diff --git a/IMPROVEMENTS_CHECKLIST.md b/IMPROVEMENTS_CHECKLIST.md
deleted file mode 100644
index acf363f..0000000
--- a/IMPROVEMENTS_CHECKLIST.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,363 +0,0 @@
-# Tetris SDL3 - Improvements Checklist
-
-Quick reference for implementing the recommendations from CODE_ANALYSIS.md
-
----
-
-## 🔴 High Priority (Critical)
-
-### 1. Smart Pointer Wrapper for SDL Resources
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 2-3 hours  
-**Impact:** Prevents memory leaks, improves safety
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `src/utils/SDLPointers.h` with smart pointer wrappers
-- [ ] Replace raw `SDL_Texture*` in `MenuState.h` (lines 17-21)
-- [ ] Replace raw `SDL_Texture*` in `PlayingState.h`
-- [ ] Update `main.cpp` texture loading
-- [ ] Test all states to ensure no regressions
-
-**Code Template:**
-```cpp
-// src/utils/SDLPointers.h
-#pragma once
-#include <SDL3/SDL.h>
-#include <memory>
-
-struct SDL_TextureDeleter {
-    void operator()(SDL_Texture* tex) const {
-        if (tex) SDL_DestroyTexture(tex);
-    }
-};
-
-struct SDL_SurfaceDeleter {
-    void operator()(SDL_Surface* surf) const {
-        if (surf) SDL_DestroySurface(surf);
-    }
-};
-
-using SDL_TexturePtr = std::unique_ptr<SDL_Texture, SDL_TextureDeleter>;
-using SDL_SurfacePtr = std::unique_ptr<SDL_Surface, SDL_SurfaceDeleter>;
-```
-
----
-
-### 2. Remove Debug File I/O
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 30 minutes  
-**Impact:** Performance, code cleanliness
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Remove or wrap `fopen("tetris_trace.log")` calls in `MenuState.cpp`
-- [ ] Remove or wrap similar calls in other files
-- [ ] Replace with SDL_LogTrace or conditional compilation
-- [ ] Delete `tetris_trace.log` from repository
-
-**Files to Update:**
-- `src/states/MenuState.cpp` (lines 182-184, 195-203, 277-278, 335-337)
-- `src/main.cpp` (if any similar patterns exist)
-
-**Replacement Pattern:**
-```cpp
-// Before:
-FILE* f = fopen("tetris_trace.log", "a");
-if (f) { fprintf(f, "MenuState::render entry\n"); fclose(f); }
-
-// After:
-SDL_LogTrace(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState::render entry");
-```
-
----
-
-### 3. Improve Error Handling in Asset Loading
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 2 hours  
-**Impact:** Better debugging, prevents crashes
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Update `loadTextureFromImage` to return error information
-- [ ] Add validation for all asset loads in `main.cpp`
-- [ ] Create fallback assets for missing resources
-- [ ] Add startup asset validation
-
-**Example:**
-```cpp
-struct AssetLoadResult {
-    SDL_TexturePtr texture;
-    std::string error;
-    bool success;
-};
-
-AssetLoadResult loadTextureFromImage(SDL_Renderer* renderer, 
-                                     const std::string& path);
-```
-
----
-
-## 🟡 Medium Priority (Important)
-
-### 4. Extract Common Patterns
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 3-4 hours  
-**Impact:** Reduces code duplication
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `ExitPopupHelper` class in `StateContext.h`
-- [ ] Update `MenuState.cpp` to use helper
-- [ ] Update `PlayingState.cpp` to use helper
-- [ ] Update `OptionsState.cpp` to use helper
-
----
-
-### 5. Move Magic Numbers to Config.h
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 1 hour  
-**Impact:** Maintainability
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Add menu button constants to `Config::UI`
-- [ ] Add rendering constants to appropriate namespace
