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Getting Started

ClusterSum is easiest to understand once you have solved one or two boards. This guide gives you a quick first-pass workflow so the game feels approachable instead of abstract.

Start With One Puzzle

Open the app and choose a puzzle mode:

  • Daily for a fresh puzzle each day
  • Journey for a longer progression path

If you are new, start with Daily. It gives you a low-pressure way to learn the rules without having to think about progression or streaks.

The Basic Rule

Every numbered tile belongs to a connected group of the same number, and that group must contain exactly as many tiles as the number shows.

For example:

  • a 2 must be connected to exactly two 2s
  • a 3 must be connected to exactly three 3s
  • a 5 must be connected to exactly five 5s

The challenge is deciding which matching tiles should be grouped together and which should be left for a different cluster.

How To Think About A Board

When you first look at a puzzle:

  1. Find the biggest numbers.
  2. Look for constrained edges or corners.
  3. Build the most obvious clusters first.
  4. Leave flexible space for smaller numbers that may need room later.

This is usually more effective than trying to fill the board in strict order.

Hints

Hints are there to keep the game moving.

  • Use a hint when a board starts to feel circular.
  • Treat hints as a nudge, not a full solution.
  • If you burn a hint too early, just use the rest of the puzzle to practice reasoning from the new information.

Good First Habits

  • Take small, deliberate steps instead of filling the board quickly.
  • Watch for numbers that can only fit in one place.
  • Re-check neighboring groups before committing to a long chain.
  • Finish a few boards in a row so your eye gets used to the board logic.

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