How to Win at Dot Link: Line Puzzle Tips & Tricks

Dot Link asks you to join every pair of coloured dots with a path, without crossing lines, and to cover every square of the board. Each board is built from a full solution, so there is always a way. These tips will help you solve faster, avoid dead ends and earn the clean-stroke bonus.

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Start at the edges and corners

Dots on the edge of the board or in a corner usually have only one sensible route. Draw those first. Lines that run along the outer wall are often correct, because the wall stops other colours from passing around them. Once the border is settled, the middle of the board has far fewer options.

Hug the walls and other lines

A good habit is to draw each line tight against the wall or against lines you have already placed. This keeps the remaining empty space in one big, simple area that later colours can fill. Lines that wander through the middle tend to cut the board into awkward pockets.

Fill every square

Connecting all pairs is not enough. The board only counts as solved when no empty squares remain. If two dots of the same colour are close together, their line often has to take the long way round to fill space. An empty pocket that no colour can reach is a sign that one line needs to be rerouted.

Fix mistakes the easy way

Drawing over another line cuts it back, so you can reroute without resetting. When you spot a dead end, think about which line enclosed it and redraw just that one. Undo works too, and the hint button shows part of the solution when you are truly stuck, though each hint lowers your score.

Before you draw anything on a big board, look for pairs whose dots sit side by side or very close. These often look easy, but they are the ones most likely to need a long detour. Leave them until the longer lines around them are in place.

Score with clean strokes

Your score includes a time bonus, and drawing every line in one clean stroke multiplies the base points by one and a half. To earn it, pause and plan each path before you draw it rather than drawing and redrawing. Solving a Medium or Hard board this way also earns the Clean strokes achievement.

Questions

Which dots should I connect first?

Dots on the edges and in corners, which usually have only one sensible route.

What is the clean-stroke bonus?

Draw each line once, without redrawing, and your base score is multiplied by 1.5.

Do hints affect my score?

Yes. Each hint takes points off, so try edge and corner logic first.

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