Cracking the Mak-Yek Puzzle in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, puzzles often reward players for keen observation and logical thinking. However, the Mak-Yek puzzle, also known as “A Game of Wits,” stands out as a test of strategy and visualization. Set in the lush and intricate Sukhothai level, this brain teaser tasks you with playing a board game to solve a mystery, demanding careful planning and a sharp mind.

Getting to the Mak-Yek Puzzle

To find the Mak-Yek puzzle, head to Voss’ Camp, located at the northernmost point of the map in Sukhothai. The camp is not just a hub for this puzzle but also offers a variety of collectibles and rewards:

• Royal Army Uniform: Found in the washing yard to the left of the main building, this outfit is one of the many disguises available in the game.
• Voss’ Safe: Inside the main building, you’ll find a safe that can be unlocked using the code 5-4-8-4, yielding over 2,000 baht—a significant sum for buying essential items like the Breathing Device.
• Mak-Yek Board: Ascend to the second floor of the main building to discover the Mak-Yek board and initiate the puzzle.

Understanding the Rules of Mak-Yek

Mak-Yek is reminiscent of checkers but comes with its own unique set of rules that emphasize strategy. The challenge lies in capturing all the red pieces using your blue pieces. Here’s a breakdown of the rules:

1. Movement: Blue pieces can only move vertically or horizontally, covering as many spaces as possible until they encounter an obstacle. Diagonal movement is not allowed.
2. Capturing Red Pieces:
   • If a red piece is situated between two blue pieces, it is captured.
   • Alternatively, moving a blue piece into a gap between two red pieces captures those red pieces.

Step-by-Step Solution to the Puzzle

To solve the Mak-Yek puzzle and unlock its hidden rewards, follow these precise moves:

1. First Move: Move the blue piece from F1 to F3.
   • This captures two red pieces at positions E3 and G3.
2. Second Move: Move the blue piece from H1 to D1.
   • This captures the red piece at C1.
3. Third Move: Move the blue piece from B1 to B8.
   • This captures four red pieces at positions A8, C8, D8, and E8.
4. Fourth Move: Move the blue piece from F8 to F6.
   • This final move captures the last two red pieces at positions F4 and F5.

With all the red pieces eliminated, the puzzle is complete. However, the game doesn’t stop there—these moves hold the key to the next step.

Unlocking the Hidden Safe

After solving the Mak-Yek puzzle, turn your attention to the safe behind you. The sequence of moves you executed—F3, D1, B8, and F6—translates to the code 3-1-8-6. Enter this code into the safe to unlock it, and you’ll be rewarded with more baht currency, essential for purchasing items to aid your journey.

What You’ll Need the Baht For

The baht collected from the safe and other rewards at Voss’ Camp are invaluable for progression in the Sukhothai level. They can be used to purchase:

• The Breathing Device: A crucial tool for underwater exploration and solving other puzzles in the game.
• Collectible Booklets: These provide additional lore and clues to enrich your understanding of the game’s world.

Why the Mak-Yek Puzzle Is a Fan Favorite

The Mak-Yek puzzle’s brilliance lies in its ability to blend traditional strategy gameplay with narrative-driven exploration. It challenges players to think several steps ahead, rewarding those who approach it with patience and precision. Its integration into the rich setting of Sukhothai, combined with the tangible rewards it offers, makes it a standout moment in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.