Not to be confused with Tetris Effect (syndrome)
Tetris Effect is a tile-matching puzzle video game developed by Japanese studios Monstars and Resonair and published by Enhance Games. The game was released worldwide exclusively for the PlayStation 4[1] on November 9, 2018, and features support for the PlayStation VR. A Microsoft Windows version, with support for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, released on July 23, 2019. It was available exclusively for purchase on the Epic Games Store at the time.[2][3] A version for the Oculus Quest was released on May 15, 2020.[4]
Tetris Effect: Connected[]
An updated release, named Tetris Effect: Connected, was announced for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Windows 10 (exclusively through the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass) on July 23, 2020, and was released on November 10, 2020.[5][6] The Connected update was also released on existing platforms and Steam on August 18, 2021[7][8][9][10], on Nintendo Switch in October 8, 2021[11][12], and on PlayStation 5 in February 22, 2023[13]. This update added new multiplayer modes to the game[14] & allowed players to play cooperatively or competitively with other players.
Gameplay[]
Zone mechanic[]
The main mode of Tetris Effect, Journey Mode, features a new mechanic called Zone[15][16]. By filling up the Zone meter by performing line clears (x lines, depending on difficulty in Journey Mode or phase in Zone Battle, charges a quarter of meter), the player can then trigger Zone, where the gravity temporarily stops (the piece still locks after a delay if it is touching the top of the stack, however) and any lines cleared are pushed to the bottom of the playfield. Zone ends when the time meter runs out or the player tops out. After that, completed lines disappear from the bottom of the playfield with an explosion. The maximum possible Zone duration in Journey Mode is 20 seconds.
It was initially thought that 20 lines was the maximum possible Zone clear, since this is the height at which pieces spawn, but it was discovered that higher clears were possible when the last piece was able to clear multiple lines, usually with the use of IRS/IHS. Kirby703 was the first player to achieve a 21-line Zone clear[17], with developers later renaming the clear a Kirbtris (initially displayed as an Ultimatris). She later was the first to achieve a 22-line Zone clear as well, displayed as an Impossibilitris.[18] On February 15, 2021, Kirby703 again became the first player to perform a 23-line Infinitris clear by using 10 I pieces laid across the top of the screen vertically.[19] In the multiplayer modes added in Connected, higher clears are potentially possible due to the added garbage mechanics and boss blitz attacks offering additional strategies; another player named Electra utilized these strategies to perform 24 and 25 lines (later named Electris) in Connected mode.[20][21] On December 25th, 2022, players knighting, Sionara, and box discovered a strategy utilizing Bump Up to achieve the first zone clear above 25 (27 lines),[22] later titled the WTFtris.[23]
When at least 8 lines have been filled during Zone, a color inversion effect known as Zone Brilliance is applied to the entire screen. You can adjust the severity of this effect in the graphics settings, which allows a choice between "MIN", "MID", and "MAX".
Zone clear names[]
| Zone clear name | Line clear amount |
|---|---|
| Tetris | 4-7 |
| Octoris | 8-11 |
| Dodecatris | 12-15 |
| Decahexatris | 16-17 |
| Perfectris | 18-19 |
| Ultimatris | 20 |
| Kirbtris | 21 |
| Impossibilitris | 22 |
| Infinitris | 23 |
| Electris | 24 |
| WTFtris | 25+ |
Scoring in Zone[]
During Zone, there is a multiplier applied to all points earned during Zone. Score values are +1x for every clear of an Octoris (eight lines) or more. If Zone is activated when fully charged (20 seconds), an additional +1x multiplier is also applied, thus making a 3x multiplier the highest possible. Points earned from line clears are not immediately added to the score display and are delayed until Zone ends, which also awards a bonus of +100 for each line cleared during Zone.
Grading and Scoring[]
Scoring is carried over from other Guideline games; the player receives a certain grade (from D/E to SS) based on their final score in most modes.
