Shadow Match: How to Play, Scoring & Tips

What Is Shadow Match?

Shadow Match is a browser-based spatial reasoning puzzle. A 3D object floats above the ground and casts a live shadow, while a target silhouette is shown in the corner of the screen. You rotate the object, and the shadow changes in real time. When your shadow overlaps the target closely enough, the level is complete. It is free to play with no download, signup or login, and it works on desktop and mobile browsers that support WebGL.

How to Play Shadow Match

1. Drag with one finger (or left-click drag) to rotate the 3D object.
2. Two fingers (or right-click drag) rotate the camera around the scene. Pinch or scroll to zoom in and out.
3. Watch the live shadow on the ground and compare it to the target silhouette in the corner.
4. The level completes automatically once your shadow reaches the match threshold.
5. Double-tap or press Reset to return the object to its starting rotation.
6. Use Undo to take back your last rotation, Hint to nudge the object toward the answer, or Skip to move on.

Scoring & Stars

• 90% accuracy is the pass mark. The level ends as soon as you reach it.
• 1 star for 90% or more, 2 stars for 95% or more and 3 stars for a 100% match.
• Your score combines accuracy points with a time bonus and a rotation bonus, so faster and tidier solutions score higher.
• Achievements unlock for milestones such as clearing levels, earning 3 stars, and winning without a hint or without undo.

Levels & the Daily Puzzle

• Levels 1 to 20: simple shapes, and the target only needs two-axis rotation.
• Levels 21 to 100: more complex shapes that need rotation on all three axes.
• Level 101 and beyond: extra twists can appear, such as a second object, a moving light or a timer.
• Daily puzzle: one mystery object per day, the same for every player. Completing it on consecutive days builds a streak.

Tips for Matching Shadows Faster

1. Rotate one axis at a time

Turning on several axes at once makes it hard to see what changed. Fix the overall width and height of the shadow first, then fine-tune the details.

2. Match the most distinctive edge

Find the longest edge or the most unusual feature of the target silhouette and line that up first. The rest of the shape usually falls into place nearby.

3. Move the camera to understand the shape

If you cannot picture how the object will project, rotate the camera for a different view. Seeing the shape from the side often shows which way it needs to turn.

4. Save hints for harder levels

You start with 3 hints. They are most useful on the later, more complex shapes. Winning without a hint or undo also counts toward achievements.

5. Use Reset when you are lost

If the object ends up in an awkward angle, Reset takes it back to the starting rotation so you can approach the target from a clean position.

Frequently Asked Questions

If You Like Shadow Match

Shadow Match trains the same skills as other spatial and logic puzzles on ToolPond. Laser Mirrors asks you to rotate mirrors to light every crystal, Puzzle Vision is a 3D sliding puzzle, and Bloxdoku blends block placement with sudoku logic.

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