6 deduction techniques that solve any Minedunit case

Every Minedunit case can be solved without guessing. That is a promise, and it means that when you feel stuck, one of a handful of patterns always applies. These are the six techniques that crack every case, from the first tap to the accusation.

1. A full number clears its neighbours

Look for a number that already touches as many pieces of evidence as it shows. A 2 with two examined pieces of evidence next to it is full. Every other covered tile around it must be safe floor, so you can OPEN them all.

This is the most common move in the game, and the best place to start a new case.

2. No room left means every tile is evidence

The opposite pattern: count the covered tiles around a number, then subtract the evidence it already touches. If the covered tiles are exactly as many as the evidence it still needs, all of them are evidence.

A 3 with three covered tiles around it and no evidence found yet has no room left: EXAMINE all three.

3. Compare neighbouring numbers

Two numbers that share some of their tiles often settle a tile that neither can settle alone.

Say a 1 touches covered tiles A and B, and a neighbouring 1 touches A, B and C. The first number says exactly one of A and B is evidence. The second number needs exactly one in A, B and C. That one is already in A or B, so C must be safe.

The pattern works whenever one number's covered tiles sit inside another's: the difference between the two numbers tells you about the tiles only the bigger group has.

4. Look for overlaps

When two numbers share only some tiles, ask how much evidence the shared tiles can hold. If a 2 has only one tile outside the shared group, at least one piece of its evidence must be in the shared tiles. If the other number is a 1, its one piece is in the shared tiles too, so its tiles outside the shared group are all safe.

Overlaps take a moment longer to spot, but they unlock the boards that look jammed.

5. Test the statements

The board is only half the case. Every suspect you uncover makes a statement about the board, for example "The Shop Assistant was standing next to a footprint." Once you have uncovered enough, each statement is either clearly true or clearly false.

• In Easy cases only the killer lies, so a single false statement names the killer.
• In Medium cases exactly two people lie, the killer and one innocent person, so you need to compare.
• In Hard cases up to two others may lie as well, so look for the one suspect whose guilt fits every statement.

Mark each statement true or false in your notes as you go. It turns the logic into a checklist.

6. Accuse as soon as it is proven

You do not need to clear the board. Three stars need all three flashlights and a finish within par plus three taps, so every extra tap after the killer is proven costs you. Press ACCUSE the moment the clues name one suspect.

If the game refuses your accusation, it is telling you the clues do not prove anyone yet. Go back to techniques 1 to 5.

When you are truly stuck

Use the hints. Just point me to a number makes one number glow: that number settles its covered neighbours, either all safe or all evidence. Stuck? Explain the next step spells out the reasoning in words. Hints do not change your stars, though your result shows how many you used.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to start a Minedunit case?

Find a number that is already full, a number touching as much evidence as it shows, and open every other covered tile around it.

How do I know which suspect is lying?

Check each statement against the uncovered board. A statement that contradicts the board is a lie. On Easy, the liar is the killer; on Medium and Hard, compare which suspect's guilt fits all the statements.

Do I need to uncover every tile?

No. Accuse as soon as the clues prove one suspect. Extra taps can cost you the third star.

Can a Minedunit case need a guess?

No. Every case is built so that logic alone always reaches the answer.