Chaos 12 (Chaos Construction)
(Published on 19. May 2025, 03:30 by MaizeGator)
This chaos construction puzzle uses a region-building rule inspired by Loop 12, a pencil puzzle genre in which clues indicate the longest loop segments surrounding each cell. Since Loop 12 isn’t as well-known as it deserves to be, the rule may take some getting used to. As a result, the difficulty is hard to predict, but I’ve intended this puzzle to be a relatively approachable and straightforward introduction. A more intricate puzzle using the same ruleset is on the way.
- Chaos Construction: Divide the grid into nine regions consisting of nine connected cells each. Place the digits 1-9 into every row, column, and region.
- The digit in a cell with an arrow clue indicates the length of the (strictly) longest region border (of the cell's own region) that touches that cell, which occurs in the indicated direction(s), perpendicular to the arrow. The grid border counts as a region border that must be considered.
Solution code: Column 6, with “/” for region borders (omit grid borders in solution code
Comments
on 21. May 2025, 19:03 by MaizeGator
Edited rules to specify region border is perpendicular to arrow
on 21. May 2025, 18:56 by dustpan
Loved it! Did the example puzzle first and took a while to wrap my head around the rules. Don't think I could've done the 9x9 without the example.
My biggest hang up was the "in the indicated direction" part, which to me meant the longest edge ran off parallel to the direction of the arrow rather than the arrow pointing at the longest edge which runs perpendicular to the arrow.
Not sure whether rewording the rules would be helpful, or if it was just my slow brain. Either way, doesn't take away from a fantastic puzzle and can't wait to try your next one!z
MG: I really like that rule suggestion! Thanks for solving and glad you enjoyed!
on 20. May 2025, 16:46 by Christounet
Fun! Thanks :)
on 19. May 2025, 21:18 by wuc
Awesome. The rules were tricky to use. The strictly helped. Worked on this on breaks during the whole day. Very rewarding. Great fun thx.
on 19. May 2025, 19:36 by Franjo
Quite approachable CC, despite the new and interesting ruleset! Thank you very much for creating and sharing this lovely puzzle and introducing Loop 12 - never seen any of these.
on 19. May 2025, 10:04 by sfushidahardy
Very nice and accessible introduction to the ruleset!
