How to Play Arrow Puzzle: Rules, Controls, and First Moves

The basic objective

Each arrow has a pointed head that indicates the direction it will leave the board. Select an arrow that can escape without hitting an obstacle. When the exit is clear, its head moves forward and its winding body follows along its original path until the entire arrow disappears.

Clear every arrow to finish the level. The completion screen offers Next Level on Levels 1–19 and Replay on every level. Level 20 shows All Levels Cleared instead of another Next Level button.

The key rule: the entire arrow does not slide sideways as one rigid shape. The head advances in its indicated direction, while the line behind it follows and is pulled out along the path. This distinction matters most for arrows with several turns.

How to read the board

The light dot grid helps you trace the lines. Before tapping, identify three things:

1. The arrowhead. Its point tells you which way the arrow initially travels.
2. The arrow's own body. Follow the line backward through each bend so you know which line belongs to the arrowhead.
3. The space in front of the head. Look for other lines or a part of the same arrow that could stop it from leaving.

Some paths have many turns. Two nearby lines may look connected when they are actually separate arrows. Zoom in if the distinction is unclear rather than repeatedly tapping at random.

What happens when an arrow is blocked?

A blocked arrow does not disappear. Instead, it moves toward its obstruction, briefly changes appearance, and returns to its starting position. This bounce is useful feedback: it tells you that the route is not available yet.

A collision can occur because the advancing head encounters another arrow. A tightly folded arrow can also be blocked by its own remaining line. Its normal connected segment is part of the moving arrow, not an external obstacle, but another part of the body may still be in the way.

If an arrow bounces, look for the line that creates the blockage. Removing that line may open the exit. Clearing other arrows does not fix a genuine self-collision. Hint can identify a different removable arrow; Eraser can remove the selected arrow. All 20 supplied levels are verified solvable without either tool.

Desktop and mobile controls

On a phone, aim for an open section of a line rather than a cramped bend where two arrows run close together. Zooming in is a normal part of playing dense levels, not a sign that you are doing anything wrong.

Understanding the three tools

Flight Path: inspect directions

Flight Path displays dashed extensions for every remaining arrow, ending at the first detected blocker or the board boundary. It is an observation aid: use it to understand the direction in which arrowheads point. It does not promise that every displayed path is safe, and it does not replace checking the other lines.

Hint: find a safe next move

Hint identifies a currently removable arrow. It is useful after you have inspected the board but cannot find an open exit. A good habit is to examine the highlighted arrow and ask why it can leave—this helps you learn to spot similar opportunities without assistance.

Eraser: remove a stubborn arrow

Eraser can remove a chosen arrow without requiring its normal exit to be clear. Treat it as a recovery option when a particular obstacle is making the board frustrating. It is more satisfying to solve a layout yourself, but the tool is there when you want to keep playing.

Each level starts with three hints and two erasers; remaining uses appear next to the buttons. Flight Path can be toggled without spending a charge.

A simple first-level routine

Try this sequence on the early levels:

1. Scan the outer edges. Arrowheads pointing toward nearby clear board boundaries are easy starting candidates.
2. Check the full forward route. Do not assume that an arrow is free simply because its tip is not touching anything.
3. Remove one clear arrow. Watch how the surrounding board changes.
4. Scan again. A single removal may reveal several more options.
5. Pause before a doubtful tap. Trace the target line and check whether its own body doubles back in front of its head.

This approach creates the satisfying rhythm of Arrow Puzzle: inspect, choose, clear, and reveal the next opening.

Common beginner mistakes

Mistaking a long winding line for several arrows. Follow the path from its arrowhead through every corner. The dot grid and zoom controls make this easier.

Assuming a nearby empty gap is enough. The head needs a clear way out; an obstacle farther along its direction still matters.

Ignoring self-blocking curves. A tight U-turn can put the arrow's own body directly in its exit route.

Tapping rapidly after a bounce. Unless something on the board has changed, the same arrow is likely to meet the same obstruction again.

Overusing tools before observing. Flight Path and Hint can help you learn the structure, but tracing a couple of paths yourself often reveals the answer.