-- [ ] Update `MenuState.cpp` to use config constants
-- [ ] Update `UIRenderer.cpp` to use config constants
-
-**Constants to Add:**
-```cpp
-namespace Config::UI {
-    constexpr float MENU_BUTTON_WIDTH = 200.0f;
-    constexpr float MENU_BUTTON_HEIGHT = 70.0f;
-    constexpr float MENU_BUTTON_Y_FRACTION = 0.865f;
-    constexpr float MENU_BUTTON_SPACING = 210.0f;
-}
-```
-
----
-
-### 6. Add Unit Tests
-**Status:** ⚠️ Minimal (only GravityTests)  
-**Effort:** 8-10 hours  
-**Impact:** Code quality, regression prevention
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `tests/GameLogicTests.cpp`
-  - [ ] Test piece spawning
-  - [ ] Test rotation
-  - [ ] Test collision detection
-  - [ ] Test line clearing
-  - [ ] Test scoring
-- [ ] Create `tests/ScoreManagerTests.cpp`
-  - [ ] Test score submission
-  - [ ] Test high score detection
-  - [ ] Test persistence
-- [ ] Create `tests/StateTransitionTests.cpp`
-  - [ ] Test state transitions
-  - [ ] Test state lifecycle (onEnter/onExit)
-- [ ] Update CMakeLists.txt to include new tests
-
----
-
-## 🟢 Low Priority (Nice to Have)
-
-### 7. Add Doxygen Documentation
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 4-6 hours  
-**Impact:** Developer onboarding
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `Doxyfile` configuration
-- [ ] Add class-level documentation to core classes
-- [ ] Add function-level documentation to public APIs
-- [ ] Generate HTML documentation
-- [ ] Add to build process
-
----
-
-### 8. Performance Profiling
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 4-6 hours  
-**Impact:** Depends on findings
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Profile with Visual Studio Profiler / Instruments
-- [ ] Identify hotspots
-- [ ] Optimize critical paths
-- [ ] Add performance benchmarks
-
----
-
-### 9. Standardize Member Variable Naming
-**Status:** ⚠️ Inconsistent  
-**Effort:** 2-3 hours  
-**Impact:** Code consistency
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Decide on naming convention (recommend `m_` prefix for private members)
-- [ ] Update all class member variables
-- [ ] Update documentation to reflect convention
-
-**Convention Recommendation:**
-```cpp
-class Example {
-public:
-    int publicValue;  // No prefix for public members
-    
-private:
-    int m_privateValue;      // m_ prefix for private members
-    float m_memberVariable;  // Consistent across all classes
-};
-```
-
----
-
-## 📋 Code Quality Improvements
-
-### 10. Add .clang-format
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 15 minutes  
-**Impact:** Consistent formatting
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `.clang-format` file in project root
-- [ ] Run formatter on all source files
-- [ ] Add format check to CI/CD
-
-**Suggested .clang-format:**
-```yaml
-BasedOnStyle: LLVM
-IndentWidth: 4
-ColumnLimit: 120
-PointerAlignment: Left
-AllowShortFunctionsOnASingleLine: Empty
-```
-
----
-
-### 11. Add README.md
-**Status:** ❌ Missing  
-**Effort:** 1 hour  
-**Impact:** Project documentation
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `README.md` with:
-  - [ ] Project description
-  - [ ] Screenshots/GIF
-  - [ ] Build instructions
-  - [ ] Dependencies
-  - [ ] Controls
-  - [ ] License
-
----
-
-### 12. Set Up CI/CD
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 2-3 hours  
-**Impact:** Automated testing
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `.github/workflows/build.yml`
-- [ ] Add Windows build job
-- [ ] Add macOS build job
-- [ ] Add test execution
