# Cube Merge Tips: Spread Your Shots, Do Not Fire Down the Middle

> Cube merge tips from six Stackmelt games: twelve middle-only shots ended in GAMEOVER 3 of 3, while spread shots scored 96, 132 and 104.

- Source: https://yesthisgame.com/blog/cube-merge-tips/
- Published: 2026-11-09, updated: 2026-11-09
- Author: Yes This Game (the team that makes the games on the site)

## Key takeaways

- You drag the cube at the bottom left or right and let go to shoot it into the box.
- Twelve shots all released from the middle ended in GAMEOVER in three of three games.
- Twelve shots released from different positions were still running in three of three games, with scores of 96, 132 and 104.
- Cubes with the same number merge into the next number and raise your score.

**The first cube merge tip is to spread your shots: in [Stackmelt](https://yesthisgame.com/stackmelt/) twelve shots released from the middle ended in GAMEOVER in all three games, while twelve shots released from different spots were still going in all three, with scores of 96, 132 and 104.** Cubes that land on the same spot pile up in one column and block the lane.

## How the game works

Stackmelt is a 3D puzzle in a tall, phone-style column. A numbered cube waits at the bottom of the lane. You drag it left or right and let go, and it shoots into the box. When it touches a cube with the same number the two merge into the next number, and your score at the top goes up. The game ends when the cubes reach the top.

## What we measured

We played in a test browser at 1280 by 800 pixels. In each game we shot twelve cubes, one every 2.2 seconds, either always releasing from the middle or releasing from twelve different spots across the lane. We made three games for each method and looked at the screen after the twelfth shot.

*State of the game after twelve shots*

| Method | Games over | Scores of games still running |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Always from the middle | 3 of 3 | none |
| From different spots | 0 of 3 | 96, 132, 104 |

Three games per method in one test browser; the cubes in each game come in a random order, so these are directions, not rules.

![Bar chart of twelve-shot games in Stackmelt: middle-only shots ended in GAMEOVER in 3 of 3 games, spread shots were still running in 3 of 3 with scores 96, 132 and 104](https://yesthisgame.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/stackmelt-twelve-shots.png)
*Games over after twelve shots, out of three for each method.*

## What is on the screen

The top shows a pause button and the score. The orange-floored box fills with cubes as you shoot. A pointing hand shows where to drag. The end screen says GAMEOVER, or NEW HIGHSCORE when you beat your best.

## 4 tips that follow from the numbers

- **Spread your shots.** Middle-only shots ended three games out of three.
- **Match the number.** Aim at a cube that has the same number as yours.
- **Watch the top of the box.** When cubes get close to it, merge before you shoot a new one.
- **Restart quickly.** A new game takes a single tap on play.

## Where to try it

Try it yourself in [Stackmelt](https://yesthisgame.com/stackmelt/). For another puzzle where you clear a board, [Cubeclear](https://yesthisgame.com/cubeclear/) is a block puzzle.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do you shoot a cube in Stackmelt?

Drag the cube at the bottom left or right and let go.

### What happened when we always shot from the middle?

All three games ended in GAMEOVER within twelve shots.

### What happened when we spread the shots?

All three games were still running after twelve shots, with scores of 96, 132 and 104.

### How do cubes merge?

Two cubes with the same number become the next number when they touch.

### How does a game end?

When the cubes reach the top of the box.

### Does Stackmelt work on a phone?

It is a tall column built for touch; we tested it with a mouse.

## Games in this guide

- [Stackmelt](https://yesthisgame.com/stackmelt.md): Play Stackmelt online: drag a numbered cube and let go, merge cubes with the same number and keep the box from filling up to the top.
- [Cubeclear](https://yesthisgame.com/cubeclear.md): Play Cubeclear online: drag colourful blocks onto an 8 by 8 board, fill rows and columns to clear them and chain lines for a combo. Mouse or touch.
- [Pearlpath](https://yesthisgame.com/pearlpath.md): Play Pearlpath online: aim the wizard with your mouse, shoot colourful balls into the chain and burst matching colours before it reaches the hole.