Hot Wax

Hot Wax is a falling-block arcade puzzler where you place oddly shaped candles on a board and set off chain reactions. Arrange the candles so a flame can spread from one to another, then keep placing blocks to help the fire progress through them. Poor placement can snuff it out.

Candles and the temple

The temple is home to an ancient, nameless entity that is not entirely unfriendly. Sacrifice flames and collect floating stars to earn boons. Bombs, magic acorns, thermite and other unusual items can also help when used well.

Game modes

Ritual asks you to reach a score goal, with faster times earning a better result. Completing your first Ritual unlocks other practices. In Penance, clear a growing wall of tangled wax at your own pace; the fire runs through all the wax at once before a new wave begins. Completing Rituals and Penance unlocks further difficulties and modes:

• Glory: another puzzle for your mind.
• Eternal: an unending ritual.
• Slow-Burn: practise at a level of your choice.
• Service: take on a different challenge each day.

Leaderboards track fast Rituals, high Eternals and impressive Services.

Unlockable content

The game has 35 color palettes to unlock with score and 22 achievements to complete. An average Ritual takes up to 10 minutes, depending on your level, while unlocking and playing the modes and difficulties should take a couple of hours.