About Star Battle
Star Battle divides a grid into bordered regions, and asks you to place a fixed number of stars — usually one or two, depending on the grid size — into every row, every column, and every region. The only other rule is that no two stars can touch, including diagonally. It's closely related to Queens, but the fixed star count per line adds another layer of deduction.
The Rules
Place the required number of stars in every row, column, and bordered region, so that no two stars touch — even diagonally.
Step by Step
- The grid is divided into bordered, irregularly shaped regions.
- Place the required number of stars (shown at the start of the puzzle, usually one or two) in every row.
- Place the same number of stars in every column and in every region.
- No two stars can be adjacent, including diagonally.
- The puzzle is solved when every row, column, and region has exactly the required star count and no stars touch.
Tips & Strategy
- Start with the smallest regions — a region with very few cells often only has one or two valid star placements.
- Once a star is placed, mark every touching cell (including diagonally) as excluded — no other star can go there.
- If a region's remaining valid cells all sit in a single row or column, every other cell in that line can be excluded.
- Count stars already placed per row and column as you go — a row that has hit its quota lets you exclude the rest of that row entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stars go in each row?
It depends on the puzzle size — smaller grids typically use one star per row/column/region, larger grids use two. The required count is always shown with the puzzle.
Is Star Battle the same as Queens?
They're closely related — both place markers per row, column, and region with no touching — but Star Battle can require more than one star per line, adding an extra counting layer Queens doesn't have.
Do stars need to avoid diagonal contact too?
Yes — no two stars can be adjacent in any of the eight surrounding directions.
