How to play Signpost Path
Number every square from 1 to the star so that each next square lies somewhere in the direction of the arrow on the square before it. Also known as Signpost, Arrow path, Pfeilpfad.
The rules
- Every square except the last shows an arrow (one of eight directions).
- The next number is in a square somewhere along the arrow’s line — any distance away.
- Every square is used exactly once, from 1 up to the square with the star.
- Given numbers must keep their place.
Playing Signpost Path on Puzzle Solvers
- Choose a size and a difficulty, then press New Puzzle.
- Drag from a square to the square that comes next (it must be in the arrow’s direction) — or tap one square, then the other. Right-click a square to unlink it.
- Linked chains get a colour and letters (a, a+1, a+2 …) until they join a given number; then their numbers appear.
- Hint shows the next link and why — the only square ahead, the only square behind, or consecutive numbers.
Using the Signpost Path solver
- Choose the size and enter the arrows and numbers (or press Sample).
- Press Solve and step through each link: only one ahead, only one behind, and consecutive numbers.
A worked example
In the top-left corner an arrow pointing up-left can’t go anywhere — so that square must be the star.
If 1 points right along the top row and only one square there can still take 2, that square is 2.
Strategies
- Only one ahead. An arrow pointing at a nearby edge may have just one square it can reach.
- Only one behind. A square that only one arrow points to must come right after that square.
- Consecutive numbers. If 7 and 8 are both known, link them straight away.
- Chains. Linked squares form a chain; count its length to see which numbers it can hold.
- No loops. A chain may never point back into itself.
Common mistakes
- Linking to a square that isn’t exactly along the arrow’s line (diagonals must be exact).
- Giving a square two squares before it.
- Closing a chain into a loop.
Where it comes from
Arrow path puzzles have appeared in puzzle magazines for decades; the computer version with colourful chains became popular in puzzle collections in the 2010s.
Frequently asked questions
Can the next square be far away?
Yes — any distance along the arrow’s line, as long as it is exactly in that direction.
What are the letters like a+2?
An unnumbered chain: the square marked a+2 comes two after the square marked a.
Is there always one answer?
Yes — every puzzle here is checked to have exactly one solution.
How do I solve one from a book?
Open the Signpost Path Solver, enter the arrows and numbers, and press Solve.
Keep going
- Play Signpost Patha fresh puzzle every time
- Signpost Path Solverstep by step, every move explained
- Number PathDraw one path from 1 that passes through every square once, reaching the…
- Number SnakeFill in the missing numbers so 1, 2, 3 … N form one chain of touching cells.
- Pearl PathDraw one closed loop through every pearl: straight through white pearls…
All guides: How to play every puzzle and game.