want your stats everywhere.
- Can I install MindPlay on my phone?
- Yes — MindPlay is a Progressive Web App (PWA). On Android, open the site in Chrome and tap 'Install' in the browser menu. On iOS Safari, tap the Share button and choose 'Add to Home Screen'. Once installed it works offline and opens like a native app.
- What is the Stroop Test?
- The Stroop Test is a classic cognitive psychology experiment first published in 1935. The word 'RED' is shown in blue ink — your job is to identify the ink colour, not read the word. The conflict between reading and colour perception measures selective attention and cognitive flexibility.
- What is Dual N-Back and why is it good for you?
- Dual N-Back tracks two simultaneous streams — a visual position and an auditory letter — and asks you to recall what appeared N steps ago. Research suggests it exercises working memory and may improve fluid intelligence with consistent practice.
- What does Reaction Grid measure?
- Reaction Grid measures your simple visual reaction time — how quickly you can tap a highlighted cell before it disappears. Average human reaction time is around 200–250 ms. Elite athletes and gamers often fall below 180 ms.
- How does Number Memory work?
- A number is briefly shown, then hidden. You type it back from memory. Each correct round adds one more digit. Most people have a working memory capacity of 7 ± 2 digits (Miller's Law), so scoring above 9 is genuinely impressive.
- What is a Nonogram?
- A Nonogram (also called Picross or Griddler) is a logic puzzle where you fill a grid using number clues along each row and column. The filled cells reveal a hidden pixel picture. No guessing is needed — every puzzle is solvable by pure deduction.
- What is the Light Switch Puzzle?
- The Light Switch Puzzle (Lights Out) is a combinatorial puzzle. Toggling one switch also flips its immediate neighbours. The goal is to turn all lights off. It sounds simple but requires systematic thinking — brute force rarely works.
- How are my scores saved?
- Scores are stored in your browser's localStorage — no server involved. Clearing your browser data will reset them. Pro sync (coming soon) will back them up to the cloud and restore them on any device.
- How often are new games added?
- We add new games regularly. All 18 current games are live and fully playable. Follow @mindplaydev on X or check back periodically for new releases.
- Does MindPlay work offline?
- Yes. After your first visit the service worker caches the app shell. Games load even without a network connection — useful for commutes or flights.