Cosmic Distance Ladder
(Published on 20. March 2026, 13:27 by balpha)
Normal Sudoku rules apply. Digits separated by a white dot are consecutive.
The distance between two cells is their Manhattan distance, i.e. the smallest possible number of orthogonal one-cell steps required to reach one from the other.
From a blue telescope cell with the digit N, the distance to the closest other N is more than N. Digits don't repeat on telescopes.
From a red bull's eye cell with the digit N, the distance to the closest other N is exactly N. Digits don't repeat on bull's eyes.
For the avoidance of doubt: In either case, there may be more than one closest N.
Solution code: Row 1
Comments
on 21. March 2026, 22:23 by balpha
Added the classic "normal Sudoku rules apply" blurb to the rules, which I had initially forgotten. Looks like people figured it out, though :D
on 20. March 2026, 17:51 by dinonugs
great rule set! took me a minute to figure out all the implications. fun puzzle, thanks
[balpha:] Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!
on 20. March 2026, 15:33 by marcmees
Very smooth & fun. Thanks
[balpha:] Thanks for the feedback, means a lot!