List of Stages[]
| Stage Name | Appearance | Unlock condition |
|---|---|---|
| Main Stages | ||
| The Deep | Journey Mode, Area 1, Stage 1 | Available by default |
| Pharaoh's Code | Journey Mode, Area 1, Stage 2 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Karma Wheel | Journey Mode, Area 1, Stage 3 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Jellyfish Chorus | Journey Mode, Area 2, Stage 1 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Da Vinci | Journey Mode, Area 2, Stage 2 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Prayer Circles | Journey Mode, Area 2, Stage 3 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Ritual Passion | Journey Mode, Area 2, Stage 4 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Deserted | Journey Mode, Area 3, Stage 1 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Dolphin Surf | Journey Mode, Area 3, Stage 2 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Downtown Jazz | Journey Mode, Area 3, Stage 3 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Spirit Canyon | Journey Mode, Area 3, Stage 4 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Jeweled Veil | Journey Mode, Area 4, Stage 1 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Forest Dawn | Journey Mode, Area 4, Stage 2 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Kaleidoscope | Journey Mode, Area 4, Stage 3 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Turtle Dreams | Journey Mode, Area 4, Stage 4 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Celebration | Journey Mode, Area 4, Stage 5 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Sunset Breeze | Journey Mode, Area 5, Stage 1 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Aurora Peak | Journey Mode, Area 5, Stage 2 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Zen Blossoms | Journey Mode, Area 5, Stage 3 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Yin & Yang | Journey Mode, Area 5, Stage 4 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Hula Soul | Journey Mode, Area 5, Stage 5 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Starfall | Journey Mode, Area 6, Stage 1 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Balloon High | Journey Mode, Area 6, Stage 2 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Mermaid Cove | Journey Mode, Area 6, Stage 3 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Orbit | Journey Mode, Area 6, Stage 4 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Stratosphere | Journey Mode, Area 6, Stage 5 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Metamorphosis | Journey Mode, Area 7 | Complete the previous stage in Journey Mode |
| Hidden Stages | ||
| 1989 | Unlockable | Participate in Weekend Ritual (temporarily) or reach XP Level 50 (permanently) |
| 1984 | Unlockable | See Codes below |
| Special Stages | ||
| Space Sprint | Sprint Mode | Available by default |
| Gilded Horizon | Ultra Mode | Available by default |
| Space Race | Master Mode | Available by default |
| 2020 | Classic Score Attack | Available by default |
| Mandala | All Clear, Combo, and Target Modes | Available by default |
| Rose Horizon | Countdown Mode | Available by default |
| Rebirth | Purify Mode | Available by default |
Journey Mode[]
The main mode of the game, with 27 stages total. The stages are split into 7 different areas, where they are unlocked one by one as the player progresses. Each stage has 3 sections, with a different speed level per section. The line goal per stage is determined by the selected difficulty: 30 lines for Beginner, 36 lines for Normal, and 48 lines for Expert, respectively. The final stage, Metamorphosis, has a 90-line goal, regardless of difficulty selected. Only non-Zone cleared lines count toward the goal. Practice Mode is also available, which allows the player to progress through the first four areas with no game overs and low gravity levels.
| Stage | Beginner | Normal | Expert | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Deep | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Pharaoh's Code | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Karma Wheel | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Jellyfish Chorus | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 10 |
| Da Vinci | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Prayer Circles | 3 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Ritual Passion | 1 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 15 |
| Deserted | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Dolphin Surf | 2 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 12 |
| Downtown Jazz | 2 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 10 |
| Spirit Canyon | 1 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 16 |
| Jeweled Veil | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Forest Dawn | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Kaleidoscope | 5 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 12 | 16 | 8 |
| Turtle Dreams | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Celebration | 1 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 15 | 18 |
| Sunset Breeze | 4 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 8 | 12 |
| Aurora Peak | 3 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 16 |
| Zen Blossoms | 1 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 13 |
| Yin & Yang | 9 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 16 | 12 | 10 |
| Hula Soul | 1 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 16 | 20 |
| Starfall | 6 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 7 | 15 | 18 | 12 |
| Balloon High | 2 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 11 |
| Mermaid Cove | 4 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 |
| Orbit | 4 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 17 |
| Stratosphere | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| Metamorphosis | 7 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 20 |
Effect Modes[]
This section contains 15 different game modes, categorized into 4 groups. In Marathon, Chill Marathon, Quick Play, and Mystery modes, the player can choose one of the available main or hidden stages to play on. All other modes have their own unique stages.
