Star Killer Part 6: Cold Space
(Published on 8. January 2024, 20:00 by FischmitFahrrad)
Additional constraints on placement of stars:
- All the stars must create one single loop of consecutive, increasing digits. '1' is considered to be the next value after '9'. The next step in the loop is always the second star in the respective row/column.
Additional constraints on values:
- Thermo: Digits along a grey thermometer must increase from the bulb.
Star Killer Rules:
Place exactly two stars into each row, column and box. Stars may not share an edge (no diagonal constraint!). The number in the top-left corner of a cage (if given) gives you the number of stars, that are outside of the cage and share an edge with that cage.
Digits in a cage do not repeat and sum to the total X. The number in the top-left corner of a cage must be equal to the digit sum of X.
Solve online.
This puzzle is part of a series consisting of 12 puzzles. The series doesn't necessarily has to be solved in the intended order. If you're willing to attempt the whole series you can find part 1 here.
You can continue with part 7 here.
Solution code: Row 6 from left to right (9 digits).
Comments
on 1. February 2024, 20:35 by RubberMittens
I'm confused by the Loop Rule.
Does this mean there's two loops to consider at the same time? The "Row Loop" order is R1S1, R1S2, R2S1, R2S2, etc., and the "Column Loop" order is C1S1, C1S2, C2S1, C2S2, etc.?
Or should I consider the order of the loop cells to be the 2nd stars of each row, followed by the 2nd stars of the columns?
Or something else?
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I think your second possibility describes the loop as intendend. So if r1c1 for example is a star and a '1' the next step in the loop contains a '2' and will be the second star in r1 or the second star in c1, depending on the direction of the loop. All 18 stars will contribute to one single loop (so 123456789123456789).
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Thanks for responding. I think I might understand better. If R1C1 is a star and "1", R1C5 is a "2" and the next loop cell, then the 3rd loop cell would be a "3" and would be the other star in C5? If that star is R9C5, then the 4th loop cell would be a "4" and the other star in R9? Is this what you mean?
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Yeah, that is correct. And after the '9' the loop continues with '1'.
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Thank you for the explanation and responses. I understand the rules now. Hope I can solve it!
on 10. January 2024, 14:48 by Bankey
This was definitely the toughest to date, but lots of fun! Thanks, @ FischmitFahrrad :).
on 9. January 2024, 05:59 by Briks
Like this one!
