Homescapes is a popular mobile puzzle game developed by Playrix, the same company behind the hit game Gardenscapes. It was released in September 2017 and quickly gained immense popularity among gamers of all ages. The game is available on both iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Gameplay and Elements:
Homescapes is a match-3 puzzle game with a unique twist. Players take on the role of Austin, a cheerful butler, whose primary goal is to renovate and redecorate his childhood home. To accomplish this, players must complete various match-3 levels and earn stars. Stars are used to complete tasks related to home renovation and unlock new rooms in the mansion.
The match-3 levels involve swapping adjacent pieces to create a row or column of at least three identical elements. The levels become progressively challenging as players advance, requiring strategic thinking and planning to overcome obstacles and complete the objectives. Power-ups and special boosters can be earned or purchased to aid in completing difficult levels.
The game also features a storyline that unfolds gradually as players progress through the renovation process. The narrative explores Austin's past, his family, and his memories associated with each room in the mansion, creating an emotional connection between the player and the characters.
Theme of the Game:
The overarching theme of Homescapes revolves around home renovation, family, and nostalgia. The mansion holds sentimental value for Austin, as it is filled with childhood memories. The players' journey is not just about solving puzzles but also about understanding Austin's background, his relationships with other characters, and uncovering the secrets of the mansion's past.
New Features and Updates:
As with most successful mobile games, Homescapes receives regular updates to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging for its players. Some of the notable new features and updates include:
New Rooms and Areas: The developers continually add new rooms and areas to the mansion, expanding the gameplay and offering players fresh challenges and design opportunities.
Events and Special Challenges: Seasonal events and time-limited challenges are regularly introduced to the game, offering unique rewards and decorations for completing specific tasks during a specific period.
Furniture and Decor Choices: Players are given more freedom to choose from a wider selection of furniture and decoration options to personalize and renovate their mansion according to their taste.
Social Interactions: Social features allow players to connect with friends and other players, helping each other by sending lives or competing in in-game events.
Mini-Games and Side Quests: To break the monotony, Homescapes occasionally introduces mini-games and side quests, providing players with alternative gameplay experiences and additional rewards.
Collaborations and Crossovers: Homescapes has collaborated with other popular franchises or intellectual properties to introduce themed events and content, attracting fans from different communities.
Improved Graphics and Animations: Over time, the game's graphics and animations have been refined and enhanced to provide a more immersive and visually appealing experience.
Homescapes remains a top choice for puzzle enthusiasts and fans of home renovation games, combining challenging match-3 puzzles with a heartwarming narrative about family, memories, and creating a place to call home. The constant updates and new features ensure that players can enjoy fresh content and continue their journey of transforming the mansion for a long time.

The initial levels of Homescapes are relatively easy and serve as an introduction to the game mechanics. However, they still require some strategy and understanding of the gameplay to succeed. Here are some essential tips to help you clear the first and second levels and get a strong start in the game:
1. Understand the Objectives: Before starting any level, take a moment to read and understand the objectives. In the early levels, the tasks are usually straightforward, such as collecting a certain number of pieces or dropping specific items to the bottom of the board. Knowing the objectives will help you plan your moves accordingly.
2. Focus on the Main Task: In the early levels, there might be secondary objectives or obstacles, but your primary focus should be on the main task. Concentrate on completing the required number of matches to achieve your goal and don't get sidetracked by other elements on the board.
3. Create Special Pieces: Matching four or more pieces in a row or column creates special pieces with unique abilities. For example, matching four pieces forms a Rocket, matching five creates a Bomb, and an L or T shape creates a Paper Plane. Utilize these special pieces strategically to clear out larger areas or reach difficult-to-reach spots.
4. Combine Special Pieces: Combining two or more special pieces can be a game-changer. For example, combining a Rocket and a Bomb clears both a row and a column simultaneously, creating a cross-shaped explosion. Look for opportunities to create powerful combinations to clear the board efficiently.
5. Prioritize Bottom Areas: In most levels, it's best to start from the bottom of the board. This approach creates more opportunities for cascading matches, which can lead to chain reactions and additional combos. Cascades help you earn more points and complete the level faster.
6. Use Power-ups Wisely: The game often provides you with pre-placed power-ups at the beginning of a level. Save these boosters until you can use them strategically to complete your objectives or clear challenging areas. Avoid using them early on minor tasks, as they will be more valuable later in the game.
7. Observe Obstacles: Keep an eye on the obstacles on the board, such as boxes, chains, or cookies. Understanding how these obstacles work and finding ways to clear them efficiently will help you progress faster through the levels.
8. Stay Calm and Patient: Sometimes, the early levels might seem easy, but don't get overconfident. The game will gradually introduce more challenging levels as you progress. Stay patient, and take your time to analyze the board and plan your moves carefully.
9. Take Advantage of Daily Rewards: Homescapes often offers daily rewards or login bonuses. Make sure to claim these rewards regularly, as they can include boosters and lives that will be helpful in harder levels.
10. Ask for Lives from Friends: If you run out of lives, you can ask your friends who also play Homescapes to send you some. Likewise, be willing to send lives to your friends when they request them.
By following these tips, you should be able to clear the first and second levels of Homescapes with ease. Remember, the key to success in this game is to combine smart strategies with a bit of luck, and as you progress, you'll find even more exciting challenges waiting for you in the following levels. Happy renovating!