Going With The Flow
(Published on 25. August 2026, 07:44 by Skully571)
A little less Extreme Variant sudoku
This is my first attempt at making a sudoku puzzle, I had to re-work the puzzle because I added a bunch of unnecessary constraints, but like the first time, any and all feedback is welcomed :)
So let's get started!
Rules:
1. Normal sudoku rules apply, 1-9 once each in every row, column, and 3x3 box.
2. Digits on a green line differ by at least 5.
3. Digits on a thermometer increase from the bulb to the tip.
4. Digits separated by a white dot are consecutive, digits separated by a black dot are in a 2:1 ratio, not all dots are given.
5. Digits in a circle indicate the digits that are in that 2x2.
6. Digits in a cage sum to the cages total.
Before:
Solution code: Enter the digits from row 8, from left to right
Comments
on 28. August 2026, 05:42 by Skully571
The puzzle has a confirmed solution now, sorry for that.
on 26. August 2026, 18:12 by Skully571
Changed the link name.
on 26. August 2026, 18:09 by Skully571
Changed the cover image
on 26. August 2026, 18:06 by Skully571
Removed: all the arrows, the palindrome line, zipper line, the 9 cage, and added a couple more black dots
on 26. August 2026, 04:11 by bugcat
Though I agree that there are more rules than needed to solve the puzzle, this is a good overview of some of the most common variant sudoku rules, very approachable!
on 25. August 2026, 23:05 by nunc
I liked this GAS, even with a lot of rules.
Don't give up!
on 25. August 2026, 20:50 by damo_89
Congratulations on setting your first puzzle. This certainly has more clues than necessary. Having consulted a solver I confirmed the puzzle was unique with the quads, kropki, thermos and whispers. I have just solved using only these constraints and had a fine experience.
As a new setter it is always tempting to throw lots of constraints at the grid, but I think you would be better served just picking one or two and trying to get the maximum logic out of them. I expect you would become better at setting, and also your puzzles will be more approachable to a newer solver as they aren't having to remember the rules of lots of different constraints.
Thanks for setting and good luck for the future. :)
on 25. August 2026, 15:03 by Skully571
Thank you to all who tried my puzzle, and to the few that gave me some feedback on it, I definitely could’ve had less rules but I was also considering that the puzzle had to have only one solution, so I wanted to make it clear where some digits had to go to avoid having two solutions, my next puzzle will definitely be MORE simpler, and LESS cluttered with grid furniture!! And the solution from now on will only be one row or column.
on 25. August 2026, 14:38 by Skully571
You only need the digits from row 8 to confirm the solution.
on 25. August 2026, 11:17 by Rollo
The solution code can definitely include spaces.
on 25. August 2026, 10:28 by pin7guin
You could try to use less than TEN different rules…
e.g. like Richard - I recommend his SVS-series with standard sudoku rules and ONE more rule
on 25. August 2026, 09:08 by mijq
Nice first puzzle.
In general I think a solution code should be just one row or column
on 25. August 2026, 08:07 by keenbowl
Good job on setting your first puzzle.
The zipper line is definitely not needed, and there are probably more clues that are not needed, but it was a nice quick snack.
