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