A Ranked Phenomenon
(Published on 25. December 2025, 05:00 by Las4one)
Inspired by Xenonetix's A Mathematical Phenomenon. Note that the puzzle is still unique without the dots in the grid, but it might need some bifurcation.
Rules:
- Sudoku: Place digits 1-9 in each row, column and region exactly once.
- Full Rank: The digits on columns and rows, read in both directions, make a total of 36 nine-digit numbers. Cells outside the grid have a value equal to the rank in ascending order among those 36 numbers for the indicated column or row in the direction of the cell.
- Kropki: White dots connect two consecutive numbers, and black dots connect two numbers where one is double the other. Not all dots are necessarily given.
The version without the dots in the grid is also provided for those who are interested. penpa ctc
Enjoy!
Solution code: The 9-digit number of rank 21.
Comments
on 1. January 2026, 00:15 by mezeji
great puzzle
on 28. December 2025, 08:48 by Selenotropism
Wow I'm still surprised this was even possible. Tough even till the very end. Really likes the idea was super fun!
on 27. December 2025, 20:54 by HakabaRemi
It is wonderful that so many numbers could be deduced just by a simple clue like this. Very good puzzle!
on 26. December 2025, 23:56 by Fool on Hill
Cool post Christmas challenge. Tough and interesting.
on 26. December 2025, 16:26 by Exigus
Tricky until the very end, loved it. Thanks!
on 26. December 2025, 16:05 by marcmees
Easy to find the rank values, but hard/fun scanning to get the sudoku completed. Great construction. Thanks
on 26. December 2025, 15:35 by GoodMorningCallum
A great construction. I thought it was amazing that you had to keep making logical deductions right until the very end - not many puzzles require that. Thank you!
on 26. December 2025, 09:57 by cyddrdrd
Very cool!
