Long before everyone and his cousin seemed to be releasing Match 3 games, PopCap was at it with its Bejeweled series. Since then, PopCap has become part of Electronic Arts, which has released a new Match 3 game for Android and iOS devices alike, Bejeweled Stars. But before we give you some tips for this brand-new game, let’s talk you through some of the features.
According to EA, this game promises “endless fun and the freedom to play your way in a beautiful world filled with surprises, explosions, and unique challenges.” The company also promises several twists and challenges that you won’t find in your average Match 3 title, such as dealing with “Currents” of gems that can help you improve your matching skills, and “winning cascades” that can result when you move gem-filled Clouds around the board. You can also open chests to uncover Charms, which are Bejeweled emojis that allow you to add a personal touch to the messages you send to other players.
We can keep going on about the game’s features, but we won’t waste much more of your time here. Let’s go straight into our Bejeweled Stars strategy guide – even if you’re a master of Match 3 gaming, you may most likely be needing this, as EA is on the level when it says this game is different from your average title in this genre.
1. The Time Lapse Cheat Works For Now
As this is a new game, the time lapse cheat is apparently still a thing, though you might want to set your expectations and prepare for EA to nerf it at some point in the future. Anyway, you’re still free to set the time on your phone or tablet ahead in order to quickly regain your lives without waiting; your lives regenerate in about 20 minutes per life, so if you want to get all five lives back, you should set the time on your device ahead by an hour and 40 minutes. You can switch the time back to normal on your device and still have your lives, though if you don’t want to use this cheat, then it’s okay – 20 minutes per life isn’t that long, anyway, if you come to think of it.
2. Take Your Time
Another old mainstay tip that still applies would be to take your time when solving the different puzzles in the game. Match 3 games, in most cases, won’t come with any time limits, which means you can analyze a level, look at the gems on the board, and take it from there. Yes, it’s true that this is a more advanced Match 3 game than most, but you would still want to take it easy and make sure you’re making the right moves.
3. Connect Your Game To Facebook
Match 3 games are typically games that you can play on your own, making Bejeweled Stars and others perfect for those who don’t want to interact with other human players. But at the end of the day, you still might want to take advantage of the benefits of connecting your game to Facebook. For one, if you have other friends who play the game, you can send gifts to each other, and that includes sending lives; if waiting is too boring and time lapsing too dishonest, you can ask friends for lives, or send them lives should they request from you.
4. A Brief Backgrounder On The Special Gems
Like in other Match 3 titles, some of the vintage mechanics still apply, such as the ability to create a special gem by matching more than three of a kind. For example, if you clear four in a row, you’ll get a Flame Gem, which can destroy pieces within a small radius by acting like a bomb. If you match five in a row, you’ll get a Hypercube, which allows you to get rid of all gems of a certain color, based on the color of gem the Hypercube collides with. The Star Gem will show up if you match five gems in a “T” or “L” formation, and would shoot out a beam in a +-like formation, destroying all the gems in its path. Then you’ve got the Dark Hypercube, which is created when you match six gems in a row. It works like a regular Hypercube would, except for one main difference – it doesn’t just destroy the gems, but also converts gems of the same type into regular Hypercubes. Use that plethora of Hypercubes you’ll get to clear levels faster, and with less moves.
Additionally, if you mix two special gems, you can get much more devastating effects that take out a lot more pieces, and allow you to score a lot more points.
5. Make Use Of The Skygems
Early on in the game, you should find out what SkyGems are. But without even downloading or playing the game, what are they? For starters, SkyGems are special gems that look similar to regular gems, but with a few key differences – they come in unique shapes and have unusual indents not found on normal gems. You can, however, match them like you could normal gems, and once you’re able to match them, they go into your inventory. It’s these SkyGems that will serve as ingredients when you unlock the Power Lab (after beating Level 6), and with that in mind, you should try to collect as many of them as possible.
6. You Can Go To The Power Lab To Craft Powers
One of the rather unique features of Bejeweled Stars is that you can go to the aforementioned Power Lab to create your own special power-ups. You can do this at any point in the game, though it will take time for the power-ups to actually be created; you may want to use the time lapse cheat we told you about in order to expedite the process. There’s also the option to pay some coins to speed up the power creation process, though at the end of the day, waiting may be the best thing to do.
What kind of special power-ups can you expect from the Power Lab? One good example would be the Flame Swapper. If you create this power-up, you can transform any gem on the board into a flame gem, all without having to match four gems in a row.
Also, as a bonus tip, make sure that you only use those created gems/powers when you truly need them! Don’t use them simply because you have them, and are able to create them.
7. More Moves Left Over Means More Stars
It’s a basic aspect of Match 3 gaming, but we’re going to mention it nonetheless. Once you’ve accomplished all of the objectives stated for the level, whatever leftover moves you have will create special gems out of the random gems on the board. So if you weren’t able to make it to three stars, or even two stars, before the level ends, those extra points from your extra moves can help you out, taking you to the three-star level and eliminating the need to grind it out by replaying those levels you weren’t able to three-star. It all goes back to the tips we told you above; make use of them so you can optimize the moves you’re allowed to make in the game.
