Getting started
Do I need an account to play?
No. The game has no signup at all. The first time you launch it you'll be asked to type a nickname (anything you want, three letters minimum), and the game appends a four-digit tag — like YourName#0421. That tag is your identity for the global ranking and for versus matches.
Is TRETA Block really free?
Yes. The whole game — solo, versus, ranking, tier progression — is completely free. We show occasional banner ads between matches to cover the server cost. If ads bother you, the optional Pro purchase removes them permanently for a single one-time payment.
What devices does TRETA Block support?
The web version runs on any modern browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge — on phones, tablets, and desktops. The Android app is available free on Google Play. iOS support is on the roadmap; we expect to open the public TestFlight beta in the coming months.
How do I get the Android app?
Just download it from Google Play — tap the Android button on the homepage or search for "TRETA Block". It runs as an installed app with a better native feel; no extra features compared to web.
How the game works
How big is the board, and why?
The board is 8×8. We tested 6×6 (too cramped, no room to plan), 9×9 (clears too easy, scoring trivial), and 10×10 (too long per match). 8×8 is the sweet spot: meaningful decisions in 5 to 10 minutes of play.
Why can't I rotate pieces?
It's a deliberate design choice. Without rotation, every piece has exactly one shape, which makes planning much more strategic. It also keeps versus fair: if rotation were allowed, two players could play the same piece in different orientations and the "same pieces" rule would be much weaker.
When does the game end?
Solo mode ends when none of the three pieces in your tray can fit anywhere on the board. Versus mode is timed (usually 5 minutes); when the clock runs out, whoever has the higher score wins. If both players get stuck before the clock ends, the highest score at that moment wins.
Can I play offline?
Solo mode works fully offline. Your high score is saved locally and synced to the global ranking whenever the device reconnects. Versus mode requires an internet connection, since you're playing against another human in real time.
Versus & matchmaking
How do 1v1 duels work?
Right now duels use a code-based system. You generate a room code, share it with a friend, they enter the code, and the match starts as soon as both players click "Ready". Both players receive the same sequence of pieces and the same time limit. The higher score wins.
Can I play against random strangers?
Public lobbies (random matchmaking) are on the roadmap and expected later this year. For now, sharing room codes with friends — or asking in our community channels — is the way to find opponents.
What does my nickname tag (#0421) mean?
It's a discriminator: a four-digit number that lets multiple people share the same nickname without conflict. Think of it like Discord's tag system. You don't choose it — it's assigned the first time you play — but you can ask us to reset it if you want a new one.
Does the tier system match me against players of my level?
In the current code-based system, you choose your opponent directly via room code. Once public lobbies launch, the matchmaker will try to pair you with someone within one tier of yours, falling back to wider ranges if no close match is available within 30 seconds.
Ranking & progression
What's the difference between the global ranking and the tier system?
The global ranking is your highest single-game solo score, on a worldwide top-100 leaderboard. It rewards a single great game. The tier system is your cumulative count of versus wins, on a personal ladder from Newbie to Legendary. It rewards consistency over time. Both are independent — you can be Top 100 with zero versus wins, or Legendary with a modest solo score.
If I switch devices, do I keep my progress?
Your global-ranking score is tied to your nickname#tag and stays available as long as you remember it. Tier progress (versus wins) is similarly tied to the nick. However, since there's no password, anyone who guesses your exact nick#tag could in theory play under it. If you want, you can reach out and we'll attach an email recovery option to your nick — it's optional.
Do losses subtract from my tier or score?
Losses don't affect anything. Your tier counts wins only. Your global-ranking score is the best score you've ever made, so a bad game can't lower it. We made these design choices on purpose — the game should reward effort, not punish bad luck.
Money & ads
How does the Pro unlock work?
Pro is a single one-time purchase (no subscription) that removes all ads, unlocks exclusive board skins, gives you a Pro badge in the global ranking, and includes free credit for upcoming power-ups when those launch. Pricing varies by region but stays low — roughly the cost of a cheap snack.
Will you ever turn Pro into a subscription?
No. We deliberately chose one-time payment because subscription fatigue is real, and a casual puzzle doesn't justify a recurring bill. New cosmetic skins may eventually be sold as small one-time add-ons, but the core Pro unlock stays a single purchase.
Do you sell my data?
No. We don't sell, rent, or otherwise transfer your data to third parties. Since the game requires no email, phone, or other personal identifier, there's not much to sell anyway. The analytics we collect (crash reports, anonymous gameplay metrics) are aggregated and used only to improve the game. Full details are in our privacy policy.
Didn't find your question here? Send an email to hello@tretablock.online. We read every message and try to reply within 48 hours.