Classic[]
Marathon[]
Standard fixed-goal Marathon mode. Clear at least 150 lines to complete the mode. Endless can be toggled on, and initial level (up to 15) can be selected.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 500,000 + Clear |
| S | ??? |
| A | ??? |
| B | ??? |
| C | ??? |
| D | ??? |
Zone Marathon[]
150-line Marathon mode, but with the addition of the ZONE mechanic from Journey Mode. The ZONE meter fills up by one quarter after 8 line clears; initial level (up to 15) can be selected.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 1,000,000 + Clear |
| S | ??? |
| A | ??? |
| B | ??? |
| C | ??? |
| D | ??? |
Ultra[]
3-minute score attack mode.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 35,000 |
| S | 30,000 |
| A | 20,000 |
| B | 10,000 |
| C | 5,000 |
| D | 1,000 |
| E | 0 |
Sprint[]
40 lines time attack mode.
| Grade | Time |
|---|---|
| SS | <1:10 |
| S | <1:20 |
| A | <1:40 |
| B | <2:20 |
| C | <3:20 |
| D | >3:20 |
| E | Fail |
Master[]
20G mode with 30 speed levels, each with progressively decreasing lock delay and line clear delay values. Clear at least 300 lines to complete the mode. Initial M-level can be selected prior to starting the mode; Endless can be toggled on.
| Grade | Lines |
|---|---|
| SS | 150 |
| S | 130 |
| A | 100 |
| B | 50 |
| C | 20 |
| D | 1 |
| E | 0 |
Classic Score Attack[]
This mode uses the gameplay mechanics and visual styles from Nintendo's NES version. Initial speed level can be selected before starting the mode; the player may also switch frame timings between NTSC and PAL.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 250,000 |
| S | 200,000 |
| A | 150,000 |
| B | ??? |
| C | ??? |
| D | ??? |
Relax[]
In these modes, topping out will reset the playfield and score counter instead of netting an instant Game Over. Piece sequences can be toggled between Random (standard randomizer) or Fixed (initial 7-piece sequence repeated throughout).
Chill Marathon[]
Marathon mode, but with no instant Game Overs. Initial level is selectable; the line goal amount can also be adjusted between 150 to 600 lines in multiples of 30.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 300,000 |
| S | ??? |
| A | ??? |
| B | ??? |
| C | ??? |
| D | ??? |
Quick Play[]
Play one of the available stages with selectable fixed level and line goal amount, ranging from 30 to 600 lines in multiples of 30.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 10,000 |
| S | 8,000 |
| A | 6,000 |
| B | 5,000 |
| C | 3,000 |
| D | 1,000 |
Playlist[]
Play through a set of 4 similarly-themed stages in continuous succession. The player can also change the background music prior to starting one of the three available Playlists:
- Sea – The Deep, Dolphin Surf, Mermaid Cove; Jellyfish Chorus
- Wind – Da Vinci, Balloon High, Deserted; Sunset Breeze
- World – Prayer Circles, Zen Blossoms, Jeweled Veil; Karma Wheel
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 40,000 |
| S | ??? |
| A | ??? |
| B | ??? |
| C | ??? |
| D | ??? |
Focus[]
All Clear[]
Perform as many perfect clears as possible within a 1-minute base time limit, using the given stacks and piece sequences. Each successful perfect clear will add a time bonus.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 30 |
| S | 26 |
| A | 20 |
| B | 15 |
| C | 10 |
| D | 1 |
| E | 0 |
Combo[]
Perform as many combos as possible within a 1-minute base time limit, using the given stacks and piece sequences. Each successful combo clear will add a time bonus.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 120 |
| S | 100 |
| A | 80 |
| B | 50 |
| C | 25 |
| D | 1 |
| E | 0 |
Target[]
Similar to Tetris with Cardcaptor Sakura Eternal Heart, clear as many stacks with gem blocks as possible within a 1-minute base time limit. Each stack cleared adds a time bonus.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 30 |
| S | 26 |
| A | 20 |
| B | 15 |
| C | 10 |
| D | 1 |
| E | 0 |
Adventurous[]
Countdown[]
Score as many points as possible within 5 minutes. One or more I pieces drop into a random column on the stack every 2, 5, 8, or 10 piece drops. Endless can also be toggled on; the mode ends when the player tops out.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 55,000 |
| S | ??? |
| A | ??? |
| B | ??? |
| C | ??? |
| D | ??? |
Purify[]
Clear as many grey garbage and violet "infected" blocks as possible within a 3-minute time limit. New infected blocks are added to the bottom of the stack after a certain number of clears or after failing to clear infected blocks at certain time intervals. Endless can also be toggled on.