-- [ ] Add artifact upload
-
----
-
-## 🔧 Refactoring Opportunities
-
-### 13. Create Asset Manager
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 4-5 hours  
-**Impact:** Better resource management
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `src/core/assets/AssetManager.h`
-- [ ] Implement texture caching
-- [ ] Implement font caching
-- [ ] Update states to use AssetManager
-- [ ] Add asset preloading
-
----
-
-### 14. Implement Event System
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 6-8 hours  
-**Impact:** Decoupling, flexibility
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `src/core/events/EventBus.h`
-- [ ] Define event types
-- [ ] Replace callbacks with events
-- [ ] Update Game class to publish events
-- [ ] Update Audio system to subscribe to events
-
----
-
-### 15. Component-Based UI
-**Status:** ❌ Not Started  
-**Effort:** 8-10 hours  
-**Impact:** UI maintainability
-
-**Action Items:**
-- [ ] Create `src/ui/components/Button.h`
-- [ ] Create `src/ui/components/Panel.h`
-- [ ] Create `src/ui/components/Label.h`
-- [ ] Refactor MenuState to use components
-- [ ] Refactor OptionsState to use components
-
----
-
-## 📊 Progress Tracking
-
-| Category | Total Items | Completed | In Progress | Not Started |
-|----------|-------------|-----------|-------------|-------------|
-| High Priority | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
-| Medium Priority | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
-| Low Priority | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
-| Code Quality | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
-| Refactoring | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
-| **TOTAL** | **15** | **0** | **0** | **15** |
-
----
-
-## 🎯 Suggested Implementation Order
-
-### Week 1: Critical Fixes
-1. Remove debug file I/O (30 min)
-2. Smart pointer wrapper (2-3 hours)
-3. Improve error handling (2 hours)
-
-### Week 2: Code Quality
-4. Move magic numbers to Config.h (1 hour)
-5. Extract common patterns (3-4 hours)
-6. Add .clang-format (15 min)
-7. Add README.md (1 hour)
-
-### Week 3: Testing
-8. Add GameLogicTests (4 hours)
-9. Add ScoreManagerTests (2 hours)
-10. Add StateTransitionTests (2 hours)
-
-### Week 4: Documentation & CI
-11. Set up CI/CD (2-3 hours)
-12. Add Doxygen documentation (4-6 hours)
-
-### Future Iterations:
-13. Performance profiling
-14. Asset Manager
-15. Event System
-16. Component-Based UI
-
----
-
-## 📝 Notes
-
-- Mark items as completed by changing ❌ to ✅
-- Update progress table as you complete items
-- Feel free to reorder based on your priorities
-- Some items can be done in parallel
-- Consider creating GitHub issues for tracking
-
----
-
-**Last Updated:** 2025-12-03  
-**Next Review:** After completing High Priority items
diff --git a/QUICK_START_IMPROVEMENTS.md b/QUICK_START_IMPROVEMENTS.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 764c369..0000000
--- a/QUICK_START_IMPROVEMENTS.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,774 +0,0 @@
-# Quick Start: Implementing Top 3 Improvements
-
-This guide provides complete, copy-paste ready code for the three most impactful improvements.
-
----
-
-## 🚀 Improvement #1: Smart Pointer Wrapper for SDL Resources
-
-### Step 1: Create the Utility Header
-
-**File:** `src/utils/SDLPointers.h`
-
-```cpp
-#pragma once
-#include <SDL3/SDL.h>
-#include <memory>
-
-/**
- * @file SDLPointers.h
- * @brief Smart pointer wrappers for SDL resources
- * 
- * Provides RAII wrappers for SDL resources to prevent memory leaks
- * and ensure proper cleanup in all code paths.
