Dr. Sudoku Prescribes #82 – Star Battle
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools)
Theme: Ray Gun
Rules: Standard Star Battle rules.
Answer String: For each row from top to bottom, enter the number of the first column from the left where a star appears. Enter these numbers as a single string with no separators.
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 1:00, Master = 1:30, Expert = 3:00
Solution: PDF
Note: Follow this link for other classic Star Battles and this link for Star Battle variations. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Star Battles to get started on. More Star Battle puzzles can be found in The Art of Puzzles, in the book Star Battle by JinHoo Ahn, and in our beginner-friendly collection Intro to GMPuzzles by Serkan Yürekli.
Interesting use of the symmetrical bits to solve this. I admit using a bit of intuition at one point nearer to the end, but thankfully it was spot on.
1’08. I could probably have saved some seconds by not marking all the unused cells but I lack too much practice on this type to feel confident without marking them.
About the puzzle itself – excessively symmetric puzzles can be boring but here it made for a fun easy Star Battle, so I am okay with it.
2:49
Nice flowing puzzle
00:51. A really nice introduction of Star Battle, especially the 2×2 rule; I started with it, and the rest is smooth.
Online version: [EDIT: Removed as we added our own official link to post]