| Grade | Blocks Purified |
|---|---|
| SS | 450 + Clear |
| S | 400 |
| A | 300 |
| B | 150 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 1 |
Mystery[]
Marathon mode, but new random mechanics are activated for a particular time period, such as giant pieces, bombs, no hold, and more.
| Grade | Score |
|---|---|
| SS | 400,000 |
| S | ??? |
| A | ??? |
| B | ??? |
| C | ??? |
| D | ??? |
Codes[]
Key: L = Left, D = Down, U = Up, R = Right, A = Select, B = Back
- 1984 Stage: UUDDLRLRBA
When entered successfully with a controller on the title screen of the game, the player is taken to a Electronika 60 homage, where the following code can be input using a keyboard: 06061984. After entering the code and pressing Enter, the 1984 stage is unlocked.[24][25]
References[]
- ↑ "'Tetris Effect' drops a color bomb on your PS4 November 9th". Engadget. September 17th, 2018. Retrieved.
- ↑ "‘Tetris Effect’ Now Available on PC with VR Support, Exclusively from Epic Store". Road to VR. July 23, 2019. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Epic Store's Tetris Effect and SteamVR [UPDATED"]. Eurogamer. July 25, 2019. Retrieved.
- ↑ "‘Tetris Effect’ Arrives on Oculus Quest Today". Road to VR. May 14, 2020. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect: Connected Announced for Xbox Platforms". IGN Southeast Asia. August 16, 2021. Retrieved.
- ↑ "'Tetris Effect' is coming to Xbox with co-op, online and multiplayer modes". Engadget. July 23, 2020. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect: Connected Launches On Steam, Updated On Other Platforms". Tetris Effect Connected press release. August 18, 2020. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect: Connected coming to PS4, Epic Games Store, Steam, and Oculus Quest alongside cross-platform play in late July". NME. June 17, 2021. Retrieved.
- ↑ "‘Tetris Effect: Connected’ launches on Steam next month with cross-play". IGN Southeast Asia. July 24, 2020. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect Is Finally Coming To SteamVR With Connected Update". UploadVR. May 4, 2021. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect: Connected Launches On Nintendo Switch". Tetris Effect Connected press release. October 8, 2021. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect: Connected Receives Another Update On Switch, Here's What's Included". Nintendo Life. November 26, 2022. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect: Connected launches for PS5 and PS VR2 alongside new game modes". Niche Gamer. February 19, 2023. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect: Connected Cross-Platform Multiplayer, New Features and Beta Test Details". Tetris Effect Connected press release. June 16, 2021. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect - Review". IGN Nordic. November 13, 2018. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect Adds A New Strategic Layer to the Decades-Old Game… And it Works". PlayStation.Blog. June 25, 2018. Retrieved.
- ↑ "(Former WR) Tetris Effect - 21 zone lines". YouTube. June 25, 2018. Retrieved.
- ↑ "IMPOSSIBILITRIS (Former WR - 22 zone lines)". YouTube. December 9, 2018. Retrieved.
- ↑ @Kirby703_ "I just cleared 23 zone lines - the maximum theoretically possible.". 2021-02-16. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect Connected: 24 Zone Lines (World First)". YouTube. May 16, 2021. Retrieved.
- ↑ "IMPOSSIBILITRIS (Former WR - 22 zone lines)". YouTube. December 9, 2018. Retrieved.
- ↑ "34 line zone in Tetris Effect Connected. (World Record)". YouTube. December 31, 2022. Retrieved.
- ↑ "WTFTRIS is reallll - Tetris effect: connected". YouTube. Feburary 1, 2023. Retrieved.
- ↑ @Tetris_Official "Happy World Tetris Day! Celebrate the birth of #Tetris with a little Tetris Effect or Tetris Effect: Connected! Enhance your game with two secret levels we're officially acknowledging for the first time.". 2021-06-06. Retrieved.
- ↑ "Tetris Effect’s hidden 1984 level is a great little secret". Destructoid. June 8, 2021. Retrieved.