- */
-
-namespace SDL {
-
-/**
- * @brief Deleter for SDL_Texture
- */
-struct TextureDeleter {
-    void operator()(SDL_Texture* tex) const {
-        if (tex) {
-            SDL_DestroyTexture(tex);
-        }
-    }
-};
-
-/**
- * @brief Deleter for SDL_Surface
- */
-struct SurfaceDeleter {
-    void operator()(SDL_Surface* surf) const {
-        if (surf) {
-            SDL_DestroySurface(surf);
-        }
-    }
-};
-
-/**
- * @brief Deleter for SDL_Renderer
- */
-struct RendererDeleter {
-    void operator()(SDL_Renderer* renderer) const {
-        if (renderer) {
-            SDL_DestroyRenderer(renderer);
-        }
-    }
-};
-
-/**
- * @brief Deleter for SDL_Window
- */
-struct WindowDeleter {
-    void operator()(SDL_Window* window) const {
-        if (window) {
-            SDL_DestroyWindow(window);
-        }
-    }
-};
-
-/**
- * @brief Smart pointer for SDL_Texture
- * 
- * Example usage:
- * @code
- * SDL::TexturePtr texture(SDL_CreateTexture(...));
- * if (!texture) {
- *     // Handle error
- * }
- * // Automatic cleanup when texture goes out of scope
- * @endcode
- */
-using TexturePtr = std::unique_ptr<SDL_Texture, TextureDeleter>;
-
-/**
- * @brief Smart pointer for SDL_Surface
- */
-using SurfacePtr = std::unique_ptr<SDL_Surface, SurfaceDeleter>;
-
-/**
- * @brief Smart pointer for SDL_Renderer
- */
-using RendererPtr = std::unique_ptr<SDL_Renderer, RendererDeleter>;
-
-/**
- * @brief Smart pointer for SDL_Window
- */
-using WindowPtr = std::unique_ptr<SDL_Window, WindowDeleter>;
-
-} // namespace SDL
-```
-
----
-
-### Step 2: Update MenuState.h
-
-**File:** `src/states/MenuState.h`
-
-**Before:**
-```cpp
-private:
-    int selectedButton = 0;
-    
-    // Button icons (optional - will use text if nullptr)
-    SDL_Texture* playIcon = nullptr;
-    SDL_Texture* levelIcon = nullptr;
-    SDL_Texture* optionsIcon = nullptr;
-    SDL_Texture* exitIcon = nullptr;
-```
-
-**After:**
-```cpp
-#include "../utils/SDLPointers.h"  // Add this include
-
-private:
-    int selectedButton = 0;
-    
-    // Button icons (optional - will use text if nullptr)
-    SDL::TexturePtr playIcon;
-    SDL::TexturePtr levelIcon;
-    SDL::TexturePtr optionsIcon;
-    SDL::TexturePtr exitIcon;
-```
-
----
-
-### Step 3: Update MenuState.cpp
-
-**File:** `src/states/MenuState.cpp`
-
-**Remove the manual cleanup from onExit:**
-
-**Before:**
-```cpp
-void MenuState::onExit() {
-    if (ctx.showExitConfirmPopup) {
-        *ctx.showExitConfirmPopup = false;
-    }
-    
-    // Clean up icon textures
-    if (playIcon) { SDL_DestroyTexture(playIcon); playIcon = nullptr; }
-    if (levelIcon) { SDL_DestroyTexture(levelIcon); levelIcon = nullptr; }
-    if (optionsIcon) { SDL_DestroyTexture(optionsIcon); optionsIcon = nullptr; }
-    if (exitIcon) { SDL_DestroyTexture(exitIcon); exitIcon = nullptr; }
-}
-```
-
-**After:**
-```cpp
-void MenuState::onExit() {
-    if (ctx.showExitConfirmPopup) {
-        *ctx.showExitConfirmPopup = false;
-    }
-    
-    // Icon textures are automatically cleaned up by smart pointers
-}
-```
-
-**Update usage in render method:**
-
-**Before:**
-```cpp
-std::array<SDL_Texture*, 4> icons = {
-    playIcon,
-    levelIcon,
-    optionsIcon,
-    exitIcon
-};
-```
-
-**After:**
-```cpp
-std::array<SDL_Texture*, 4> icons = {
-    playIcon.get(),
-    levelIcon.get(),
-    optionsIcon.get(),
-    exitIcon.get()
-};
-```
-
----
-
-### Step 4: Update main.cpp Texture Loading
-
-**File:** `src/main.cpp`
-
-**Update the function signature and implementation:**
-
-**Before:**
-```cpp
