How to play Mosaic
Mosaic is a logic puzzle that turns into a picture. Each number tells you how many squares are black in the three-by-three block around it, counting the square with the number itself. Using the numbers, you decide for every square whether it is black or stays empty. Fill everything in correctly and a drawing appears. You never need to guess.
Mosaic rules
- Every square ends up either black or empty.
- Each number counts the black squares in the 3×3 block around it, including its own square.
- A number at the edge or in a corner has fewer squares around it, so its block is smaller.
- Sometimes a square is already filled in; that square is fixed.
- When every number is satisfied, the black squares form a picture.
How to solve a Mosaic puzzle
Start with 0s and 9s
A 0 means none of the squares around it are black, so they can all be crossed off. A 9 means the whole 3×3 block is black. The same idea works at the edges: in a corner the block has only four squares, so a 4 there means all black; along the edge it has six, so a 6 means all black.
Finish numbers that are already complete
When a number already has as many black squares around it as it says, every other square in its block must stay empty. Mark those squares with a cross. The reverse also works: if a number needs exactly as many black squares as there are open squares left, they are all black.
Look at two numbers together
From four stars onwards you sometimes need to compare two numbers next to each other. Their blocks overlap, so the difference between them tells you something about the squares that belong to only one of the two. If one number needs two more black squares than its neighbour, those extra squares must lie in the part that only the first number covers.
Playing Mosaic in Vellara
In Vellara you tap a square once to make it black, a second time to put a cross in it (meaning it stays empty), and a third time to clear it. When a number is done, with enough black squares and the rest crossed off, it fades so you can see at a glance what is left. If too many squares around a number are black, it turns red. Check shows how you are doing, and you can make the grid smaller or larger, or fit it to your screen.
When you finish, the picture appears, and you can colour it in if you like.
There are five levels. The easiest has small pictures with plenty of numbers; the hardest has the largest pictures, where you regularly need to look at two numbers together. Higher levels mean a bigger grid and fewer numbers, and every puzzle can be solved without guessing.
A clock runs while you play, but there is no time pressure. Take as long as you like.
Mosaic puzzle FAQ
Does the number count its own square?
Yes. Each number counts the black squares in the full 3×3 block, and the square with the number in it is part of that block.
What is the cross for?
A cross marks a square you know must stay empty. It helps you keep track, and a number fades once its black squares and crosses are complete.
Do I need to guess in a Mosaic puzzle?
No. Every Mosaic in Vellara can be solved by reasoning alone.
What happens when I finish the puzzle?
The black squares form a drawing, and you can then colour in the picture.
Is Mosaic free in Vellara?
Yes. Vellara is free to download and play, and you don't need an account.
Download Vellara
Vellara is free for iOS and Android, needs no account, works offline and never sends you notifications.