Big Panel Breakdown in Marble Sort: Levels 24 and 32 Explained
Big panels are large matrix layouts that block the middle of the board. To clear a panel, you must clear a specific number of boxes behind it. The panel only disappears once its count is satisfied. Worse, panels often sit on top of mystery boxes and locks, so clearing them front-to-back is the difference between a clean level and a confused board.
This guide explains how 24-panel and 32-panel layouts work, the front-to-back opening discipline, and how to clear teaching levels like Level 75 and Level 70.
How Panels Work
The marblesort.com features page describes panels as “color panels” or “numbered door blocks.” A panel sits in the middle of the board and blocks a section of boxes. To clear the panel, you must clear a specific number of boxes (often shown by a number or color count) behind it.
In practice, panels are most often a 24-tile or 32-tile matrix. The smaller the panel, the easier the level. The bigger the panel, the more boxes you need to clear before it disappears.
The Front-to-Back Opening Discipline
The single most important rule for panel levels: clear the front rows first.
When you clear a front-row box, the back row slides forward. This gives you:
- Visual access to the boxes behind the panel.
- Routing room for the marbles that need to go behind the panel.
- A clear read of how many boxes remain.
If you skip the front rows and try to route marbles behind the panel, the conveyor fills up before the panel count hits zero.
Level 70 and Level 75 Examples
Level 70: a 32-panel layout. The typical setup is a wide panel blocking the middle, with 4-5 boxes per row. The winning approach: finish the front rows, then route marbles specifically into the panel’s count. Use the multi-move discipline of the levels covered in this guide.
Level 75: a 24-panel trap. The front row has 3 boxes that look easy. The trap is to assume the panel is also easy. The panel needs 6 boxes cleared, and the back row has hidden boxes you can’t see.
Combining Panels with Mystery Boxes and Locks
Panels often sit on top of mystery boxes and locks. The combined mechanic becomes:
- Clear the visible front rows.
- Let the hidden boxes reveal behind the panel.
- Use the lock and key to unlock any locked column behind the panel.
- Watch the panel count drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a big panel in Marble Sort?
A big panel is a 24-tile or 32-tile matrix that blocks the middle of the board. Clear a specific number of boxes behind it to make it disappear.
How do I break a 24-panel or 32-panel?
Clear the front rows first. The panel disappears when the count hits zero. Combine with clearing mystery boxes and locks behind the panel.
What is the front-to-back discipline?
Clear the front row of boxes first. This lets the back row slide forward, gives you visual access, and creates routing room for the marbles that need to go behind the panel.
Do panels sit on top of mystery boxes and locks?
Yes. Combined levels need a multi-step plan: clear front rows, let hidden boxes reveal, unlock locked columns, then watch the panel count drop.
Conclusion
Big panels are solvable. The trick is front-to-back discipline and watching the panel count.
For the conveyor space management that gives you routing room, see the conveyor space guide. For the mystery boxes behind panels, see the mystery box guide. For the full cheat sheet, see the golden rules master list.