-static SDL_Texture* loadTextureFromImage(SDL_Renderer* renderer, const std::string& path, int* outW = nullptr, int* outH = nullptr) {
-    if (!renderer) {
-        return nullptr;
-    }
-
-    const std::string resolvedPath = AssetPath::resolveImagePath(path);
-    SDL_Surface* surface = IMG_Load(resolvedPath.c_str());
-    if (!surface) {
-        SDL_LogError(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "Failed to load image %s (resolved: %s): %s", path.c_str(), resolvedPath.c_str(), SDL_GetError());
-        return nullptr;
-    }
-
-    if (outW) { *outW = surface->w; }
-    if (outH) { *outH = surface->h; }
-
-    SDL_Texture* texture = SDL_CreateTextureFromSurface(renderer, surface);
-    SDL_DestroySurface(surface);
-
-    if (!texture) {
-        SDL_LogError(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "Failed to create texture from %s: %s", resolvedPath.c_str(), SDL_GetError());
-        return nullptr;
-    }
-
-    if (resolvedPath != path) {
-        SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "Loaded %s via %s", path.c_str(), resolvedPath.c_str());
-    }
-
-    return texture;
-}
-```
-
-**After:**
-```cpp
-#include "utils/SDLPointers.h"  // Add at top of file
-
-static SDL::TexturePtr loadTextureFromImage(SDL_Renderer* renderer, const std::string& path, int* outW = nullptr, int* outH = nullptr) {
-    if (!renderer) {
-        SDL_LogError(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "Renderer is null");
-        return nullptr;
-    }
-
-    const std::string resolvedPath = AssetPath::resolveImagePath(path);
-    SDL::SurfacePtr surface(IMG_Load(resolvedPath.c_str()));
-    if (!surface) {
-        SDL_LogError(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "Failed to load image %s (resolved: %s): %s", 
-                     path.c_str(), resolvedPath.c_str(), SDL_GetError());
-        return nullptr;
-    }
-
-    if (outW) { *outW = surface->w; }
-    if (outH) { *outH = surface->h; }
-
-    SDL::TexturePtr texture(SDL_CreateTextureFromSurface(renderer, surface.get()));
-    // surface is automatically destroyed here
-
-    if (!texture) {
-        SDL_LogError(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "Failed to create texture from %s: %s", 
-                     resolvedPath.c_str(), SDL_GetError());
-        return nullptr;
-    }
-
-    if (resolvedPath != path) {
-        SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "Loaded %s via %s", path.c_str(), resolvedPath.c_str());
-    }
-
-    return texture;
-}
-```
-
----
-
-## 🧹 Improvement #2: Remove Debug File I/O
-
-### Step 1: Replace with SDL Logging
-
-**File:** `src/states/MenuState.cpp`
-
-**Before:**
-```cpp
-// Trace entry to persistent log for debugging abrupt exit/crash during render
-{
-    FILE* f = fopen("tetris_trace.log", "a"); 
-    if (f) { 
-        fprintf(f, "MenuState::render entry\n"); 
-        fclose(f); 
-    }
-}
-```
-
-**After:**
-```cpp
-// Use SDL's built-in logging (only in debug builds)
-#ifdef _DEBUG
-    SDL_LogTrace(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState::render entry");
-#endif
-```
-
-**Or, if you want it always enabled but less verbose:**
-```cpp
-SDL_LogVerbose(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "MenuState::render entry");
-```
-
----
-
-### Step 2: Create a Logging Utility (Optional, Better Approach)
-
-**File:** `src/utils/Logger.h`
-
-```cpp
-#pragma once
-#include <SDL3/SDL.h>
-
-/**
- * @brief Centralized logging utility
- * 
- * Wraps SDL logging with compile-time control over verbosity.
