Overview

Microsoft Minesweeper is a free-to-play puzzle game developed and digitally released by Microsoft Studios (co-developed with Arkadium) for the PC on October 26, 2012 and for Windows Phone on October 29, 2012. It was later made available on online browsers (via MSN Games).

Released as an official launch title for the Windows Store for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 (alongside Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Microsoft Mahjong, and Taptiles) and part of the Microsoft Casual Games series, Microsoft Minesweeper is a successor to Microsoft's earlier game Minesweeper (which was included in most earlier versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system).

In addition to a revamped user interface, the game includes Xbox Live support (including achievements and leaderboards), an alternate Adventure mode (where players maneuver a character through maze-ridden underground caverns), and a Daily Challenge mode (where players are given unique goals, such as uncovering specific tiles or detonating mines). The game's Adventure mode was later spun-off as Microsoft Treasure Hunt.

As a free-to-play game, it uses in-game advertisements which can be disabled by purchasing a monthly/yearly Premium membership.