Obstacles block the tiles on the board. Most of them break when you make a match next to them. Some can only be broken by special tiles.
The first time you meet a new obstacle, a short intro card appears in the game. Here is what the cards say:
| Obstacle | How to break it |
|---|---|
| Armor Layer | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Sealed Chest | Make a match next to it; one hit opens it. |
| Chained Banner | The tile under it is frozen. Match next to it; each hit breaks a link. |
| Shadow Spy | It moves after every move. You can swap it like a tile; match next to it to catch it. |
| Spreading Haze | Match the tile under it to clear the fog. Leave it and it spreads. |
| Reed Fence | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Thin Ice Pass | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Copper Lock | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Wooden Shutter | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Sealed Glazed Jar | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Cracked Tile Lock | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Sliding Door | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Shielded Barrier | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Coded Bronze Box | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Connected Defense Poles | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Steel Clamp | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Iron Fence | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Stone Trench | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Wooden Watchtower | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Riveted Hidden Sheet | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Locked Copper Jar | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Five Ring Lock | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Riveted Housing | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Reinforced Gate | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Log Barricade | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Five-Rank Wall | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Banded Treasure Jar | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Thick Leather Wrap | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Steel-Tipped Stake | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Six Link Chain | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Locked Ruler’s Box | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Safe with Password Chamber | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Double-Leaf Fortress Gate | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Iron Beam Trench | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Siege Shield | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Stone Watch Tower | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Fortified Outpost | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Layered Iron Armor | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Bronze Coated Strut | Make matches next to it; each hit removes a layer. |
| Iron Cover | Matches don't work; only special tiles break it. |
| Iron Grate | Matches don't work; only special tiles break it. |
| Steel Case | Matches don't work; only special tiles break it. |
| Woven Rug | Match the tile on top of it; each match wears away a layer. |
| Felt Mat | Match the tile on top of it; each match wears away a layer. |
| Woven Mat | Match the tile on top of it; each match wears away a layer. |
| Stone Slab Flooring | Match the tile on top of it; each match wears away a layer. |
| Leather Mat | Match the tile on top of it; each match wears away a layer. |
| Steppe grass | Match the tile on top of it; each match wears away a layer. |
| Seal Plate Chest | Match tiles of the plate's color next to it; each layer asks for a color. |
| Tile Plate Case | Match tiles of the plate's color next to it; each layer asks for a color. |
| Leather Plate Housing | Match tiles of the plate's color next to it; each layer asks for a color. |
| Brass Lamp Rack | The lamps change color every move. Match that color next to it. |
| Iron Lamp Hanger | The lamps change color every move. Match that color next to it. |
| Water Fountain | It opens and closes every move. Match next to it while it is open. |
| Courier Post | Match next to it; each hit delivers a letter. When all letters arrive, the post closes. |
If you don't know how to break an obstacle, try setting off a special tile next to it. Special tiles take one layer off most obstacles.