How to Play Star Battle

THE PLAYBOOK · 09JB

Star Battle: what to know before playing

Try Star Battle at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Place one star in each row, column and region, with no touching stars even diagonally. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Look at what changes after your first action.

Solve ten 6×6 puzzles with one star in every row, column and region. These boards use the one-star rule.

Practice with a purpose

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Notice the feedback after each input.

What counts as success

Place one star in each row, column and region, with no touching stars even diagonally. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

Start here and follow along

1. Tap to place a star, mark a cell or clear it.
2. Respect fixed starter stars.
3. Check rows, columns and coloured regions.
4. Check puzzle verifies the final arrangement.

Making selections and moves

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.

Put the rules into context

A placed star rules out all eight neighbouring squares. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Consider the next action carefully.

Pay attention to this rule

Different rows do not make diagonal neighbours legal. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Questions about this game