pagewipe

logic · 2–5 minutes

Route Zero

Walk a path through numbered nodes to land exactly on zero.

Start at

> Level 1: 3×3 to 4×3 maps, + and −, short routes

No runs yet

How to play

  1. 01Start on the square node showing your starting number. The other square is the exit, marked 0.
  2. 02Step along a line to a neighboring node. Each round node changes your total: +, −, × or ÷.
  3. 03Reach the exit with a total of exactly 0. Arrive with anything else and the level is lost.
  4. 04You can't visit a node twice, and a ÷ node only lets you in when your total divides evenly.
  5. 05Tap a node you've already visited to step back to it. Stepping back is free; a route with none is perfect.
  6. 06From level 41 the map is foggy: you only see nodes near your route.
  7. 07You have three lives. A wrong finish or a timeout costs one and gives you a fresh map at the same level.
  8. 08On a keyboard: the arrow keys step toward a node, and Backspace steps back.

Levels

1–20 · Beginner
3×3 to 4×3 maps, + and −, short routes
21–40 · Focused
4×4 to 5×4 maps, adds ×, longer routes
41–60 · Sharp (Plus)
5×5 maps, adds ÷, fog of war
61–80 · Expert (Plus)
6×5 to 6×6 maps, totals below zero, fog
81+ · Master (Plus)
6×6 maps, long routes, thick fog

About

Route Zero is a logic puzzle about planning a route through arithmetic. Every map is generated fresh around a hidden route that lands exactly on zero.

Maps grow from 3×3 to 6×6. Multiplication, division, totals below zero and fog of war arrive as you climb.

Tips

  • > Work backwards from the exit: which of its neighbors could you arrive from with a total of 0?
  • > Big totals need × and ÷ nodes to come down quickly; small ones can finish with + and −.
  • > In fog, head toward the exit early so more of its neighborhood comes into view.
  • > Dotted rings show where you can step next. No rings means a dead end, so step back.

FAQ

Is every map solvable?

Yes. Each map is built around a route that lands on zero and checked before you see it. There is often more than one.

Why can't I step onto a ÷ node?

Division only works when it comes out whole, so a ÷ node stays closed until your total divides evenly.

Is it free?

Yes. Every level is free to play in your browser, with no account and nothing to download.