A Staggering Ascent
(Published on 21. June 2023, 12:30 by aleph-0)
Normal sudoku rules apply.
You must draw a line connecting adjacent cells. The line may move in any direction, including diagonally, and may cross itself.
Within each box the line contains exactly the digits equal to or less than the box number (standard left to right, top to bottom numbering is used). Within a box the digits must strictly increase towards the end of the line.
The line begins and ends in even numbered boxes which must be determined by the solver.
The highlighted cells must indicate the order in which the line first enters each box. For example, a 3 indicates the 3rd box entered.
Cells separated by an X must sum to 10. Cells separated by a V must sum to 5. Not all Xs and Vs are given.
An example 6x6 with a similar ruleset is below. This example begins in even numbered box 2 and ends in odd numbered box 3.
Solution code: Top row of the grid, 9 digits no spaces
Comments
on 21. September 2025, 13:16 by aleph-0
Added rule to resolve the final stage as per comment
on 28. June 2025, 20:30 by ChinStrap
Lovely, intricate but there appears to be two ways to end the path unfortunately. Technically rules don't say the path is unique but still a tad bit dissatisfying.
Update: you are right, I'm so sorry that I missed that, I have now added a rule to resolve this. Thank you for taking the time to solve my puzzle!
on 21. June 2023, 15:16 by aleph-0
Added solution to CTC link
