RAT RUN 24: Between You and Me
(Published on 4. February 2026, 03:55 by marty_sears)
- Normal sudoku rules apply.
- AIM OF EXPERIMENT: Finkz and Phinx must both reach the cupcakes by finding a path through the maze. The paths must not visit any cell more than once, cross themselves or each other, or pass through any thick maze walls. The paths may not share cells except where they meet at the cupcake cell.
- As well as moving orthogonally, Finkz and Phinx may move diagonally if there's a 2x2 space in which to do so, but may never pass diagonally through a round wall-spot on the corner of a cell.
- CAGES: Digits may not repeat within a cage. All cages have the same total, to be deduced. An electricity symbol indicates the cage's shock value. Cages with a shock value of 5 or higher may not be entered. Cages with a shock value lower than 5 are safe to enter.
- FORBIDDEN DOORS: If a red X sits between two digits, they sum to 10.
- TEST CONSTRAINT: In this experiment, both paths must be a valid 'between line', ie: the highest and lowest digits on a path can be found at its ends (on the rat and the cupcake cell, in some order) and not anywhere else along that path.
Solution code: Digits in column 9 that are not visited by either rat, reading downwards
Comments
yesterday, 20:02 by ufdigga
This was one of my favorite RAT RUN puzzles to date, which is really saying something! I really loved the flow of this one, and I found the solve path to be particularly elegant.
on 14. February 2026, 03:33 by misha
One of the easier rat run puzzles, but a very beautiful and enjoyable one!
on 9. February 2026, 20:33 by BG03
Signature Marty puzzle. I foresaw a few tricks purely because I suspected him to do something devious!
on 8. February 2026, 23:47 by Vedvart
What a fabulous puzzle - this might be my favorite sudoku of all time. It was really elegant the entire way through!
on 6. February 2026, 23:29 by Klausku
After reading the rules I wondered, how Marty would have created some funny paths with this test constraint. He did! Beautiful puzzle. I really like this double between line logic. Thanks!
on 6. February 2026, 16:12 by docpayce
An absolute charm as always!
on 6. February 2026, 06:37 by bugcat
This is the first Rat Run puzzle I was able to complete without hints from Simon's solve. Loved it!
on 6. February 2026, 03:13 by MikeMeech
I love how sometimes the digits force the line and sometimes the line forces the digits.
on 5. February 2026, 18:14 by virus_dave
What a lovely puzzle. Much faster break-in on this one for me, and definitely easier than the last two, but every bit as enjoyable.
Thanks once more for setting, can't wait for the next one!
on 5. February 2026, 17:33 by blackjackfitz
Huzzah!
on 5. February 2026, 17:15 by ChristopherStanlake
I was surprised how far I got drawing the top Finkz's (or Phinx's!) path with no digits after getting the break-in. After that it was a really satisfying solve with an enjoyable bit of rinky-dinkage in box 3!
on 5. February 2026, 16:44 by l_ugray
This is my favourite use of two rats in Phase 3. Really enjoyed that break in - and the whole puzzle.
on 5. February 2026, 13:19 by ako
As usually, if it were hard in advanced Sudoku, I'd give it 4 Stars, as it's mainly complicated in general logic, it's a 2 for me. Clearly 5 on beauty though - as usually as well. Thx again!
on 5. February 2026, 10:55 by wuc
Brilliant. My favourite of the season. A video of how such a puzzle is created would be spectacular. So deep interactions. Amazing puzzle thx.
on 4. February 2026, 23:56 by misha
One of the easier rat run puzzles, but a very beautiful and enjoyable one!
on 4. February 2026, 22:39 by sujoyku
I absolutely did not find it easier than 3 stars (have given 4), but now can understand why others did. Once I figured out the break-in, all came together very smoothly. Just finding that break-in took me forever. But be that as it may. Thank you for yet another wonderful edition of this series that never ceases to a-maze, Marty!
on 4. February 2026, 21:44 by damo_89
30 minutes of "This puzzle is broken, it is impossible for Finkz to reach the cupca... oh I see what is happening!"
on 4. February 2026, 15:16 by DonQuichopp
Wow, what a wonderful and very approachable puzzle. I found it between 2 and 3 stars. Maybe on the two side for a skilled solver in between lines and cages. I usually stare at the grid for hours before I can start. Here I grasped the concept quite quickly how to break in, and thereafter it flows really nicely. Looking forward to CtCs Video, to see if I followed the correct solving path. This time I have a good feeling.
Thank you Marty
on 4. February 2026, 15:04 by vitaminz
One of the (maybe the?) best starts to a rat run, but it keeps surprising throughout!
on 4. February 2026, 14:12 by mscha
A between line, that's not very restrictive, is it?
Oh...
Yikes!
Another beautiful Rat Run, full of (lightbulb emoji) moments. You'd think we'd get used to it, but no, every time it's such a surprise and delight to get to solve such a wonderful puzzle.
on 4. February 2026, 13:57 by GeorgeTheToad2
Loved the break in. Determining the cage total was the tricky part for me. Another great puzzle.
on 4. February 2026, 11:43 by Christounet
What a cool idea! And great execution of this idea of course. Thanks :)
on 4. February 2026, 11:30 by Franjo
After a few minutes I got totally confused about my "proof" that the rats couldn’t get out of box 8. It took me many minutes more until I realized what was going on here. What a lovely break-in! Thank you very much for creating and sharing another delightful puzzle that made my day.
on 4. February 2026, 11:03 by Exigus
Just superb setting. Thanks!
on 4. February 2026, 09:53 by woody
Thanks for another masterpiece in this masterpiece series. The shorter path was fun to find.
on 4. February 2026, 06:28 by antiknight
Great puzzle! It wasn't too hard and I loved the break-in!
on 4. February 2026, 05:57 by JohnBoggs
"Great setting, definitely one of the easier break-ins, me finks" - me, Finkz, and Phinx.
If only that central dot weren't there, I wouldn't have thought for 20 minutes how to achieve the between line!
on 4. February 2026, 05:39 by tallcat
Very enjoyable. I personally would give it 4 stars difficulty (It's probably 3.5ish) as the break-in does require some careful thought. (Also, between lines are totally my jam so i was excited when i saw the title for this one)
on 4. February 2026, 05:15 by PuzzBmcg
I wish I could give it 6 stars. Awesome!
on 4. February 2026, 04:52 by Silverscree
Ooooh what a glorious break-in! I started before the clarification about repeats in killer cages, and I'm actually glad I did because, once I checked that ruling, the rest of the puzzle flew past at lightning speed.
I think this is my favourite from phase 3; three stars is my sweet spot. Thank you for giving me an excuse to excitedly refresh a web page once a week Marty!
on 4. February 2026, 04:44 by childishjasmino
Another quiet triumph. Each Rat Run is a precise delight, masterfully constructed; and of course this one is no exception. Elegant without indulging in impossibility, each twist playful without ever losing discipline or sacrificing value. I found the 24th experiment at that half-lit hour when sleep refuses to cooperate, and it did exactly what the best puzzles do: awakened the mind while soothing it. A rare pleasure, equal parts calm and curiosity, and a reminder that even restlessness can be put to intelligent use.
