OFF THE CLOCK
Shift puzzle
Wall Linked arrows turn clockwise
How does Shift work?
- Look first. Select an arrow to preview its route. Its letter identifies it on the board and in the links.
- Leave a clear path. An arrow can leave only when no arrow or wall blocks its direction.
- Watch the links. When an arrow leaves, every remaining arrow listed on its tile turns 90° clockwise. Turns happen once, on departure; they don’t trigger another departure.
- Think ahead. A clear exit can still be the wrong move. Clear every arrow; use Undo to try a different order.
Three hints per attempt: first an observation, then a link explained, then a suggested move. Hints use the current board. Refreshing, switching levels and undoing do not refill them; Restart gives you a fresh attempt with three hints. If an earlier move left no solution, Hint offers a free recovery: confirm the shown number of undo steps to return to a solvable board. Recovery also works with zero hints left and never refills the hint balance. Click your companion to say hi or get a smile — these interactions are always free.
Keyboard: Tab to an arrow, Enter to preview, then use the Leave button. Arrow keys move between tiles.
An arrow puzzle without a timer
Off The Clock: Shift is a free arrow puzzle without a timer. Select a piece, preview the arrows it will turn, then press Leave when you are ready. Work through 45 campaign levels with free Undo and three strategy hints per attempt. No app download or account is required; progress stays in this browser on this device.
A thinking break, at your pace
Shift has no clock to race. The challenge comes from choices that change other arrows, rather than how quickly you make them. The game board is ready above, and an orange companion sits beside it while you play.
What makes these arrows different?
Every tile has an arrow and may name other tiles. When it leaves, the named arrows still on the board turn 90° clockwise. Walls stay fixed. A move can have a clear exit yet leave the remaining pieces without a solution, so inspect the linked turns before confirming. The first-board walkthrough shows one real example, with an optional solution.
Room to change your mind
Undo is free. Each attempt includes three hints, and Restart begins a fresh attempt. A move can still leave the puzzle stuck; free recovery help offers a way back to a solvable position, even if your hints are used up. You confirm before it undoes any moves. See why an arrow puzzle can get stuck to distinguish a blocked arrow from a board with no solution.
Is Shift completely untimed?
Yes. Shift has no timer. Flat and Cube, the other modes in Off The Clock, display personal elapsed times. Choose Shift if you want a puzzle with no clock on the board.
Can I play without an app or account?
Yes. Open Shift in a modern phone or desktop browser. The 45 campaign levels are free to play. You need an internet connection to load the game; no app installation or sign-up is required.
Can I leave and come back?
Progress is saved in this browser on this device. Return using the same browser while its site data is still available. Clearing site data can remove your save, and progress does not automatically sync across devices.