Medium Star Battle answer — September 10, 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 7, column 3).
3. Blocking rule: This position would block too many candidates (row 4, column 3).
4. Blocking rule: This position would block too many candidates (row 6, column 7).
5. Clump analysis (Column 1): candidate clumps can only just supply the remaining stars (row 4, column 2).
6. Clump analysis (Region 3): candidate clumps can only just supply the remaining stars (row 5, column 3).
7. Three candidates with two adjacent: Isolated candidate must hold a star (row 5, column 2).
8. Mark 4 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 4, column 1).
9. Three candidates with two adjacent: Isolated candidate must hold a star (row 6, column 4).
10. Mark 3 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 5, column 5).
11. Two-option rule: Cell adjacent to both candidates (row 3, column 4).
12. Clump analysis (Region 6): candidate clumps can only just supply the remaining stars (row 5, column 7).
13. Two last candidates (row 5): Eliminate 1 cell adjacent to both (row 4, column 7).
14. Two last candidates (row 6): Eliminate 1 cell adjacent to both (row 7, column 7).
15. Three candidates with two adjacent: Isolated candidate must hold a star (row 6, column 6).
16. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 5, column 6).
17. Row completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 5, column 8).
18. Mark 3 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 4, column 8).
19. Three candidates in a row: Middle cell can't hold a star (row 4, column 5).
20. Row completion: 2 stars needed, 2 candidates (row 4, column 4).
21. Mark 2 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 3, column 3).
22. Row completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 4, column 6).
23. Mark 2 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 3, column 6).
24. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 3, column 8).
25. Mark 4 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 2, column 7).
26. Column 4 complete: Mark 4 remaining cells as X (row 1, column 4).
27. Column 6 complete: Mark 4 remaining cells as X (row 1, column 6).
28. Column 8 complete: Mark 4 remaining cells as X (row 1, column 8).
29. Region completion: 2 stars needed, 2 candidates (row 1, column 7).
30. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 1, column 9).
31. Row 1 complete: Mark 4 remaining cells as X (row 1, column 1).
32. Three candidates with two adjacent: Isolated candidate must hold a star (row 9, column 3).
33. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 8, column 3).
34. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 7, column 2).
35. Mark 2 cells adjacent to stars as X (row 7, column 1).
36. Row completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 7, column 9).
37. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 8, column 9).
38. Row completion: 2 stars needed, 2 candidates (row 8, column 5).
39. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 9, column 5).
40. Row completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 8, column 7).
41. Mark 1 cell adjacent to stars as X (row 9, column 7).
42. Region complete: Mark 1 remaining cells as X (row 9, column 9).
43. Row completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 9, column 1).
44. Column 2 complete: Mark 2 remaining cells as X (row 2, column 2).
45. Region completion: 2 stars needed, 2 candidates (row 2, column 3).
46. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 2, column 5).
47. Row 2 complete: Mark 1 remaining cells as X (row 2, column 1).
48. Region completion: 1 star needed, 1 candidate (row 3, column 1).
49. Solved! Every row, column, and region has its two stars, none touching.