Block Puzzle Strategies to Win: Tips for Block Puzzle Games

Guest Contributor: Tim K.

Looking to elevate your block puzzle skills to new heights? Feeling miffed after another tough loss? Well, fear not because Arkadium is here with a fresh batch of block puzzle tips from an insider perspective. We know from experience what it takes to overcome the subtle tricks developers use to make these block games trickier than they look. Without further ado, read on for a complete list of our top block puzzle game strategies.

You know how most block puzzle games have at least one preview displayed, showing you what the next piece will be before it actually comes? You should take this as a huge hint that the game is encouraging you to think ahead. This strategy is so fundamental, in fact, that all of the other strategies listed below are built on it (hence why it gets the first mention).

Thinking ahead will allow you to make more powerful combinations while clearing lines more efficiently and with fewer errors. When you’re paying attention to what comes next, you can think proactively, not reactively. For example, suppose you will put a smaller piece in a large space, but then notice that the 3x3 piece is coming next. In that case, you can save yourself from having to jam that big block into an awkward position.

We know it can be tempting to fit that L-shaped piece into that perfectly L-sized opening in the blocks, but playing this way doesn’t always guarantee you make the most lines. In fact, sometimes, playing for the perfect fit can be counterproductive. The point is that whether or not this play style helps or harms you depends on how useful it is for actually completing lines. Lines are priority one, and the perfect fit is priority number two.

This strategy offers a high potential for amping up your score, but it’s one that has to be practiced in moderation. When we say create molds, we mean, as the opportunity presents itself, try to make openings that are the same shape as an upcoming piece (ideally one that you can already see coming in the preview). So, if you know the long skinny piece is coming, you can use your current piece to fill the space around it.

This strategy will allow you to cut down on awkward gaps in your blocks. However, as mentioned, it’s vital that you don’t reach too far to create molds. If the opportunity isn’t there, don’t try to force it.

Few things are more detrimental to a long and successful round of block puzzle gaming than leaving your corners empty and/or riddled with holes. You want to make sure that every individual block of each bottom corner is filled—that means no holes whatsoever—early on in the game. This will set you up to start chaining those line clears early. Once you’ve cleared them, fill them up again with no gaps. In other words, consistently keep your eyes on those corners and only play pieces that will fill them up.

Most block puzzle games give you bonus points and/or permanent score multipliers for clearing multiple lines with one move. If you’re looking to ratchet up that high score as much as possible, then this is the most important mechanic to take advantage of. Of course, in some situations, you will be forced to complete a line instead of waiting for the combo multiplier. If it’s between losing and a score bump, then stay in the game!

Now, if you’ve been paying close attention, you might be thinking, “I thought I was supposed to prioritize the corners!” To clarify, we still stand by the corner strategy, but once those corners are filled, it’s important to focus on planting some chunky pieces right in the middle and working outwards from each side. This will give you more opportunities to make high-scoring plays while still keeping large enough gaps open on each side.

Last but not least, many block puzzle games out there allow you to seriously up your game with power-ups and other mechanics. For example, when you Play Block Champ, you can zap huge sections of blocks away by lining up two of the lightning power-ups at the far ends of the play area. But be careful, because not every unique block you find will help you. Learn how they work and adapt your playstyle around these power-ups to take advantage of them to the best of your ability.

There’s no better feeling than coming back to a game with a fresh playbook and absolutely mopping the floor with your old high score. If you stick to the above strategies consistently and with discernment (knowing when to apply which strategy), we have no doubt that you’ll be able to accomplish just that. Once you’ve smoked your old high score, make sure to share your success and your strategies in the comments for the rest of us to use.

If you become so successful that you feel it’s time to move onto (and conquer) a new game altogether, then we’ve got great news: you don’t even have to go anywhere else. Arkadium has a vast selection of no-download, browser-based games that are just waiting for you to try. Do you dare to try them all?