Every PaneSlide puzzle shows two numbers under the board: the swipes you have made, and par. Together they decide your stars. This guide explains exactly how, and why the scoring is designed to be generous.
What par is
Par is the shortest possible number of swipes that solves the puzzle. It is not an estimate. Before a level or daily is published, a computer search explores every position the panes can reach, swipe by swipe, until it finds the target picture. The first depth at which it finds the target is par.
The same search also checks that only one arrangement of the panes matches the picture. So when you match it, there is no doubt you found the answer, and when you match it in par swipes, nobody can do better.
How stars work
Stars depend only on how many swipes you used compared with par:
| Your swipes | Stars |
|---|---|
| par or par + 1 | ★★★ |
| up to par + 3 (more on long puzzles) | ★★ |
| more than that | ★ |
The exact rule for two stars is par plus the larger of 3 and half of par (rounded up) plus 1. For a par-6 level that is up to 10 swipes. One small exception: when par is only 1 or 2, three stars need exactly par, because one extra swipe would be a big share of the puzzle.
You always get at least one star for solving. There is no way to fail a level by running out of moves, and no timer.
Perfect solves
Solve in exactly par and the game shows ✨ Perfect! Your records in Stats show how many levels you have solved perfectly, and your "3★ run": the most three-star levels you have cleared in a row. The first time you solve a level perfectly you also earn bonus shards.
What stars and shards are for
In Levels mode, stars are a record of how well you did, and every new star also earns shards, the game's one currency:
- 2 shards for each new star on a level;
- 3 shards for the first perfect solve of a level;
- 1 shard for each gem you collect;
- 15 shards for beating a chapter boss;
- 5 shards for the first daily solve of each day;
- 10 shards for each badge;
- and the daily gift, which grows over a 7-day week.
Shards buy hints and cosmetic extras in the shop, such as new board styles and music moods. They can only be earned by playing and cannot be bought with money.
Hints never cost stars
In levels, a hint shows the next best swipe from wherever you are. Using one does not reduce your stars, because you still have to make the swipe. You start with 3 hints and can hold up to 5. You earn one more at each milestone (level 5, then every 10 levels) and another for every three 3-star levels.
The daily puzzle has no hints, so everyone faces the same puzzle on equal terms.
Undo does not refund moves
Undo takes back your last swipe on the board, but the swipe still counts. This keeps the score honest: par is the number of swipes from the start, and every swipe you make is part of your score. Undo is for getting un-stuck and for learning, not for free tries. See undo, hints and getting unstuck.
Why the scoring is generous on purpose
PaneSlide is meant to be calm. Three stars for par + 1 means one slip does not spoil a good solve, and perfect solves are a bonus rather than the only way to feel good. If you want a challenge, chase ✨ Perfect on every level. If you want to relax, three stars come often, and every solve counts.
Stars also earn shards, which you can spend in the Shop. See shards, gifts and the Shop and the House, ranks and badges.