Sand Shape Level 173 Solution

Level Overview

Sand Shape Level 173 is a timed puzzle where players must fill a grid with various polyomino shapes. The objective is to identify and trace specific 'Required Shapes' on the main board, ensuring that each completed shape encompasses exactly one green gem. Players start with 2 minutes and 30 seconds to complete the board. Hints are available but cost in-game currency, and an undo option helps correct mistakes. The level requires careful observation and strategic placement to fit all shapes within the time limit.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Begin by identifying easily recognizable shapes around the green gems on the main grid. Look for L-shapes, T-shapes, squares, and straight lines.
2. Using the paintbrush tool (middle icon at the bottom), drag your finger across the cells to form the desired shape. The video shows the player starting with an L-shaped block in the bottom-left area of the board (from 02:29 to 02:27).
3. Continue filling the board. The player next fills a yellow square-like shape in the mid-right (02:25 to 02:23), followed by a light green L-shape in the top-mid-left (02:21 to 02:19).
4. Proceed to fill a blue 'C' or U-shaped piece in the top-right corner (02:15 to 02:13).
5. Identify and fill the purple L-shaped block near the center of the board (02:12 to 02:09), and another purple shape next to it (02:07 to 02:04).
6. If you get stuck or cannot identify the next shape, use the 'Clue' (magnifying glass icon on the bottom right). This will highlight a portion of a required shape on the board. Be aware that clues cost coins, and you may need to purchase more if you run out (as seen in the video at 01:41 and 01:23).
7. After using a clue, trace the highlighted shape. The video shows the player using clues to fill a Z-shape in yellow (01:57 to 01:54), another Z-shape (01:50 to 01:47), and a purple irregular shape (01:40 to 01:38).
8. Carefully place additional shapes to cover the remaining parts of the board, making sure each new shape captures exactly one green gem. The player fills a light blue Z-shape (01:35 to 01:34), a light green L-shape (01:19 to 01:18), and another light green L-shape (01:17 to 01:16).
9. If you accidentally select cells that do not form a valid required shape or leave an incorrect pattern (indicated by red diagonal stripes), use the undo button (blue circle icon on the bottom left). The video shows the player correcting multiple mistakes between 01:05 and 00:57.
10. Continue to fill the board, using the remaining time wisely. The player fills a large light green block (00:56 to 00:55), a dark pink shape (00:54), and a purple shape (00:53).
11. Address any new mistakes using the undo feature if necessary (as seen from 00:53 to 00:42).
12. Fill the final remaining shapes on the board to complete Level 173 before the timer runs out.
13. Once all shapes are correctly placed and the grid is full, the 'Level Complete' screen will appear, indicating success.

Pro Tips

• Prioritize filling compact and easily identifiable shapes first, especially those in corners or against existing filled blocks, to create clearer pathways for larger, more complex shapes.
• Always double-check the 'Required Shapes' panel at the top. Knowing which shapes are still needed helps you look for them more efficiently on the main board.
• Use hints strategically. Save them for when you are truly stuck or when there are only a few difficult shapes remaining, rather than for simple ones. Remember they cost coins.
• Pay close attention to the single gem requirement for each shape. Incorrectly forming shapes with zero or multiple gems will result in errors and waste valuable time.
• Do not hesitate to use the undo button immediately if you realize you have made a mistake. Correcting small errors quickly is better than trying to work around a larger, ill-fitting shape.
• Keep an eye on the timer. If time is running low, focus on completing just one more required shape at a time rather than planning too far ahead.

Common Mistakes

• One common mistake is drawing shapes that do not exactly match one of the 'Required Shapes' in the top panel, leading to invalid placements that need to be undone.
• Players often create shapes that enclose more or less than one green gem, violating the core rule and causing errors.
• Attempting to fill the board randomly without checking the 'Required Shapes' can lead to a cluttered board state and running out of valid placements.
• Forgetting about the time limit can lead to rushing at the end, causing more mistakes and potentially failing the level.
• Not utilizing the undo button to correct mistakes promptly, which can lead to compounding errors and making it harder to complete the level.

Frequently Asked Questions