Welcome, aspiring Patches player! This walkthrough will guide you through the official 4x4 Level 1 puzzle, demonstrating fundamental strategies to help you get started. This level, while seemingly simple, introduces key deduction techniques. Let’s break it down!
Understanding the Goal
In Patches, your goal is to divide the grid into non-overlapping rectangular or square "patches" such that each patch contains exactly one clue. The number in the clue indicates the area of that patch, and the shape (if present) indicates its dimensions (e.g., a 'tall' rectangle, 'wide' rectangle, or 'square').
Our Sample 4x4 Grid (Level 1)
Let's consider this starting 4x4 grid:
In this puzzle, we have two '2' clues and two '6' clues. The sum of the areas (2+6+2+6 = 16) perfectly matches the total cells in a 4x4 grid.
Step 1: Deductions for the '6' at (1,3)
Let's start with the '6' clue at Row 1, Column 3. It needs to cover 6 cells. Possible rectangular shapes are 1x6 (impossible on a 4x4 grid), 6x1 (impossible), 2x3, or 3x2.
Crucially, this '6' cannot extend downwards and include the '2' clue at (2,3) because each patch must contain *exactly one* clue. This eliminates any 3x2 shape that would cover (2,3).
Therefore, the '6' at (1,3) must form a 2x3 patch, extending into rows 0 and 1, and columns 1, 2, and 3. The cells it covers are: (0,1), (0,2), (0,3), (1,1), (1,2), (1,3).
Step 2: Deductions for the '6' at (3,1)
Now consider the '6' clue at Row 3, Column 1. By symmetrical logic, it cannot extend upwards to cover the '2' at (2,3) (if it were part of a vertical 3x2). It also cannot extend left. This '6' must also form a 2x3 patch.
The cells it covers are: (2,0), (2,1), (2,2), (3,0), (3,1), (3,2).
Step 3: Placing the '2' at (1,0)
With the two '6' patches placed, let's look at the '2' clue at Row 1, Column 0. It needs 2 cells. The cell (1,1) is already part of the first '6' patch. This forces the '2' at (1,0) to take the cell directly above it: (0,0).
This forms a 2x1 vertical patch covering: (0,0), (1,0).
Step 4: Placing the '2' at (2,3)
Finally, consider the '2' clue at Row 2, Column 3. It needs 2 cells. The cell (1,3) is part of the first '6' patch, and (2,2) is part of the second '6' patch. This forces the '2' at (2,3) to take the cell directly below it: (3,3).
This forms a 2x1 vertical patch covering: (2,3), (3,3).
Final Solved Grid
Here's the completely solved 4x4 Level 1 grid:
By logically placing each patch and carefully considering the constraints of the grid, we've successfully solved the 4x4 Level 1 Patches puzzle! This type of methodical deduction is key to tackling all puzzles, from beginner to advanced. Keep practicing, and you'll master the grid in no time.