Mastering Homescapes: Tips and Strategies for Every Player

Understanding the Basics of Homescapes

Homescapes, developed by Playrix, is a match-3 puzzle game that blends captivating storylines with renovation activities. As a player, you embark on a journey with Austin the Butler to restore his childhood home by completing various levels. Each level presents a grid of colorful tiles that you must match in combinations of three or more to achieve specific objectives. Successfully completing levels earns stars, which you can use to carry out renovation tasks.

Objectives and Goals

The core of Homescapes revolves around completing levels by achieving specified objectives within a limited number of moves. Objectives can range from collecting a certain number of specific tiles to clearing obstacles such as chains, carpets, or boxes. It’s crucial to focus on the level’s objectives rather than merely making random matches.

Making Powerful Combinations

Match-3 games are all about strategy, and Homescapes is no exception. Creating powerful combinations can significantly enhance your gameplay. Here are some potent combinations to aim for:

Paper Planes – Formed by matching four tiles in a square, these planes target hard-to-reach tiles and objectives.
Bombs – Achieved by matching five tiles in an L or T shape, providing a significant explosion to clear surrounding tiles.
Disco Balls – Created by matching five tiles in a row, these powerful balls clear all tiles of a specific type on the board.
Rocket – Made by matching four tiles in a straight line, rockets are effective in clearing rows or columns.

Combine Special Pieces

Combining special pieces amplifies their power, which is essential for clearing tough levels:

Plane and Rocket/Bomb: When a plane is combined with a rocket or bomb, it delivers the special power to a crucial target.
Double Bombs: Combining two bombs results in a larger explosion that covers a seven-tile radius.
Double Disco Balls: Merging two disco balls clears the entire board, which is hugely beneficial for attaining objectives quickly.

Utilizing Boosters Wisely

Boosters are your best allies when levels become challenging. Starting boosters can be selected before a level begins, and in-game boosters can be triggered during a level. These include:

Hammer – Removes a single piece of your choice without wasting any moves.
Glove – Allows you to swap two adjacent pieces without consuming a move.
Rainbow Ball – Adds a disco ball to your board, instantly enabling large-scale tile clearing.

Save your boosters for the trickiest levels or when you’re one or two moves away from completing an objective. They’re especially useful in cases where you’re close to completing a task but just out of moves.

Strategize for Obstacle Removal

Different levels introduce diverse obstacles like chains, carpets, and cookies that impede progress. Understanding how to manage these can make a significant impact:

Chains: Must be broken by matching tiles within the chain or using explosives.
Carpets: Spread by making matches over them, so focus on carpeted areas when planning moves.
Cookies: Require direct matches nearby or power-up explosions to clear them away from the board.
Walls and Crates: Occupy space and block matches, needing multiple hits to remove entirely.

Plan and Prioritize Moves

Every move counts in Homescapes due to move restrictions. Take time to analyze the board before making each move. Identify possible special pieces that can be made and whether they can be combined with others.

Prioritize the objectives that require immediate attention and plan your moves around achieving them efficiently. Being patient and not rushing your decisions can spell the difference between success and another attempt.

Renovation and Story Progression

Stars earned in completing levels are fundamental for continuing the storyline and renovation tasks. Renovations involve selecting designs for the rooms and components of the mansion, tying deeply into personal aesthetics and narrative progression.

Daily and Special Events

Engage with daily challenges and special events to earn additional stars, power-ups, and boosters. Events like the “Fireworks Show” or “Sweet Adventure” offer unique levels and high rewards that are instrumental in progressing smoothly in tougher areas of the game.

Joining or Forming a Team

Join a team to receive additional lives and exchange tips with other players. Participating actively in a team can offer more resources, lives, and advice, enhancing your overall gameplay experience. It also opens up the Treasure Chest feature, which rewards the team with boosters and coins upon the completion of individual tasks.

In-App Purchases and Currency Management

While it’s possible to play the entirety of Homescapes without spending real money, having a strategy for currency management is vital. Coins are primarily earned through level completion and can be used for extra moves and purchasing boosters. Spending coins wisely can assist in difficult scenarios rather than hoarding them for less impactful moments.

Assess when an in-app purchase may be necessary and beneficial to enhance your gaming experience without overspending. Promotional offers and special bundles can sometimes provide good value for committed players.

Staying Persistent

Like any match-3 game, Homescapes requires persistence. Levels can sometimes feel challenging, but embracing a trial-and-error approach helps in comprehending level designs. Revisiting tough levels with a fresh mindset or after attempting new strategies often leads to breakthroughs.

Understanding that each failed attempt contributes to mastering the level dynamics is crucial. Adapt and adjust strategies rather than repeating the same moves. This adaptability is key in evolving as a proficient Homescapes player.