The magical world of fantasy gems features Power Gems as rewards for thoughtful matching rather than random luck. These special pieces’ form when players create specific patterns beyond basic three-in-a-row matches. Each type has distinctive visual effects when activated, from row-clearing blasts to board-wide color elimination. Learning to develop and combine these Power Gems strategically transforms gameplay from simple matching to tactical planning that can overcome even the most challenging board configurations.
Types of power gems and their effects
- Striped Gems represent the most common Power Gem type, created by matching four identical gems in a straight line. The orientation of your match determines the stripe direction; horizontal matches create vertically striped gems that clear entire columns when matched. In contrast, vertical matches produce horizontally striped gems that clear entire rows. These directional clearers excel at removing obstacles in their path and can reach collection items at a distance.
- Wrapped Gems form when five gems are matched in L or T shapes, recognizable by their distinctive package-like appearance. When matched, they explode twice in a 3×3 area, clearing 18 positions on the board. This double-explosion mechanic makes Wrapped Gems particularly effective against clustered obstacles or targeting specific board areas. Their compact but powerful blast radius proves ideal for concentrated challenges rather than board-wide clearance.
- Color Bombs represent the most powerful standard Power Gem, created by matching five identical gems in a straight line. These distinctive spherical gems eliminate all gems of a matched color when combined with any regular gem. This board-wide effect makes Color Bombs invaluable for collection challenges, reducing piece variety, or creating massive cascades that can completely reshape difficult boards with a single move.
Applications for different levels
Different level objectives call for specific Power Gem strategies. In collection challenges, Colour Bombs paired with the collection item’s colour bring scattered pieces together quickly. For jelly-clearing levels, Wrapped Gems excel at clearing corners and edges where jellies are hardest to reach. Ingredient-drop challenges benefit most from Striped Gems, which are oriented to clear vertical paths and help guide ingredients to the bottom of the board. Time-limited levels demand quick Power Gem creation with less setup, making Striped Gems your most accessible option. In contrast, limited-move challenges reward patient setup of Color Bombs and powerful combinations that maximize the value of each move. Boss battles typically feature specific weak points where Wrapped Gems deal concentrated damage, making them the preferred choice for these specialized encounters.
Power gem techniques
Veteran players employ several sophisticated approaches to maximize Power Gem effectiveness:
- Banking strategy – Save Created Power Gems on the board until multiple special gems can be combined
- Proximity positioning – Maneuver Power Gems closer to each other for easy combination without wasting moves.
- Cascade triggering – Position Power Gems where their activation will likely create additional special gems through cascades.
- Color management – Strategically reduce board colors to increase the likelihood of creating Color Bombs.
- Obstacle targeting – Place Power Gems near priority obstacles rather than using them immediately upon creation.
- Gem preservation – Create protective spaces around valuable Power Gems to prevent accidental matching.
Learning these techniques elevates gameplay from reactive matching to proactive board management, where Power Gems become a larger strategy tool.
