Range Puzzle Online

Range is one of the classic one-player logic games in Simon Tatham's Portable Puzzle Collection. Place black squares to limit the visible distance from each numbered cell.

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Preparing the game board and controls.

What This Game Is

Range is a self-contained logic puzzle built around one clear objective. Each new board gives you a fresh problem to solve, so it works well for quick sessions and repeated play.

Place black squares to limit the visible distance from each numbered cell.

How to Play

Click with the left button to paint a square black, or with the right button to mark a square with a dot to indicate that you are sure it should not be painted black. Repeated clicking with either button will cycle the square through the three possible states (filled, dotted or empty) in opposite directions. You can also use the cursor keys to move around the grid squares. Pressing Return does the same as clicking with the left button, while pressing Space does the same as a right button click. Moving with the cursor keys while holding Shift will place dots in all squares that are moved through.

Most puzzles in this collection reward deduction more than speed. Focus on the most limited choices first, use the clues to narrow the board, and avoid guesses unless the puzzle mode clearly expects them.

Beginner Tips

  • Start with the area that has the strongest clue or the fewest legal options.
  • Use marks, notes, or temporary indicators if the puzzle supports them.
  • Try to preserve flexibility instead of committing too early when multiple moves look possible.
  • If the board gets messy, restart a fresh puzzle and apply what you learned from the first run.

Official Reference

If you want the full original rule explanation, examples, and advanced options, the official manual is the best reference.

Read the official manual

Frequently Asked Questions