Can't Live Without Electricity is a 3D relaxing puzzle game in which you supply electricity by connecting houses to power plants.
The core gameplay loop involves carefully planning and executing wiring connections to power a growing number of randomly appearing colored houses. Players must connect houses of the same color to their corresponding power plants, strategizing around limited resources like jumpers, generators, bridges, and hammers to optimize their solutions. The game features both square and hexagon grid layouts, providing variety in the puzzles.
Players can choose to use rare items like jumpers and generators to make levels easier, or they can aim for perfect "no-item" solutions to challenge themselves. This flexible approach allows players to tailor the experience to their skill level and preferences. Additionally, the game's levels are randomly generated, providing new challenges with each playthrough and increasing the replayability.
The lack of a time limit or edit restrictions allows players to take their time and experiment with different solutions. The game's soothing visuals and atmospheric soundtrack contribute to the overall calming experience. However, as the maps become more crowded, the challenge ramps up, leading to satisfying "aha!" moments when players find the optimal solution.
Obtaining high 3-star ratings on each level without the use of rare items requires players to employ their problem-solving skills and optimize their wiring solutions. This sense of personal achievement and the ability to determine the game's difficulty level are significant contributors to the game's appeal.
The randomized house placement and level generation create a fresh experience with each playthrough, preventing the game from feeling repetitive. The game also features a level editor and workshop integration, allowing players to create and share their own custom levels, providing an endless source of new content and challenges.