- */
-namespace Logger {
-
-#ifdef _DEBUG
-    constexpr bool TRACE_ENABLED = true;
-#else
-    constexpr bool TRACE_ENABLED = false;
-#endif
-
-/**
- * @brief Log a trace message (only in debug builds)
- */
-template<typename... Args>
-inline void trace(const char* fmt, Args... args) {
-    if constexpr (TRACE_ENABLED) {
-        SDL_LogTrace(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, fmt, args...);
-    }
-}
-
-/**
- * @brief Log a debug message
- */
-template<typename... Args>
-inline void debug(const char* fmt, Args... args) {
-    SDL_LogDebug(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, fmt, args...);
-}
-
-/**
- * @brief Log an info message
- */
-template<typename... Args>
-inline void info(const char* fmt, Args... args) {
-    SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, fmt, args...);
-}
-
-/**
- * @brief Log a warning message
- */
-template<typename... Args>
-inline void warn(const char* fmt, Args... args) {
-    SDL_LogWarn(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, fmt, args...);
-}
-
-/**
- * @brief Log an error message
- */
-template<typename... Args>
-inline void error(const char* fmt, Args... args) {
-    SDL_LogError(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, fmt, args...);
-}
-
-} // namespace Logger
-```
-
-**Usage in MenuState.cpp:**
-```cpp
-#include "../utils/Logger.h"
-
-void MenuState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect logicalVP) {
-    Logger::trace("MenuState::render entry");
-    
-    // ... rest of render code
-    
-    Logger::trace("MenuState::render exit");
-}
-```
-
----
-
-### Step 3: Update All Files
-
-**Files to update:**
-- `src/states/MenuState.cpp` (multiple locations)
-- `src/main.cpp` (if any similar patterns)
-
-**Search and replace pattern:**
-```cpp
-// Find:
-FILE* f = fopen("tetris_trace.log", "a"); 
-if (f) { 
-    fprintf(f, ".*"); 
-    fclose(f); 
-}
-
-// Replace with:
-Logger::trace("...");
-```
-
----
-
-## 🎯 Improvement #3: Extract Common Patterns
-
-### Step 1: Create ExitPopupHelper
-
-**File:** `src/states/StateHelpers.h` (new file)
-
-```cpp
-#pragma once
-
-/**
- * @file StateHelpers.h
- * @brief Helper classes for common state patterns
- */
-
-/**
- * @brief Helper for managing exit confirmation popup
- * 
- * Encapsulates the common pattern of showing/hiding an exit popup
- * and managing the selected button state.
- * 
- * Example usage:
- * @code
- * ExitPopupHelper exitPopup(ctx.exitPopupSelectedButton, ctx.showExitConfirmPopup);
- * 
- * if (exitPopup.isVisible()) {
- *     exitPopup.setSelection(0);  // Select YES
- * }
- * 
- * if (exitPopup.isYesSelected()) {
- *     // Handle exit
- * }
- * @endcode
- */
-class ExitPopupHelper {
-public:
-    /**
-     * @brief Construct helper with pointers to state variables
-     * @param selectedButton Pointer to selected button index (0=YES, 1=NO)
-     * @param showPopup Pointer to popup visibility flag
-     */
-    ExitPopupHelper(int* selectedButton, bool* showPopup)
-        : m_selectedButton(selectedButton)
-        , m_showPopup(showPopup)
-    {}
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Set the selected button
-     * @param value 0 for YES, 1 for NO
-     */
-    void setSelection(int value) {
-        if (m_selectedButton) {
-            *m_selectedButton = value;
-        }
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Get the currently selected button
-     * @return 0 for YES, 1 for NO, defaults to 1 (NO) if pointer is null
-     */
-    int getSelection() const {
-        return m_selectedButton ? *m_selectedButton : 1;
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Select YES button
-     */
-    void selectYes() {
-        setSelection(0);
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Select NO button
-     */
-    void selectNo() {
-        setSelection(1);
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Check if YES is selected
-     */
-    bool isYesSelected() const {
-        return getSelection() == 0;
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Check if NO is selected
-     */
-    bool isNoSelected() const {
-        return getSelection() == 1;
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Show the popup
-     */
-    void show() {
-        if (m_showPopup) {
-            *m_showPopup = true;
-        }
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Hide the popup
-     */
-    void hide() {
-        if (m_showPopup) {
-            *m_showPopup = false;
-        }
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Check if popup is visible
