Introduction
Homescapes is a free-to-play puzzle game that has captured the hearts of players worldwide since its launch in 2017. Developed by Playrix, this game is available across multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, iPadOS, Microsoft Windows, and macOS. You can download it for free from popular app stores such as Google Play, the Apple App Store, the Amazon App Store, and the Microsoft Store. Although the game offers in-app purchases to enhance gameplay and expedite progress, these are not necessary to complete the game’s objectives.
Understanding Homescapes
Homescapes combines the excitement of puzzle-solving with the satisfaction of home renovation. The game follows Austin, a charming butler, as he returns to his childhood home to restore it to its former glory. His mission is to convince his parents to keep their old, somewhat run-down mansion instead of selling it. Players engage in match-3 puzzles to earn coins and stars, which are then used to renovate various parts of the house.
Gameplay Mechanics
In Homescapes, each level involves solving match-3 puzzles. The gameplay is centered around swapping tiles on a board to align three or more matching pieces, which then disappear and clear the board. As players complete these puzzles, they earn rewards that contribute to their renovation efforts. The objectives of each level can vary, requiring players to strategize and plan their moves to meet the specific goals.
As players progress through the game, they unlock new rooms and areas of the mansion. Renovations are not just about aesthetics; they also reveal more about Austin’s story and his relationship with other characters. The game blends the mechanics of puzzle-solving with storytelling, creating an engaging experience.
Key Characters
The world of Homescapes is populated by a cast of memorable characters, each contributing to the narrative and gameplay:
- Austin the Butler: Austin is the central figure in Homescapes. He is dedicated to renovating his childhood home and restoring it to its former charm. Austin also appears in Gardenscapes, another game by Playrix, where he manages a garden.
- William: Austin’s father and a retired butler. William is known for his playful and sometimes troublesome behavior. He is a childhood friend of Jerry Doyle and has a significant role in the story.
- Olivia: Austin’s mother and William’s wife. Olivia is an enthusiastic baker who wishes to sell the mansion. She is also a rival of Stephanie Broom, adding a layer of complexity to the story.
- Katherine: Katherine is a childhood friend of Austin and a botanist. She is the daughter of Stephanie Broom and shares a history with Austin that includes both friendship and possible romantic interest.
- Lisa: The friendly mail courier and Austin’s cousin Patrick O’Leary’s girlfriend. Lisa is known for her driving skills but tends to be forgetful, adding a touch of humor to the game.
- Jerry Doyle: Jerry is Austin’s neighbor and childhood friend of William. He hosts competitions in the game, which players can enter to win various prizes.
- Cat: Austin’s pet tomcat, who is nameable by the player. Cat is a mischievous character who enjoys testing out the new furnishings that Austin installs in the house.
The ‘Scapes’ Series from Playrix
Homescapes is part of Playrix’s popular ‘Scapes’ series. The series includes several other successful games that share similar gameplay elements and themes:
- Gardenscapes (2009): The original game in the series, focusing on hidden object gameplay and garden renovation. It was released for various platforms, including Windows and Nintendo DS.
- Township (2011): A city-building and farming game with puzzle-solving elements. It offers a different gameplay experience while retaining some aspects of the ‘Scapes’ series.
- Gardenscapes 2 (2013): A sequel to the original Gardenscapes, featuring updated gameplay and graphics while maintaining the core mechanics.
- Gardenscapes (2016): A re-release of Gardenscapes for mobile platforms, incorporating match-3 puzzles and garden renovation.
- Homescapes (2017): The sequel to Gardenscapes, introducing home renovation and a new narrative centered around Austin’s efforts to restore his childhood home.
Cheat Codes and Modifications
Homescapes does not officially support cheat codes. However, players may encounter various third-party mods that claim to offer cheats. It is crucial to approach these modifications with caution, as they often violate the game’s terms of service and can pose risks to your device.
Homescapes++
One such modification is Homescapes++, a third-party application available on some mod sites. This app claims to provide unlimited gold coins and spins. While these mods might seem appealing, they are illegal and violate Playrix’s policies. Using such applications can result in penalties, including account suspension or other issues.
Tips for Success in Homescapes
To enhance your Homescapes experience and progress more effectively, consider the following tips:
- Plan Your Moves: Before making a move in a puzzle, take a moment to analyze the board and plan your strategy. This foresight can help you make more effective matches and achieve your objectives.
- Focus on the Bottom: Making matches at the bottom of the board can trigger chain reactions, which can clear more tiles and help you achieve your goals more efficiently.
- Use Prompts Wisely: In-game prompts can be helpful, but they should be reserved for situations where you cannot find other viable options. Relying on prompts too often can limit your strategic thinking.
- Earn Extra Lives: Assisting in-game characters and fulfilling their requests can reward you with additional lives. Participating in special events and interacting with characters can provide valuable bonuses.
- Utilize Coins and Power-ups: Coins are used to purchase lives and power-ups. Power-ups like rockets and bombs can significantly aid in puzzle-solving, making it easier to clear levels and progress through the game.
Acquiring In-Game Coins
Coins are essential for various aspects of Homescapes, including purchasing lives, power-ups, and renovating the mansion. Here are four ways to earn coins:
- Join Official Communities: Engaging with Homescapes communities can provide opportunities to earn coins and other rewards.
- Complete Match-3 Levels: Successfully finishing match-3 levels rewards you with coins, which can be used for different in-game purposes.
- Help In-Game Characters: Assisting characters and completing their requests can earn you additional coins.
- Renovate Areas: Completing renovation tasks in various areas of the mansion can provide significant coin rewards.
Power-Ups and Their Combinations
Homescapes features several power-ups that can aid in puzzle-solving:
- Rockets: Rockets are created by matching four tiles in a row. They clear an entire row or column, depending on their orientation.
- Bombs: Bombs appear when matching five or six tiles in an L or T shape. They explode and remove multiple tiles from the board.
- Paper Planes: Paper planes are formed by matching four tiles into a square. They remove random tiles and clear obstacles from the board.
- Rainbow Balls: Rainbow balls appear from matching five tiles in a line. They remove all tiles of a specific color from the board.
Power-Up Combos:
- 2 Rockets: Clears both a row and a column.
- Bomb and Rocket: Clears three rows and columns.
- 2 Bombs: Creates a 5×5 explosion pattern.
- Paper Plane + Rocket/Bomb: Clears level goals and triggers the combined power-up effect.
- 2 Paper Planes: Removes eight tiles and three level goals.
- Rainbow Ball + Any Power-Up: Replaces the most common color on the board with the power-up.
- 2 Rainbow Balls: Clears all tiles and an obstacle layer, enhancing your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to complete Homescapes?
On average, it takes approximately 16 hours to complete Homescapes, considering both dedicated and casual play. The time required can vary based on individual play styles and strategies.
What are unlimited lives?
Unlimited lives allow players to continue playing match-3 levels without the risk of losing any lives, even if they fail to solve a puzzle. This feature can be obtained through special offers, daily rewards, or competition prizes and remains active until it runs out.
How many levels are there in Homescapes?
As of now, there are 12,800 levels in Homescapes. Playrix frequently updates the game with new levels, ensuring that players always have fresh challenges to tackle.
What are Cascade Events?
Cascade Events are available for players above level 20. These events involve collecting a specific number of tiles to earn rewards. The difficulty and reward size increase as players advance through the tasks, culminating in a prize chest or coins as a final reward.
What is the highest level in Homescapes?
Currently, Homescapes features 12,800 levels. The game is regularly updated with new levels, and completed levels cannot be replayed.
