Melon Heist

Background

Melon Heist frames a light puzzle experience as a cat-and-mouse chase: a slippery thief attempts to steal prized melons while the player uses tactical blocks or obstacles to prevent escape. The whimsical theme and clear objectives make it accessible to casual players while offering satisfying emergent puzzles that reward clever placement and anticipation.

Gameplay & Strategy

Core mechanics

• Place or move obstacles to block the thief’s path. Some versions let you rotate tiles or place timed barriers.
• The thief follows predictable pathfinding rules—learning these rules is central to high-level play.
• Levels may include moving platforms, one-way doors, or collectible items that influence path choices.

Tactical approach

• Observe the thief’s movement pattern for several steps before committing a placement—most AI thieves take the shortest path unless blocked.
• Funnel the thief into traps or loops. Two well-placed blocks that cause repeated backtracking are often more effective than one large barrier.

Advanced play

• Use temporary obstructions to bait the thief through a narrow corridor where a permanent block can trap them.
• If the level includes multiple thieves or moving hazards, prioritize paths that risk cascading escapes and neutralize them first.

Special Levels and Puzzles

Later challenges may introduce: timed switches, movable melons (puzzle elements you must shepherd), or multiple escape routes. Identify chokepoints early and control them—keeping the thief away from alternate exits is usually the key to success.

Tips & Tricks

• Study the level before the thief moves. A minute of observation yields more than a dozen rushed placements.
• Keep space free behind your defenses for recovery moves—if the thief reroutes, you’ll need room to adapt.
• If you get stuck, try deliberately allowing the thief into a predictable zone so you can set up a larger, more reliable trap.