Block Out: Level 1004 Puzzle Solution Guide

To solve Level 1004 in Block Out, empty a single column immediately to create an open buffer lane, then peel back top layers to consolidate matching colors into dedicated columns. Never let mismatched blocks sit permanently in your empty buffer lane, as losing that working space locks the board.

Phase Strategy Overview

Manage your board space across three distinct phases to avoid lane deadlocks:

Phase	Primary Objective	Move Discipline
Opening Phase	Empty one column to create a buffer lane	Transfer top blocks onto matching colors in other columns only.
Mid-Game Phase	Group matching colors into dedicated stacks	Keep the buffer lane clear between consolidation cycles.
Late-Game Phase	Complete and lock single-color columns	Route remaining fragments into their final matching sets.

Step 1: Open and Maintain the Buffer Lane

Level 1004 features vertical columns filled with multi-colored block fragments, scattering identical colors across separate stacks beneath obstructing pieces.

Scan the board at the start to find the column with the fewest distinct color splits or the highest count of exposed matches.
Shift the exposed top blocks of that target column onto identical colors in adjacent columns.
Once the target column is completely empty down to the base, reserve it strictly as a temporary transit lane.

Depositing a mixed sequence into your only open column without a route to empty it immediately will deadlock the board and force a stage restart.

Step 2: Follow the Move Hierarchy

With an empty column available, build colors systematically from the bottom up so completed segments never need to be shifted again. Execute every move according to this three-step cycle:

Direct Unification: Move an exposed block directly onto an active column of the same color whenever that transfer uncovers a new block beneath it or finishes a stack.
Buffer Routing: Move an obstructing block into the empty buffer lane only when doing so exposes a matching block that can be transferred immediately to its home column.
Buffer Evacuation: Transfer the parked piece out of the buffer column and onto its matching color stack as soon as that space opens.

Repeating this loop keeps your buffer column empty between transfers, allowing you to access buried segments safely.

Step 3: Prevent Mid-Stage Deadlocks

Deadlocks occur when multiple columns end up capped with different single-color blocks while the buffer lane remains occupied. To preserve open movement paths:

Do not split identical pairs: If a column has two matching blocks stacked together, do not move only one into a buffer unless you have an immediate destination for both.
Maintain transfer destinations: If available move paths drop below two valid targets, trace your next three transfers backward to confirm the sequence leaves your buffer lane empty.
Prioritize buried pairs: When two matching blocks are exposed at the lower sections of different columns, combine them immediately to free up bottom-row space.

Step 4: Complete the Final Stacks

As columns fill completely with solid colors, they lock out from further moves. This shrinks your active board space, leaving fewer columns for transferring the final pieces.

Use your open buffer lane to maneuver the last fragments into their matching partners. Clear the penultimate column before placing the final pieces into the last remaining set. Once the final unified block drops into place, the stage completes and unlocks the next level.