8. What Happens When You Get Three Stars?
Fortunately for you, earning three stars is more than mere bragging rights among you and your friends. Once you’re able to get all three stars out of three, you’ll be treated to a special graphical display that shows off the different constellations of the night. And each star you earn will take you closer to completing a constellation (you can always grind for more stars). Once you’ve got a constellation completely filled up, you’ll get a good number of SkyGems as a reward, allowing you to do more crafting at the lab.
9. Be Smart When Working At The Power Lab
Let’s go back to the Power Lab for yet another tip on how to make the most out of this feature. Before you leave the game for an extended period of time, such as if you need to go to sleep, or need to head off to work or school, you’ll want to go to the Power Lab. Once there, you can queue up new power-ups to be created, so that way you don’t have to do any time lapsing; once you return to the game, your new power-ups will be all crafted and ready to use!
10. Always Be Aware Of The Objectives
Last, but not the least, you should always be looking at the objectives of each level before you try to solve it. It’s easy to play a new level like you would the last one, but since different levels have different objectives, you should always be prepared to make some changes to your game plan, in order to complete those levels with the least possible moves.
I just unlocked Raindeer in the Power Lab but I have no idea what the dewdrop gems do or how to use them. Help!
when you match the blue gems after they have been turned into dewdrops they rain down drops of water taking out a bunch of the gems below them
help! How do you actually break the stones, gravel , extra? I am stuck on level 127 and can not get past it! Thanks in advance for any help!
you have to create and use the special gems like star gems and fire gems, match them over the stones or gravel, some stones need to be hit more than once
I don’t understand the objective for level 53 so I don’t know what strategies to use besides matching 3 of a kind. What do the numbers at the bottoms of each column mean? Any help is appreciated. Thanks
the numbers are the amount of moves you have before that column is sucked away, after a couple more moves the column is replaced with new gems and the countdown begins again
and the objective of the level is to create and explode 15 flame gems within 35 moves
Hi Samantha
Do you know how to win level 168. The 4 crystals on the outside of the box is so hard to break
Thank you
Audrey
How do you beat level 352 when you have less moves than there are butterflies?! I’ve played this level over and over and every time I’m down to one move I’m left with 15+ butterflies to go! I’ve tried everything I know to make it create more butterflies with no luck. Tried not killing them and just letting them pile up and tried killing them as fast as possible. Please help!
I’m not even close to that level but from what I can tell more butterflies are generated when you either make or detonate special gems
I feel your pain! I’m having the same issue. It doesn’t even generate a butterfly each move, so how are you supposed to get 35 in 30 moves
If you match gems on the bottom row, that’s how more butterflies appear faster. Try to create as many bombs as you can, once u get the hang of it, you’ll see how if you have several bombs, when one detonates, they detonate others and take out surrounding butterflies all at once.
I do not understand how to get out of level 168? Please HELP.
How does the portal work in level 327?
I have 11 emoji keys. I don’t know how I got them or how to use them or what they do for me.
You use the keys to unlock emoji chests instead of having to wait for them to open. Only use them when they are free. Don’t waste your sky gems making keys, just wait them out.
I have 12 keys and the timer says I can’t open the chest for 13 hours, but it hasn’t changed that countdown in weeks…?? Always still 13 hours to wait >:/ grrrrrrrr
Update the game …
YOU’RE PROBABLY ahead of me
Level 512 seems impossible as each block requires 3 to 4 direct hits to break. Ive used all of my power gems and now the daily prize puzzle has been stuck for days. I need more moons! Any suggestions on how to get passed this level will be much appreciated
At level 512 you must have beaten level 421! Can you please share with us ( many are struggling) how you make the gravel to break. Where to put explosive gems so it can do damage to the gravel 🙂 🙂 🙂
Need help on 421, I have exploded double gem’s next to them, star gems across them and nothing seems to change the geavel at all …. I am ready to delete the game and give up if I can’t get past it i cant play anymore.
The best way to pass this level is to create special gems called ‘hyper swapper’ and ‘star’ gems. For hyper swapper you must align 5 gems in the same row or column, and for Star gems you must bring 5 gems in L or T shape. Then once you have both special gems, you must try to bring these both gems side by side. If you click later the hyper swapper and then the star, all gems with the color of the star becomes star gems. This way you will have many star gems which can reach the gravel after exploding . As the gravel is very strong, you will need to repeat several times the above procedure.
Detonating 25 star gems on level 73 seems impossible.
You need to create and use a Hypercube and match it to a Star gem to get the numbers up on level 73.
Tips on beating level 140 please.
I am having problems with level 514 U can’t use Star Gems or Flames gems to get it, any help out there?
You can reach the gravel in the middle either with star gems or by exploding 2 fire gems as near as possible to the gravel
I don’t know how to use the keys to open the chests. I have 27 keys
How do solve level 421?
