Order of the Sinking Line
(Published on 3. November 2026, 11:59 by Todd)
Online play: https://sudokupad.app/6jwjvx9glf
Inspired by the game Order of the Sinking Star, this puzzle asks you to solve four overlapping sudoku grids, each with its own line rule. On areas shared by two grids, both rules must hold at the same time.
Sudoku: Normal sudoku rules apply to each of the four 9×9 grids arranged in a plus shape. Digits are 1–9. Cells that overlap between grids share the same digit.
Line: A single closed grey line forms an ordered path across the combined grid. The four grids each use a distinct line rule, one rule per grid:
• Parity Line: Consecutive digits alternate between odd and even.
• Dutch Whisper Line: Consecutive digits differ by at least 4.
• Region Sum Line: Segments split by box borders have equal sum N. If the line enters the same box multiple times, each separate segment inside that box individually sums to N.
• Parkour Line: Digits are building heights. Following the grey line anticlockwise, each next height is at most 1 higher and at most 2 lower than the previous (so the change is +1, 0, −1 or −2).
Overlap: For each adjacent pair along the path: if both cells of the pair lie within one or more grids, the pair must satisfy the assigned line rule of every grid containing both cells.
Other puzzles:
Freerunner #2: 000VPP.
Mind the Edge ! #0: 000VE7.
Magic 30: 000UVI.
More of my games: hitodd.com.
Solution code: Enter the digits of row 5 of the southern 9×9 grid (left to right).
Comments
on 3. November 2026, 14:50 by Reisen
Both the game and this puzzle are very interesting.I really love the interactions between the rules.
