Before you draw anything, find the tightest corridor on the board. That chokepoint is your “do not block” zone. Shape Connect is a calm logic game. You connect identical shapes with paths that: never cross another path move only in right angles travel through empty cells It starts easy, then gets surprisingly tricky when boards grow and obstacles appear. What you do in the game Each level: Scan the grid for matching pairs. Draw a path from one shape to its match. Make sure paths don’t cross or trap future paths. Use undo to adjust without breaking everything. Finish when all pairs are connected. Some levels add gates, teleporters, or one-way arrows, which makes planning even more important. Controls Desktop Click a shape, drag to draw a path Release to lock the connection Undo button to remove the last path Mobile Tap a shape, drag finger to draw Lift finger to lock Tap undo to step back How you “win” (and optional stars) You win by connecting every pair. Optional goals may include: fewest turns tidy solutions (minimal backtracking) timed challenges in special packs Zen packs usually remove timers and focus on calm solving. Advanced board features (if included) Gates: you must plan entry and exit before locking nearby paths. Teleporters: think of them like tunnels; reserve space around both ends. One-way arrows: force your route direction, so test in your head first. Tips to play better (specific Shape Connect strategy) Connect edge and corner pairs first. They have fewer route choices. Reserve chokepoints early. If a corridor is only one cell wide, protect it. Don’t always draw the shortest path. A longer perimeter loop can free the center. Leave the middle open when possible. The center is usually needed by many pairs. Lock only after you’re sure. Use “hover thinking” to test a route mentally first. Work in layers: outside paths, then mid paths, then center paths. When two pairs compete for space, connect the more “boxed in” pair first. Gate rule: plan the gate path before anything nearby, or you’ll trap it. Use undo like a microscope. Remove just the last path to see what changed. Watch for accidental cages. A closed rectangle can trap an unconnected shape inside. Tip: Keep your corridors breathing. If you keep getting stuck at the end, it means you blocked a chokepoint earlier—restart with chokepoints reserved first. Real moment: the board feels impossible, then you realize one long outside loop solves three future problems. That’s the “aha.” Modes and accessibility Many versions include: high-contrast borders color-blind palettes numeric/symbol overlays for non-color solving These make it easier for all players to track pairs and paths. Common problems & quick fixes A path won’t draw: You may be trying to cross an existing path or enter a blocked cell. I keep trapping the last pair: Start over and reserve chokepoints earlier. Gates confuse me: Solve gate pairs early before filling nearby space. Lag: Close extra tabs/apps and refresh. Full screen issues: Exit and re-enter full screen; rotate mobile. Hard to see shapes: Turn on high-contrast or symbol overlays. Parent tip Shape Connect builds spatial reasoning, planning, and patience. It’s a great quiet brain break. Suggest stopping after a few boards to rest eyes. Quick info Platform: Browser (HTML5) Genre: Logic puzzle / connect paths Age fit: 6–13 Session length: 3–12 minutes per board Controls: Tap/drag to draw, undo to adjust FAQ Q1: Should I always connect the closest pairs first? A: Not always. Closest can trap space—connect the most restricted pairs first. Q2: What’s a chokepoint? A: A narrow corridor that many solutions must use. If you block it, the board can become impossible. Q3: How do I handle teleporters/gates? A: Plan them early and reserve space around both ends. Q4: Why do I get stuck near the end? A: You likely boxed in a shape or blocked a corridor earlier. Q5: Are timers required? A: Usually only in special challenge packs. Zen mode is often untimed. Q6: What’s the best way to learn? A: Solve slowly at first, then replay for fewer turns once you understand the board.