In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 12th type of maze construction is the Block Move maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every how-to will use a simple square so you can compare the differences between each maze construction type. I will also show a consolidated secondary how-to using an irregular shape (the state of Ohio).
Here is an outline for this blog post with jump links if you want to skip ahead to a section:
HOW TO MAKE A BLOCK MOVE MAZE - abbreviated writing & using a different shape
BLOCK MOVE MAZE DEFINITION
Block Move Maze - A maze design that is in the form of a puzzle where the solver needs to create a complete pathway in X number of moves to reach the goal and solve the maze.
How to Make a Block Move Maze
Step 1 - Draw the Outline/Grid
The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. For a block maze it will almost always be a square or rectangle, but it can be anything that a block fits in. I used a simple 10x10 grid for this example.
Step 2 - Add the Start and Goal
Choose the Start and Goal - I used S and G. They should always be highlighted blocks and should be far apart - ideally in corners.
Step 3 - Add Maze Directions
Tell the solver how the maze is solved since it is not intuitive. I did not fill in the # of moves available since this not known yet !
Step 4 - Start Filling Blocks
Begin filling blocks with a neutral color. The filled blocks will create the possible pathways for the solver to use. Leave gaps in the pathway with adjacent blocks that can be shifted into them to allow possible solutions.
And continue filling in more blocks, catering to the path you might want the solver to take.
Step 5 - Complete the Block Move Maze
Finish adding blocks until you have made a solution you like. Check that alternative paths do not work and adjust blocks as needed. Finish the directions to explain how to solve the puzzle. I only allow movement in the 4 main directions, since the possibilities of possible solves go up exponentially when diagonal moves are allowed. Also, give the # of moves that the block move maze must be solved in, in this case 6.
Step 6 - Make the Maze Solution
Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution. While this is optional for some constructions of mazes, the difficulty of drawing and solving a Block Move maze means that providing a solution is essential. Some paths can be made by moving multiple blocks to the same space.
HOW TO MAKE A BLOCK MOVE MAZE - abbreviated writing & using a different shape
Step 1 - Draw the Outline
Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal
Step 2 - Draw the Grid - A grid in this case inside the shape of Ohio
Step 3 - Create the Start and Goal Blocks
Step 4 - Fill Blocks - You might also start with the solution pathway you want. then fill in more blocks around them.
Step 5 - Complete the Block Move Maze
Step 6 - Make the Maze Solution - Each move in my example is highlighted with a different color. Some paths can be made by moving multiple blocks to the same space and are noted by multiple arrows of the same color. This is also a time when you can change any blocks if you choose. Do you want to keep moves that have 3+ blocks that can work ? (your option).
BLOCK MOVE MAZE EXAMPLES
Here are two examples of Block mazes in a more typical square shape. The first is for Kids with only 3 shifts needed to solve the maze, while the second requiring 5 moves is only slightly more complex.
FREE BLOCK MOVE MAZES TO SOLVE
If you want to see more examples, or just practice solving some block move mazes, I made a booklet of them that is available for free download in the book section of the site. The book contains 20 mazes in total !
Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.
If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.