shapez.io – New Puzzle DLC Guide in shapez.io

The theory behind puzzle making

 
Please keep in mind that the following is my opinion, and there are certainly more ways of making good puzzles other than this. That said, here you go: 
 
Making a puzzle of any kind is a complex process of finding a balance between having difficulty and giving indications/hints of what the player should be doing. 
 
For example, if a puzzle is difficult with a wide open space, but with no indication of how to go about completing the puzzle, it’s quite likely the puzzle isn’t fun. You can open the puzzle and be completely at a loss of where to start, because there are simply too many ways you can do things, to the point the puzzle is boring. 
 
 
In the same way, if a puzzle gives you clear indications of where everything goes and leaves you with little to think about, that puzzle becomes very easy, and again, boring, because you haven’t given the player a challenge. 
 
 
SO, that said, the ideal puzzle is one where there are indications of where buildings go, to an extent, but they are hidden or not immediately apparent to the player. The main trick is, depending on how difficult you want the puzzle to be you can adjust this balance between these two sides. 
 
Everything is based on that balance to an extent, but keep in mind there are always exceptions and wacky ways of doing things. 
 
 

So how do I make a puzzle?

 
Before you even start making a puzzle, work out what you want your puzzle to be like. What is the goal? Are there any mechanics you want to use in the puzzle? It doesn’t have to be a meticulous plan but you need a basis to start with. Then, once you know what you want to do, start building ONE PART of your puzzle. Don’t think you need to place things in a specific order, simply work it out as you go along. 
 
For example: You want this shape to be painted red ? How can you force the player to paint it in an unexpected way? Or can you get them to think they have to paint it one way, when in reality you have to use another way? 
 
Then, slowly build up the puzzle part by part. Don’t worry if you have to keep redoing parts, it may take time but eventually the finished puzzle will be worth it. 
After completing your puzzle DON’T publish it, but instead clear it and try it yourself from the eyes of the player. Only when you are satisfied that it is as you want it then publish it. 
 
 

A few Tips & Tricks

 
I really can’t give too much advice other than this, because I want you to make your own puzzles, not follow some instruction manual. I can, however, give you a few tips to get started. 
 
– In general, more blockers is good. 
– Large open spaces usually make a player lose interest to some extent. 
– Misleading the player is amazing. 
– You could leave a few options open as to where a building could be placed, and they all look like they will work, except they don’t. 
– More acceptors can force the player to use an efficient solution that provides enough shapes. 
– Keeping goals clear and easy to understand helps the player. 
 
The ideas are endless, but they are for you to think of! Go make some fun puzzles! 
 

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