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SXSS56

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Netwalk

Play Netwalk ↗

Game guide · SXSS56

An introduction to playing Netwalk

A careful first move helps you understand the round. Rotate tiles to form one connected network reaching every cell, without loose ends or loops. A new 5×5 network is created and its tiles are rotated.

Random 5×5 spanning-tree layouts are solvable by construction. Unique solution is not claimed; every valid connected, loop-free solution is accepted.

Something to practise

Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Every cable end must meet the corresponding end of a neighbouring tile; no cable may point outside the board. The game area remains available above the explanation.

What you need to achieve

The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Rotate tiles to form one connected network reaching every cell, without loose ends or loops. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.

The playing sequence

  1. A new 5×5 network is created and its tiles are rotated.
  2. Tap a tile to turn it clockwise by a quarter-turn. Tiles connected to the central server light up.
  3. Every cable end must meet the corresponding end of a neighbouring tile; no cable may point outside the board.
  4. Connect all 25 cells in one network. The finish check accepts any valid complete network, not just the generator’s saved orientation.

Using the playing area

Check the rule below as you play. Tap network tiles to rotate. Use Undo for the previous rotation and New puzzle for another generated layout.

One way to understand the rules

The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. A tile with north and east cables connects only to matching south and west cables on those neighbours. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.

A useful caution

Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. A tile glowing green only means it reaches the server. The whole board also needs every end matched and all cells connected. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.

Further help with the game

When I start, what is the aim of Netwalk?

Rotate tiles to form one connected network reaching every cell, without loose ends or loops. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.

How do the controls work?

Tap network tiles to rotate. Use Undo for the previous rotation and New puzzle for another generated layout. The instructions above use these same rules.

Can you show an example?

A tile with north and east cables connects only to matching south and west cables on those neighbours. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.

On this page, which mistake should I avoid?

A tile glowing green only means it reaches the server. The whole board also needs every end matched and all cells connected. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.

For this game, what rules and limits are used here?

Random 5×5 spanning-tree layouts are solvable by construction. Unique solution is not claimed; every valid connected, loop-free solution is accepted. The controls work with mouse or touch.

When I start, how many people can play here?

Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.

On this page, why are some tiles green?

They have a chain of matching cable ends to the central server. You can start a new round from the game controls.

When I start, can a cable leave the board?

No. This version has fixed boundaries and no wrapping. The controls work with mouse or touch.

For this game, is every puzzle solvable?

The generator starts from a connected tree and rotates its tiles, so the original orientation is a valid solution. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.

On this page, must I find exactly the stored answer?

No. Any orientation with all ends matched, all cells connected and no loop completes the puzzle. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.

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