[This puzzle comes from the 2022 US Sudoku Grand Prix round. This next set of variations uses a shared double eights theme, in this case with both two large eight shapes and at least two given eights. I tried hard to find a unique Thermo-Sudoku pattern that didn’t need the extra non-eight digit in the center cell, but couldn’t get one with a smooth look for the other thermometers. I still liked how the final puzzle got to a moderate difficulty puzzle appropriate for a competition.]

PDF

or solve online (using our beta test of Penpa-Edit tools)

Theme: Double Eights

Author/Opus: This is the 439th puzzle from Thomas Snyder, aka Dr. Sudoku.

Rules: Standard Thermo-Sudoku rules.

Estimated Difficulty: 3 stars

Solution: PDF

Note: Follow this link for more Thermo-Sudoku puzzles. If you are new to this puzzle type, here are our easiest Thermo-Sudoku to get started on. More Thermo-Sudoku puzzles can be found in The Art of Sudoku 2 and Masterpiece Sudoku Mix 2.