Is This Seat Taken?: A Complete Guide to Solving London’s Puzzles (Chapter 3)

Is This Seat Taken?, the charming and clever logic puzzle game, has captured the hearts of players with its simple yet satisfying gameplay loop. Players are tasked with the whimsical challenge of arranging hilariously particular people into their designated seats, satisfying an ever-growing list of preferences and pet peeves. The London chapter, or Chapter 3, marks a significant increase in difficulty. With more complex scenarios, new mechanics, and a larger cast of characters, players will need a solid strategy to achieve the “Perfect” scores required to unlock all of the game’s secrets.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the London chapter, detailing the types of puzzles you’ll encounter and offering a strategic approach to solving them. We’ll break down the challenges of the six standard levels and explain how to unlock the elusive secret level, ensuring you don’t miss a single star on your journey through the United Kingdom.

The London Chapter’s Unique Challenges

The London chapter is a significant step up from the previous cities. The puzzles are no longer just about placing a few people with simple preferences. Instead, you’ll be dealing with multi-stage scenarios, new environmental interactions, and a variety of character types that have more intricate demands. These include:

• Dynamic Scenarios: Several levels, such as the double-decker bus, require you to manage a changing seating chart. At each stop, new passengers board while others leave, forcing you to constantly reshuffle your arrangement to maintain a perfect score.
• New Character Traits: London introduces a wider range of character preferences. You’ll encounter people who want to be seated by a window, others who are sensitive to loud noise, and those who want to be near someone with a specific item like popcorn or smelly cheese.
• Environmental Puzzles: The game’s environments themselves become part of the puzzle. For example, a stadium level might have different sections with unique rules, or a cinema level could have a light source that people either want to be near or avoid.

The key to solving these puzzles is to approach each one methodically. Start by placing the characters with the most specific and restrictive preferences first, as this will narrow down the possibilities for everyone else. From there, you can fill in the remaining seats, adjusting as you go to accommodate any conflicts that arise. Remember, there’s no timer, so take your time and experiment with different arrangements.

London Walkthrough: Standard Levels

The London chapter consists of six standard levels, each with its own unique setting and puzzle. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

• Level 1 (Bus): This is a multi-stage bus ride. You’ll have to accommodate new passengers at each stop while ensuring the existing ones remain happy. This level focuses on managing a constantly changing seating arrangement.
• Level 2 (Lounge): This puzzle is all about social dynamics. You’ll need to group people according to their desire to chat or be alone, while also considering their preferences for things like loud music or quiet conversation.
• Level 3 (Cinema): The cinema puzzle is a classic. You’ll have to seat people in a way that satisfies everyone’s requests, such as avoiding a person with a phone, sitting near a specific friend, or having a clear view of the screen.
• Level 4 (Stadium): This is one of the more difficult levels, requiring you to balance the needs of opposing fans, people who want to sit near a vendor, and those who are sensitive to loud noises. You must carefully place each person to prevent any conflicts.
• Level 5 (Boat): This level introduces a water-based scenario. Passengers will have preferences about where they sit on the boat, such as wanting to be on the side for a good view or in the middle to avoid splashback.
• Level 6 (Museum): The final standard level of the chapter. This puzzle involves arranging people in a museum setting, with requests that might include wanting to be near a specific exhibit or avoiding a person with a camera.

Achieving a “Perfect” score on all six of these levels is crucial, as it is the only way to unlock the secret level. A perfect score means that every single character is seated and all of their preferences have been met.

Unlocking the Secret Level

The secret level is the ultimate reward for mastering the London chapter. Once you have a perfect score on all six standard levels, a new location will appear on your map, leading you to a thematic secret level that often has a completely unique set of rules and a fresh challenge. These levels are often more abstract and test your understanding of the game’s core mechanics in a new and creative way. They are designed to be a reward for those who have fully embraced the puzzle-solving nature of the game and are a true test of your skills.

For a full visual walkthrough and step-by-step solutions for all of the London levels, we highly recommend checking out video guides from gaming content creators. These videos can provide a clear and easy-to-follow demonstration of the correct seating arrangements, helping you secure that perfect score and move on to the next city.

By understanding the logic behind each puzzle and taking a methodical approach, you can successfully navigate the complexities of the London chapter and enjoy the satisfaction of a perfectly arranged seating chart.