> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.qrdyai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# How to Play Hepta — Merge, Evolve, Clear
> Learn how to play Hepta: drag to merge matching pieces, evolve through seven shapes, and build the target piece to clear each calm, ad-free level.
Hepta is easy to learn and hard to master. You merge two pieces that share the **same color and the same shape**, and they combine into the next piece up. Each level shows a **target piece** at the top of the board, and your goal is to build that target to clear the level. This page walks you through the basic loop, then a few mechanics that make every move feel satisfying.
## The basic play loop
Look across the board for two pieces that share the **same color and the same shape**. Only matching pairs can merge.
Drag one piece onto its match. The two pieces combine into a single piece that has **evolved up one shape**.
Repeat the merges to climb through the shapes. The piece you are aiming for is shown as the **target at the top** of the level.
Once you build the target piece, the level is cleared. Move on to the next one when you are ready.
## The seven shapes
Pieces evolve through seven shapes, in order. Low levels look like soft candy, and high levels look like glowing gems. ("Hepta" means seven.)
| Step | Shape |
| ---- | -------- |
| 1 | Circle |
| 2 | Ellipse |
| 3 | Triangle |
| 4 | Square |
| 5 | Pentagon |
| 6 | Hexagon |
| 7 | Heptagon |
Merging only works on pieces that match in **both** color and shape. If a merge will not happen, check that the two pieces truly look the same.
## The ripple
Every merge does more than combine two pieces. Each merge **ripples to the 4 tiles around it** — up, down, left, and right — scoring points on those neighboring tiles. Keeping the ripple in mind helps you plan merges that do extra work in a single move.
## Breaking stones
**Stones** are obstacles that sit on the board. There is no special button to remove them. Instead, you **break a stone by merging on a tile next to it** — the ripple from your merge cracks the stone. Line up a merge beside a stone, and let the ripple do the rest.
## The Hint button
When you are stuck, tap the **Hint button**. It highlights the **next good move** so you can keep going at your own calm pace.
## Related
See how merge direction, the ripple, and stones shape your score.
Discover how levels unlock and how you earn up to three stars.