Thorn Bush is a layered obstacle that occupies an entire tile on the game board. A dense cluster of sharp thorns blocks the space completely, preventing any item from entering the tile until the bush is fully destroyed.
Unlike cover-based mechanics, Thorn Bush directly occupies the tile itself and remains fixed in place throughout the level.
Main Features
A thorn-covered bush obstacle
Occupies one tile on the board
Cannot be moved
Can contain multiple layers
Requires multiple hits to completely destroy all layers
Prevents items from occupying the tile until fully cleared
Items can fall into the tile after the Thorn Bush is completely destroyed
Destruction Rules
Thorn Bush can be damaged by creating Match-3 combinations adjacent to the occupied tile. Nearby matches weaken the bush layer by layer until it is fully removed.
It can also be destroyed using special effects, including:
Vertical Blast
Horizontal Blast
Bomb
Package
Color Bomb combinations
Each hit removes one layer of the Thorn Bush. Stronger versions may require several attacks before the tile becomes accessible again.
Gameplay Behavior
While active, Thorn Bush completely blocks its tile and prevents items from entering or falling through that space. Once all layers are destroyed, the tile becomes empty and functions normally again, allowing new items to fall into it naturally.
Because it occupies board space directly, Thorn Bush can significantly change board flow and create movement restrictions that players must carefully work around.
Gameplay Purpose
Thorn Bush is designed to create positional challenges and slow board progression by blocking important paths and limiting available space. Since players must clear it gradually through nearby matches or special effects, the mechanic encourages strategic planning and combo creation.
The mechanic works especially well in levels focused on:
Board expansion
Area clearing objectives
Restricted movement
Layered obstacle progression
Strategic special-piece usage