Short answer: The tower puzzle viewers saw during Love Island’s “mega duel” in season finale is the classic Tower of Hanoi, a three-peg, disk-moving brain teaser. Below, we explain what it is, how it works, and where to get a durable 7-ring wooden set from Creative Crafthouse (The version shown in the show is an easier 5-ring version. If you want to test your skills vs. the contestants, remove the two largest rings before starting).
What viewers saw on the show (spoiler-light)
Quick context: In the challenge, contestants raced to complete a five-ring Tower of Hanoi: move one ring at a time and never place a larger ring on a smaller one. With perfect play, the five-ring version takes a minimum of 31 moves (25 − 1), which is why it felt fast but tense on screen. Want a deeper, replayable version at home? Our 7-ring set keeps the same rules and adds a longer, more satisfying solve.
Optional spoiler details (tap to reveal)
Episode: [Season/Episode/Date]. Contestants [Name A] and [Name B] cleared the five-ring tower first during the “mega challenge,” gaining an early lead before the next stage. Source: official episode recap. Last updated: October 23, 2025.
Watch the Love Island tower puzzle
Here’s an official clip showing the tower segment of the challenge.
Note: The TV build is oversized and themed, but the underlying mechanics are the same as Tower of Hanoi.
What is the Tower of Hanoi?
The Tower of Hanoi uses three pegs and a stack of disks arranged largest to smallest. The goal is to move the full stack to a different peg under two rules: (1) move only one disk at a time; (2) never place a larger disk on a smaller disk. The minimum moves for n disks is 2n − 1. For seven disks, that minimum is 127 moves. For a concise reference, see Britannica’s Tower of Hanoi entry.
Where did it come from?
The modern puzzle is credited to French mathematician Édouard Lucas (1883). A famous legend about monks moving 64 golden disks helped popularize it. For a short, well-sourced history note, see the University of St Andrews MacTutor page on the origins of Tower of Hanoi.
How to play (quick guide)
- Start with all seven rings on the first peg, largest on the bottom.
- Move only one ring at a time.
- Never place a larger ring on top of a smaller ring.
- Rebuild the same tower on a different peg in as few moves as possible (127 is the theoretical minimum for seven).
Pattern tip: With an odd number of rings (like seven), move the smallest ring every other move in the same direction (e.g., left → middle → right → left), alternating legal moves with the next-smallest ring. This rhythm keeps you progressing without memorizing long sequences.
Buy the wooden Tower of Hanoi (7 rings)
Searching for the ring stacking puzzle from Love Island? Well then, you are in luck, this is it! Our Tower of Hanoi | 7-Ring Classic Brain Teaser Puzzle delivers the same move-one-disk-at-a-time challenge seen on the show, crafted in solid wood for smooth, repeat runs. Handmade in Florida with fast shipping, it looks sharp on a coffee table or desk and stands up to serious game-night play. Make it yours with personalized engraving, or browse the Puzzle and Game Gift Center for on-theme gift ideas.
FAQ
Was the Love Island puzzle really Tower of Hanoi?
Yes. The TV set is oversized and themed for entertainment, but the rules match Tower of Hanoi.
How many moves does a 5-ring tower take?
The theoretical minimum is 31 moves (25 − 1).
How many moves does a 7-ring tower take?
The theoretical minimum is 127 moves (27 − 1).
Do you offer other sizes?
We periodically stock additional variants. Check the product page for current availability.
Background sources: Britannica (rules and 2n−1); University of St Andrews MacTutor (history).
