10+ Exciting Snakes and Ladders Variations You Must Try

Who hasn’t rolled a die, held his breath, and hoped to continue climbing ladders rather than be swallowed up by a snake?

If you spent your childhood playing types of Snakes and Ladders, then you already understand the rush of climbing quickly and plummeting even quicker. However, you might be surprised to learn that this simple board game has dozens of thrilling incarnations with new spins, fresh rules, and even a dash of education along the way.

In this blog, we’re going deep into the most creative, surprising, and entertaining variations of Snakes and Ladders games — from 3D boards to online multiplayer fights, and even educational hybrids where you learn math or language during gameplay! So roll your dice, pick your favourite version, and get set to level up your game night!

In case you want to learn how to play Snakes and Ladders, you can refer to the video below.

Top 10 Snakes and Ladders Variations

Whether you’re a traditionalist or a thrill-seeker, the following are the top 10 variations here that are just right for you.

1. Snakes and Ladders Plus

Snakes and Ladders Plus is one of the most modern move-based variations of the Snakes and Ladders game. 

Unique Features:

• Three Tokens per Player
  In contrast to the original game, where a player is provided with one token, Zupee’s Snakes and Ladders game gives three tokens to a player. This offers room for strategic choice of which token to advance, giving depth to the game.
  
• Time-Limited Moves
  Each player has 12 seconds to make a move, which adds an element of time pressure, making it more exciting and demanding in terms of quick thinking.
  
• Point-Based Scoring System
  Points are scored for every square travelled, and extra points are given when a token lands on the 100th square. Such a scoring system changes the emphasis from simply finishing in first place to scoring the maximum points.
  
• Open Start for All Tokens
  All the tokens remain open for the players throughout, rendering it unnecessary to roll six to begin. This reduces the pace of the game and provides many chances for equitable play.
  
• Limited Moves Per Game
  The games are pre-designed with a specific number of moves—15 for 2-player and 10 for 3-player—so that each move is critical and the game becomes a strategic challenge.
  
• Extra Moves for Achievements
  Players are given bonus moves when they roll the six, cut a rival player’s token, or safely land a token on the 100th square, encouraging strategic thinking.
  
• Real Cash Rewards
  In addition to entertainment, players can win real money rewards, providing a real-world incentive for the game.

Best For:

• Fans of classic games with a tweeky-twist
• Strategic thinkers
• Competitive players

2. Classic Indian Moksha Patam

This is the original Snakes and Ladders, which was thought to have been invented in ancient India as Moksha Patam. It was meant to educate for moral virtues, where ladders represented virtues and snakes vices.

Unique Features:

• Originated in ancient India as a moral and spiritual lesson.
• Ladders represent virtues; snakes represent vices.
• Aimed to teach karma and dharma to players.
• Played on a 10×10 grid.

Best For:

• History buffs
• Educators
• Families looking to combine values and fun

3. Chutes and Ladders

This is the US version of the game, with the game usually being more presentable in a child-friendly way. In place of snakes, the game employs colourful “chutes.”

Unique Features:

• Western adaptation of Moksha Patam.
• Uses chutes (slides) instead of snakes for a child-friendly version.
• Focuses more on actions and consequences in a simple format.
• Designed for kids, with positive messaging
• Bright visuals and easy-to-follow instructions

Best For:

• Young children
• Classroom learning
• Casual family play

4. Gyan Chaupar

Another Indian-origin game, similar to Moksha Patam, Gyan Chaupar adds a philosophical layer to the game.

Unique Features:

• Another ancient Indian version focused on self-realisation.
• Often used a 72-square board.
• Played with symbolic representations of emotions and life lessons
• Includes spiritual terms and milestones like “truth,” “ego,” or “liberation”
• Encouraged inner growth and spiritual goals.

Best For:

• Cultural and religious studies
• Meditation or retreat activities
• Older children and adults

5. Play Snakes and Ladders with Friends

Thanks to mobile gaming, Snakes & Ladders variations are now accessible online with real-time multiplayer modes.

Unique Features:

• Play with friends or strangers online, globally
• Animated boards, voice chats, and themed visuals.
• Often includes leaderboards, chat, and multiplayer modes.

Best For:

• Remote friends and family
• Mobile gamers
• Those looking for quick, accessible fun

6. 3D Snakes and Ladders

Why keep it flat? This variation comes in a three-dimensional format with pop-up snakes and ladders or even animated dice.

Unique Features:

• Uses 3D tokens, boards, and ladders.
• Offers a visually immersive gameplay experience.
• May include augmented reality features in some apps.

Best For:

• Visual learners
• Kids who enjoy interactive toys
• Parties and events

7. Bounce Back (Faster Victory) Variation

This variation modifies the objective: rather than landing on square 100, players need to bounce back and land precisely on square 1.

Unique Features:

• Players who reach 100 can bounce back from snakes instead of going down.
• Designed for quicker and more competitive play.
• Keeps gameplay tight and energetic.
• Two-way gameplay — climb up, then race back down

Best For:

• Short attention spans
• Fast-paced game nights
• Players who dislike long waiting times

8. Card Hand Variant

One of the most strategic types of Snakes and Ladders, with cards replacing dice.

Unique Features:

• Players collect cards instead of rolling dice.
• Cards can represent moves, powers, or traps.
• Introduces memory and planning elements.
• Strategy lovers who prefer decision-making.

Best For:

• Board game enthusiasts
• Fans of strategic card games
• Older children and adults

9. Themed Boards

Different types of Snakes and Ladders games are now available in various themes — from cartoons to movies to fantasy worlds.

Unique Features:

• Customised designs: superheroes, cartoons, movies, holidays, etc.
• Rules may change depending on the theme.
• Increases engagement through visual storytelling.

Best For:

• Kids and teens
• Collectors and fans
• Custom party games
• Fans of pop culture, kids’ birthday parties

10. Ludo and Snake Ladder Combinations

This combo game merges two classic Indian games into one dynamic experience.

Unique Features:

• Combines the rules of Ludo with Snakes and Ladders.
• Players move through Ludo’s path and then climb the snake-ladder grid.
• Blends strategy with chance.
• Switch modes after every dice roll or checkpoint.

Best For:

• Ludo lovers
• Families seeking variety
• Longer gameplay sessions

11. Snakes and Ladders with Math or Language Learning

Amongst educational types of Snakes and Ladders, this version enables children to learn and enjoy.

Unique Features:

• Players answer educational questions to earn moves by climbing ladders and avoiding snakes.
• Combines gameplay with school subjects.
• Helps reinforce skills in a fun way.
• Covers subjects like math tables, spelling, and vocabulary

Best For:

• Teachers and students
• Homeschooling parents
• Learning through play

Conclusion: Ready to Roll the Dice?

Nowadays, Snakes and Ladders games come in a wide variety, so there’s no reason to limit yourself to the original. The contemporary Snakes and Ladders variations have something for everyone, from educational resources to fierce strategy battles and colourful themed boards.

Roll the dice and choose the version that best fits your style, whether you’re playing offline with loved ones or jumping right into a quick digital round. To have fun rolling, download the Zupee App for more exciting games.