How to Play Star Battle

THE PLAYBOOK · NMGAFT

How to play Star Battle

Read the aim of Star Battle, then make your first move. Place one star in each row, column and region, with no touching stars even diagonally. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

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

A careful first round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Place one star in each row, column and region, with no touching stars even diagonally. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Step by step

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.

Controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

A useful example

A placed star rules out all eight neighbouring squares. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the controls nearby.

Watch out for this

Different rows do not make diagonal neighbours legal. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

Common questions