Hard Star Battle answer — August 11, 2026

Full written solution

Every deduction from the walkthrough above, in order. Each technique is explained in the Star Battle strategy guide.

1. Starting position — the grid is split into regions (bold outlines). Each row, column, and region needs exactly two stars, and no two stars may touch.
2. Blocking rule: This position would block too many candidates (row 2, column 2).
3. Blocking rule: This position would block too many candidates (row 8, column 8).
4. Blocking rule: This position would block too many candidates (row 9, column 8).
5. Three candidates with two adjacent: Isolated candidate must hold a star (row 9, column 9).
6. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 8, column 9).
7. Two-option rule: Cell adjacent to both candidates (row 8, column 6).
8. Two-option rule: Cell adjacent to both candidates (row 9, column 6).
9. Blocking rule: This position would block too many candidates (row 3, column 4).
10. Blocking rule: This position would block too many candidates (row 3, column 5).
11. Three candidates with two adjacent: Isolated candidate must hold a star (row 2, column 5).
12. Mark 6 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 1, column 4).
13. Two-option rule: Cell adjacent to both candidates (row 5, column 4).
14. Two-option rule: Cell adjacent to both candidates (row 5, column 5).
15. Clump analysis (Column 6): candidate clumps can only just supply the remaining stars (row 4, column 5).
16. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 4, column 4).
17. Mark 3 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 3, column 3).
18. Three candidates with two adjacent: Isolated candidate must hold a star (row 2, column 3).
19. Mark 3 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 1, column 2).
20. Row 2 complete: Mark 4 remaining cells as X (row 2, column 1).
21. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 1, column 1).
22. Two last candidates (column 5): Eliminate 2 cells adjacent to both (row 8, column 4).
23. Two last candidates (column 4): Eliminate 2 cells adjacent to both (row 6, column 3).
24. Two last candidates (column 3): Eliminate 2 cells adjacent to both (row 8, column 2).
25. Clump analysis (Column 1): each clump must supply its full share of stars (row 9, column 3).
26. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 8, column 3).
27. Row 9 complete: Mark 3 remaining cells as X (row 9, column 1).
28. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 8, column 7).
29. Mark 2 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 7, column 6).
30. Region completion: 2 stars needed, 2 candidates (row 6, column 6).
31. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 5, column 6).
32. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 8, column 5).
33. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 7, column 4).
34. Region completion: 2 stars needed, 2 candidates (row 4, column 6).
35. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 3, column 7).
36. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 6, column 4).
37. Row 4 complete: Mark 4 remaining cells as X (row 4, column 1).
38. Row 6 complete: Mark 4 remaining cells as X (row 6, column 1).
39. Region completion: 2 stars needed, 2 candidates (row 5, column 2).
40. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 5, column 1).
41. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 7, column 2).
42. Mark 2 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 7, column 1).
43. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 3, column 1).
44. Row completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 7, column 9).
45. Column completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 1, column 7).
46. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 1, column 8).
47. Row 1 complete: Mark 1 remaining cells as X (row 1, column 9).
48. Column completion: 2 stars needed, 2 candidates (row 3, column 8).
49. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 3, column 9).
50. Column completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 5, column 8).
51. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 5, column 9).
52. Solved! Every row, column, and region has its two stars, none touching.