A guide from DroidAU Games
Runegrid Atelier: how rows and columns clear
Checked against the game’s current rules · 9 October 2026
A full line can stay on Runegrid’s board. The shuttle decides which direction clears after a placement, so the same piece can have a different result depending on that setting.
The shuttle chooses the clear
Horizontal clears full rows. Vertical clears full columns. Select the direction before you press Place. Switching the shuttle is free, but it does not clear anything by itself.
After a valid placement, all full lines in the selected direction clear together. A full line in the other direction stays on the board if those squares survive. You can clear it on a later placement in that direction.
This makes the preview useful: choosing where a piece fits is only half the decision. Check the direction as well, especially when the challenge asks for a particular kind of clear.
Why a crossing column can disappear
This simplified 8×8 example shows the board just after a piece has been placed, before the Horizontal clear is applied. Filled squares have a dot. The top row and the left column share one filled square.
Just after placement
After a Horizontal clear
Clearing the row removes the shared corner. The left column now has a gap, so changing to Vertical will not make it clear. You would need a later valid placement that fills the gap while Vertical is selected.
A stored line is still part of the board. It is not a separate saved reward. Look for intersections before relying on a full line to survive another clear.
A useful order for planning each move
- Read the challenge goal and moves remaining. A high score alone does not replace the stated goal.
- Look at all three tray pieces. Try rotating a shape before using a space that another piece may need.
- Preview a position, then select Horizontal or Vertical. The board preview shows the proposed placement before you commit.
- Check both the line you want to clear and any crossing line you want to preserve.
- Press Place when the result fits your plan. One Undo is available per attempt.
Replays use the same starting board and piece sequence. If a plan fails, you can test a different placement or shuttle choice against the same puzzle.
Completion, score and medals are different
Meet the challenge goal within its move allowance to pass. Score also rewards placed squares, cleared lines, clearing several lines together and consecutive moves that clear lines. Medal thresholds belong to each challenge; the result screen explains the outcome.
The guided first challenge can earn at most Silver. Replay without the guide when you want to try for Gold. It is untimed, so take the time you need to inspect the board.
See every Runegrid keyboard and pointer control, or compare other puzzle games.