Block Out Level 1018: Column Sorting and Buffer Strategy

To clear Level 1018 in Block Out, consolidate exposed matching blocks directly between existing columns and keep at least one of your two starting buffer tubes completely empty. Depositing non-matching blocks into both buffer tubes early in the level causes an immediate deadlock by removing the transit room needed to uncover buried colors.

Opening Transfer Rules and Buffer Discipline

Level 1018 features multi-colored columns with four stacked blocks each and provides only two empty buffer tubes at the start. To avoid locking the board, execute your opening moves using a strict order of operations:

Stack direct matches: Scan the tops of all populated tubes and move exposed matching blocks onto each other. Do not touch the buffer tubes while direct surface-to-surface merges are available.
Restrict holding moves to one buffer: When a non-matching surface block must be set aside to access a needed tile beneath it, place it into the first buffer tube only.
Preserve the second buffer for transit: Leave the second buffer tube vacant so you have an open lane to shuttle single blocks between columns.
Hollow out a target column: Direct your clearing moves toward the column containing the fewest color splits to empty all four slots and turn it into a permanent third working lane.

Action	Primary Function	Deadlock Risk
Direct surface stacking	Uncovers buried blocks without occupying empty slots	Low
Using one buffer tube	Holds an obstructing tile to uncover a needed color	Moderate
Splitting across both buffers	Fills all transit lanes with mismatched tiles	High
Emptying a full column	Adds a dedicated workspace to assemble four-block sets	Minimal

Mid-Game Excavation Priorities

Once you empty a full column, you have three open working spaces to shuffle blocks. Rather than building every color at the same time, focus on finishing one or two dominant colors that already have multiple grouped pieces.

Target buried foundational tiles: Inspect the lower layers of the remaining mixed stacks to locate the missing tiles for your partially assembled colors.
Peel and store temporarily: Move superficial blocks into your open lanes just long enough to extract the target tile, then return that tile to its primary stack.
Lock complete sets: A column is permanently resolved once it holds four blocks of the matching color. Completing a set removes that color from play and permanently frees up board space.

Endgame Cleanup

When three full columns are completed and locked, the risk of running out of moves drops significantly. Finish the stage with these adjustments:

Clear smaller fragments first: If you must choose between assembling a two-block set or a three-block set, finish the two-block color first to open up an empty column faster.
Cycle through open lanes: Shift multi-block groups through your remaining empty columns to collect the last stray tiles, ensuring no loose block is placed into an isolated slot without an immediate matching exit move.