Slitherlink (Sheep and Wolves, No 2×2) by Hans van Stippent
or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools in edgex mode where left click+drag draws lines and right click marks X’s)
Theme: The Lone Sheep
Author/Opus: This is the 8th puzzle from guest contributor Hans van Stippent.
Rules: Standard Slitherlink rules. Also, there are some sheep (marked S) that must be inside the loop and some wolves (marked W) that must be outside the loop. Also, no 2×2 square of cells can be entirely inside the loop or entirely outside the loop.
Answer String: Enter the length in cells of each of the internal loop segments following the arrows for the marked rows, starting at the top. Separate each row’s entry with a comma.
Time Standards (highlight to view): Grandmaster = 4:45, Master = 6:15, Expert = 12:30
Solution: PDF
Note: Follow this link for other Slitherlink variations and this link for classic Slitherlink. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Slitherlink puzzles to get started on.
Welp, that was hard before I read the rules.
Me too. Just impossible without the 2×2 constraint, but that didnt stop me from wasting three long frustrating sessions trying. Ugh. Read the rules.
TheSubro
At the very least, fully read and parse the title.
I guess the problem for me is that I usually just grab the image and start solving, and I look at the title of the image to see if any variations are mentioned.
I’ll stop doing that, because it seems like the image titles usually just mention theme, not rules. (Like the “no-P” confusion with last week’s Pentominous.)
Yep, much easier once I read the rules.
I like how this puzzle flowed and solved. Thanks Hans!
Missed seeing the no 2X2 part and suffered a little bit.An amazing puzzle nevertheless !