Sudoku365
Hard Sudoku for Monday, January 5, 2026
Hard Sudoku · Monday, January 5, 2026 · Solution: sudoku365.com/daily/2026/01/05/hard
About This Hard Sudoku Puzzle
This hard Sudoku for Monday, January 5, 2026 (1/5/2026) starts with 31 given numbers and has exactly one solution. Solved logically, this grid takes 34 naked singles and 16 hidden singles.
Hardest technique needed: Hidden Singles. A solver that uses only human techniques finishes this puzzle without guessing. Puzzles up to October 2026 were labelled by clue count, and this one plays easier than its Hard label. New to it? Read the Hidden Singles guide.
Stuck? See the first moves
- 8 goes in row 1, column 9: it is the only cell in row 1 that can hold an 8 (hidden single).
- 3 goes in row 2, column 5: it is the only cell in row 2 that can hold a 3 (hidden single).
- 1 goes in row 3, column 7: it is the only cell in row 3 that can hold a 1 (hidden single).
Show the answer to the January 5, 2026 hard Sudoku
| 5 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 8 |
| 1 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| 3 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 7 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| 9 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| 2 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 3 |
| 4 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| 8 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| 6 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 9 |
Bold digits are the original clues.
Print This Puzzle
Press Print above for a clean, full-page copy of this grid — no download or sign-up needed. To get all four of this date's levels on one sheet, print the January 5 set with answers, or grab a printable Hard pack with four puzzles and their solutions. Want the answer on paper too? Print this puzzle in large print with its answer key, or print 7 days of Hard puzzles starting on this date.
How to Solve This Puzzle
Click any empty cell and enter a number from 1-9. Use logic to determine which numbers can fit in each cell based on the Sudoku rules: no repeating numbers in any row, column, or 3x3 box. Turn on Notes to pencil in candidates; they are cleared automatically when you place a digit in the same row, column or box. Stuck for good? Show Solution fills in the answer.
Keyboard Shortcuts
- 1-9: Enter number in selected cell
- Arrow Keys: Navigate between cells
- Backspace/Delete: Clear selected cell
- N: Toggle pencil-mark notes
- Ctrl+Z / ⌘Z: Undo
Tips for Hard Puzzles
- Apply Locked Candidates (Pointing Pairs) to eliminate options
- Look for Box-Line Reduction opportunities
- Maintain pencil marks (candidate notes) systematically
- Study our Locked Candidates tutorial