Me too! Exactly what steps do you take to use the key to open a chest?
Level 585 is solved and I can’t go anyfurther. Can go back but not forword for the last two weeks. Can’t open the lock. HELP
I have the same problem in level 675. We need to wait the release of new updates
As I was bored waiting the updates, I did 3 stars in every level. Level 426 took me a lot of time to achieve the 3 stars.
Level 421 exploded a lot of my star exchange rigth in the middle and exploded some flames stars rights beside the squares. Lots
Gold luck
can some one give me the answer to this riddle on bejeweld stars…… what lives in a tiny house with no doors or windows cant leave unless it breaks a wall
Egg
Is there anything that you can use the emojis for, other than answering the question of the day?
There seem to be a lot of them, with no purpose.
I stopped getting free coins; even though I have finished about a dozen islands . . . anyone know what that happens?
I’ve been wondering the same thing. Got to “Diamond Gem” and since then, nothing. I’ve completed several islands since then.
I have been waiting to move on from 765, so I went back to each island to get 3 stars on all areas. I need help at Mossyrock Ruins #304. I can only get 1 star no matter what I have tried. Anyone have the knowhow to get 3 stars on it?
How do you beat level 794. I can’t get enough butterflies to appear. Trying to keep them from flying away while changing stones seems impossible even with powerlab assistance. Please help, first level I couldn’t win on my own and I’m extremely frustrated. Thanks!
Looking for tips to beat level 690
How did you beat level 690? I’m stuck on that one now.
Now I am on 699 could use some tips please
Oh my need hint to beat level 712
I’m stuck there too. How did you pass 712!
Could use hint or two to beat level 733
I need the correct answer for the riddle: From BLANK to BLANK! I have no idea what it could be 🙁
From here to there
The lack of butterflies on 799 was frustrating for me as well. It seems sometimes they “give it to you” or don’t. I know my husband and I got stuck waiting for game to catch up on constelations, finally updated but not giving any coins barely as rewards like previous. Make sure you don’t have speciality gems on bottom of board 1st row, butterflies don’t show up as much. I make specialty gems on my board and super blast 10 at a time, but need to watch your moves. I also hypercub in that level the most color butterflies instead of a special gem.
We wish we could trade gems via fb… I’m always lacking green and white and have 500+ “rare” orange & yellow that he needs. I make keys to get my emoji faster cuz I’m stuck on 870 and it takes way longer to beat levels than when I flew thru the first 500. You click on the chest and hit open and it uses the keys you have. When they give you 10 days to collect blue gems for prizes I go back to easier levels to collect! I love cat and crow levels. I typically use my speciality gems from lab to get thru crow one as it resets. Always go back to chest after each level and open so you get 15 chests. Plus 3 star them and go thru the constellations faster for more prizes. The daily. When you get 6 done and golden egg. Don’t go back and open right away. Wait couple hours get a better prize. And if you are making a star, typically you will get what you are making and it auto makes the one in lab it’s working on! Happy bejewling!!
Ps log into fb. My hubby created a fake fb to get bonus and it logs you out after awhile. And when it notifies you to log in it gives you free specialty gems (alot) and cheaters in the power lab and coins!!
I am stuck on level 96 😞
Can anyone tell me how to get 3 stars on level 304? I have tried using every special gem more than once but it seems impossible to reach 300k points. My best score is about 260k and that was using 3 hypercubes, starwhal and additional star gems
Level 861 totally seems IMPOSSIBLE!! Double the butterflies needed for the amount of moves. I have tried a zillion things. I believe I have to win this level to get another constellation. I have tried and tried to avoid fooling with this level for weeks now. It’s really making me hate this game, and makes me think of deleting it. It is beyond frustrating, and moving toward too stupid to waste anymore time trying.
I’m on 861 too and cannot find a way to win it. Very frustrated
I can’t get three stars on either 385 or 425. Any suggestions?
Use Fast forward in the end to get more butterflies. Then Fluttergust them down and top it of with a Wild Bull.
I reckon you would need about 10 fast forwards as each one releases a new butterfly, Im currently saving them up and will let you know…..Im also stuck on 861. I reckon 10 fast forwards then join 2 star gems to destroy all in one go!
How in the hell do you beat level 1188??? I cannot do it. Does anyone have any hints?
Clear vines as quickly as possible with Flame Gems. Use Fast Forward to create more butterflies when vines are cleared.
Can you tell me how you got past level 1183 please?!
leftover moves do NOT create special gems on the board. they just get converted directly to score.
a killer tip.
level 152 is special. play it for those collection events. 🙂 by using the chambers you can play forever without spawning butterflies or lowering the move counter. finish the entire event right there!
bejeweled stars 1416 – 1430 will load but level will not open to play on ipad – not that updated or new games happen often, pretty pitiful that this is all a person gets whether operating online or off. Have found recently that the daily games just go to black when I play them & have the ipad connected 🙁 BOOO!