N-Back: was the cell there n steps earlier?
N-back, the classic working memory task: a cell lights up at each step; press when it is the same as n steps earlier.
Play N-BackFree, zero ads, no sign-up, on mobile and desktop.
How to play
At each step, a cell of the grid lights up. Press "Same!" if it is the same cell as n steps earlier (1, 2 or 3 depending on the level); otherwise do nothing. Each "same" found scores a point; a miss or a false alarm costs a life, and the pace speeds up. Most points wins.
Tips to get better
- Repeat the last cells under your breath ("top, middle…") and shift the list at each step.
- About one step in three is "same": don't worry if nothing repeats for a while.
- When in doubt, don't press: a false alarm counts like a miss.
What this game trains
- Working memory: keep a few items in mind and recall them.
- Attention and focus: quickly pick out the right item among distractors.
Levels
Easy · Hard · Expert · Hardcore — each level has its own leaderboard.
Challenge your friends
At the end of a game, send your score as a link: your friend plays exactly the same puzzle and you compare your times. There is also a daily challenge and tournaments.