Heatshields
(Published on 17. May 2025, 01:37 by Kafkapharnaum)
Big thanks to Sktx for testing!
RULES
Irregular 9x9 Sudoku rules apply: Place the digits 1 to 9 once in each row, column, and irregular region.
CHAOS CONSTRUCTION
Divide the grid into nine regions of nine orthogonally connected cells each. Each region must have a unique Region Number, defined as the digit in its top-leftmost cell (top before left). The Region Numbers must be the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats.
THERMO*
– Digits along thermometers must continuously increase from bulb to tip.
– *Four of the six thermometers are Region Builders, in that both their bulb and their tip are Region Numbers, while the two remaining are just regular thermos. It is up to the solver to determine which are which.
Play the puzzle on Sudokupad
Solution code: Column 3, top to bottom, with dashes (-) to indicate region borders (grid edges can be ignored)
Comments
on 14. June 2025, 18:23 by earthpuzzles
Nice mix of interesting logic leading to long runs of free flowing steps.
Had to remind myself several times that all numbers appeared in all regions :)
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Hahaha, well, there's been quite some activity on the Doppelganger front, that I think you missed! Check out aqjhs's Doppel-Dög hybrid called "nopil nahual", as well as Pychael's pack of original and thorny 4x4's, called 'Beyond the Grid" (quite literally) - both hugely recommended!
Anyway, thanks a lot for the solve and comment on this one here, glad you enjoyed!
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Will do! Thank you for the recs!
on 19. May 2025, 20:03 by KenGlue
Super smooth puzzle! A wonderful closeup to the chaos construction series :)
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Heeyy, many thanks Ken, glad you enjoyed! And more to come over on Discord hopefully :-)
on 18. May 2025, 23:38 by chrisj50
Not sure why I got stuck when I tried to test this one, but glad I came back for a second go as it was as smooth AF! Lovely way to finish off the run of CC’S. I’ve just got to go back now and try to finish off Chaos Inc!
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Ah, well, like I said to another commenter, just because a puzzle is meant to be smooth doesn't mean it can't have some spice here or there, and I think I've a couple ideas as to which deductions might have stumped you in your first go hehe. In any case, glad it was all smooth after a nice glass of milk ;D And now good luck on Chaos Inc.; you were already halfway there last time I checked - see you shortly at the finish line, and meanwhile, thanks as always for the nice feedback!
on 18. May 2025, 02:25 by Piatato
Smooth!
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As it was meant to be! Thanks for the solve and comment Piatato :D
on 17. May 2025, 21:35 by fitzie
this took me a while, but it for some reason I didn't feel like I was struggling. although I had a feeling like I was going to break the puzzle at any moment. very rewarding puzzle.
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Hehe, even in puzzles meant to be smooth, it's often just too tempting to add a little spice here and there XD Happy to hear it was still an even solve overall, and thanks for the kind words! :-)
on 17. May 2025, 17:34 by Snookerfan
Beautiful puzzle, very smooth! Thank you
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And thank you for the compliment, much appreciated -- glad you enjoyed!
on 17. May 2025, 17:27 by Myxo
Nice and easy!
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Thanks for sharing, glad you enjoyed! :D
on 17. May 2025, 08:08 by marcmees
Very nice & smooth. thanks
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Many thanks for the constant support marcmees, I really appreciate it!
on 17. May 2025, 06:22 by Elliott810
Brilliant construction! Thank you:)
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Thank you for the kind words Elliott, much appreciated! :D
on 17. May 2025, 05:09 by rameshsrivats
Very nice puzzle. Far more approachable than it seemed initially.
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Thank you for the kind words and feedback - that was the aim: minimal number of clues, and yet have a smooth solve!
