How to play Star Battle
Place the same number of stars in every row, column and colored region. Stars cannot touch, including at corners. Check the star count above the board: the one-star and two-star puzzles use the same no-touching rule.
- Place the stated number of stars in every row.
- Place that same number in every column and colored region.
- No two stars may touch along an edge or at a corner.
- Tap a square for ×, again for a star, and again to clear. Drag across empty squares to mark several ×.
- Auto × marks neighbours of a star and the remaining squares of a row, column or region whose star count is full.
Worked example
Put stars in regions A, D, E and F. Each region is a single square.
Region H is at the bottom left. Columns 1 and 3 already have stars, leaving two squares in column 2. The upper one touches the star in F diagonally, so H's star goes in row 8, column 2.
In row 3, columns 4 and 6 touch D's star diagonally. Column 7 is the only square left. Region G then needs column 6; the remaining B star is in row 2, column 4.
Star Battle difficulty levels
| Easy | 8×8, one star: follow the star counts and no-touching rule. |
|---|---|
| Medium | 8×8, one star: use overlaps between rows, columns and regions. |
| Hard | 10×10, two stars: keep room for both stars in every row, column and region. |
Star Battle tips
- Count the open squares in a region before choosing a star. Two stars need at least one square between them when they share a row or column.
- Watch where a region meets a row. Stars that must stay in that overlap use some of the row’s available places.
- A filled row still matters: mark its other squares × before moving on to another region.
- If a placement leaves a region without room for its required stars, rule out that placement. Hint shows one move and its reason.
More on the blog
Star Battle FAQ
How many stars go in each region?
The number above the board applies to every row, column and region: one star on 8×8 boards, two on 10×10 boards.
Can stars touch diagonally?
No. A star rules out all eight neighbouring squares, including those that meet it at a corner.
Can I keep playing after the daily puzzle?
Yes. Unlimited mode lets you choose a level and start another board whenever you want.
Does every Star Battle board have one solution?
Yes. Each board has exactly one solution, and Hint explains one move at a time.
Can I return to an unfinished board?
Your daily board and current unlimited board are saved in this browser. Keep the same browser and leave its site data in place.
What happens if I reveal the answer?
Reveal shows the full solution and ends the puzzle. It does not count toward your streak.