Mosaic Solving Tips
Mosaic is pure counting; the skill is knowing where to look next. New here? Read the rules first.
1. Extremes first
A 0 means its whole block is empty; a 9 means all shaded. On the edge a 6 fills its block of six, and in a corner a 4 fills its block of four.
2. Needed versus unknown
For each clue: shaded so far, unknown squares left, and how many more are needed. Needed equal to unknown? Shade them all. Needed zero? Dot them all.
3. Neighbouring clues
Two clues side by side share six squares. If a 3 sits next to a 6, the three squares only the 6 covers must all be shaded, and the three only the 3 covers must be empty.
4. Dots are progress
Marking a square empty is as useful as shading one: it lowers the unknown count for every clue around it.
5. Finish the picture
When few squares remain, shaded blobs tend to be smooth. Use that as a check, never as a rule: only the numbers decide.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I start a Mosaic puzzle?
With the extremes: 0 clears its whole block, 9 shades it, a 4 in a corner or a 6 on an edge fills its clipped block. Then work outward from the squares you've settled.
Last updated 2026-10-21