Zodiac Recap (6x6 pack)
(Published on 23. July 2025, 14:09 by gdc)
This weeks setting chllenge by marty sears was about creating a "puzzle hunt" with a theme. I decided to create miniature versions of some zodiac puzzles. The descriptions below show the name of the original author (of the 9x9 versions). Thanks to the original authors and the CtC fan discord for testing my rip-offs :). Hope you enjoy!
#01 Orion's Belt by ViKing Prime
Normal 6x6 sudoku rules apply.
Disjoint: Every star contains a different digit.
Kropki: Digits separated by a black dot are in a 1:2 ratio. Digits separated by a white dot are consecutive. Not all dots are given.
#07 Star Chart by Flinty
Latin square: Place the digits 0-5 once each in every row and column.
Disjoint: Every circle contains a different digit.
Zipper: For each line, the two digits on its ends of sum to its central digit.
#10 Minefield Maneuvers by SamuPiano
Normal 6x6 sudoku rules apply.
Disjoint: Every circle contains a different digit.
Arrows: A digit on an arrow counts the number of even digits in the indicated direction(s) combined (excluding itself). Odd digits do NOT block vision.
#16 Original Sin by Nordy
Normal 6x6 sudoku rules apply.
Disjoint: Every circle contains a different digit.
Paths: A circle with a digit N is the start of a 1-cell-wide orthogonal path containing N cells. Paths don't touch themselves or each other orthogonally. Digits don't repeat on a path.
Apples: Digits separated by an apple sum to 5.
#17 Cluster Of Galaxies by Dorlir
Normal 6x6 Sudoku rules apply.
Disjoint: Every icon contains a different digit.
Galaxies: An icon with a digit N is part of a galaxy with N cells. A galaxy is an orthogonally connected group of cell(s) that retains it shape when rotated 180°. Galaxies don't touch each other orthgonally.
Renban: Digits in a galaxy don't repeat and form a single consecutive run when sorted.
#19 Isolation by Justin Vitanza
Normal 6x6 sudoku rules apply.
Disjoint: Every circle contains a different digit.
Path: Draw an orthogonal path from the astronaut to the spaceship.
Circles: The path visits all circles. Circled digits increase along the path.
Nabner: If two digits on the path are in the same box, they differ by 2 or more.
Remarks
If you want to play the 9x9 puzzles, they are all linked in this puzzle. The rulesets were all simplified in my miniatures, so please re-read the rules carefully when solving the 9x9 puzzles.
Solution code: The top-left cell (r1c1) from each puzzle (1 digit each, 6 digits total)
Comments
on 27. July 2025, 14:18 by davidz32z
Does original sin need a rule that paths cannot split? I ended up making that assumption
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gdc: The way I see it, paths are non-branching by definition. But yes, you need that property.
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Just finished the rest of the pack and it was very nice! Especially liked the galaxies as I've never done a puzzle with that region restriction. Thanks!
on 25. July 2025, 08:25 by Nordy
Wow, incredible pack! The puzzles are all excellent on their own, but knowing they are intended as homages elevates them even higher
on 25. July 2025, 01:23 by Exigus
Incredible work. Thanks!
on 23. July 2025, 20:43 by sujoyku
Thank you for this nice mini-Zodiac pack, gdc!
on 23. July 2025, 15:43 by Atticus837
Some very nice tributes! I'll have to go solve the original puzzles...
on 23. July 2025, 15:21 by vitaminz
A lovely recap/tribute. Definitely an approachable pack but still very enjoyable!
on 23. July 2025, 15:16 by JMoat13
I haven't tried any of the original 9x9 versions but this was a wonderfully set 6x6 puzzle pack. Thanks very much for sharing these!
on 23. July 2025, 14:21 by ViKingPrime
These were all incredibly enjoyable; and, shockingly approachable, given how hard some of the puzzles were that they're based on. I think I'm most impressed though with how well you managed the feel of each puzzle. You absolutely captured the essence of each one. Stupendous.