-     */
-    bool isVisible() const {
-        return m_showPopup && *m_showPopup;
-    }
-    
-    /**
-     * @brief Toggle between YES and NO
-     */
-    void toggleSelection() {
-        setSelection(isYesSelected() ? 1 : 0);
-    }
-
-private:
-    int* m_selectedButton;
-    bool* m_showPopup;
-};
-```
-
----
-
-### Step 2: Update MenuState.cpp
-
-**File:** `src/states/MenuState.cpp`
-
-**Add include:**
-```cpp
-#include "StateHelpers.h"
-```
-
-**Before:**
-```cpp
-void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
-    if (e.type == SDL_EVENT_KEY_DOWN && !e.key.repeat) {
-        auto setExitSelection = [&](int value) {
-            if (ctx.exitPopupSelectedButton) {
-                *ctx.exitPopupSelectedButton = value;
-            }
-        };
-        auto getExitSelection = [&]() -> int {
-            return ctx.exitPopupSelectedButton ? *ctx.exitPopupSelectedButton : 1;
-        };
-        auto isExitPromptVisible = [&]() -> bool {
-            return ctx.showExitConfirmPopup && *ctx.showExitConfirmPopup;
-        };
-        auto setExitPrompt = [&](bool visible) {
-            if (ctx.showExitConfirmPopup) {
-                *ctx.showExitConfirmPopup = visible;
-            }
-        };
-
-        if (isExitPromptVisible()) {
-            switch (e.key.scancode) {
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT:
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_UP:
-                    setExitSelection(0);
-                    return;
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT:
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_DOWN:
-                    setExitSelection(1);
-                    return;
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN:
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER:
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE:
-                    if (getExitSelection() == 0) {
-                        setExitPrompt(false);
-                        if (ctx.requestQuit) {
-                            ctx.requestQuit();
-                        }
-                    } else {
-                        setExitPrompt(false);
-                    }
-                    return;
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE:
-                    setExitPrompt(false);
-                    setExitSelection(1);
-                    return;
-            }
-        }
-        
-        // ... rest of code
-    }
-}
-```
-
-**After:**
-```cpp
-void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
-    if (e.type == SDL_EVENT_KEY_DOWN && !e.key.repeat) {
-        ExitPopupHelper exitPopup(ctx.exitPopupSelectedButton, ctx.showExitConfirmPopup);
-        
-        auto triggerPlay = [&]() {
-            if (ctx.startPlayTransition) {
-                ctx.startPlayTransition();
-            } else if (ctx.stateManager) {
-                ctx.stateManager->setState(AppState::Playing);
-            }
-        };
-
-        if (exitPopup.isVisible()) {
-            switch (e.key.scancode) {
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT:
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_UP:
-                    exitPopup.selectYes();
-                    return;
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT:
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_DOWN:
-                    exitPopup.selectNo();
-                    return;
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN:
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER:
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE:
-                    if (exitPopup.isYesSelected()) {
-                        exitPopup.hide();
-                        if (ctx.requestQuit) {
-                            ctx.requestQuit();
-                        } else {
-                            SDL_Event quit{};
-                            quit.type = SDL_EVENT_QUIT;
-                            SDL_PushEvent(&quit);
-                        }
-                    } else {
-                        exitPopup.hide();
-                    }
-                    return;
-                case SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE:
-                    exitPopup.hide();
-                    exitPopup.selectNo();
-                    return;
-                default:
-                    return;
-            }
-        }
-
-        switch (e.key.scancode) {
-            case SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT:
-            case SDL_SCANCODE_UP:
-            {
-                const int total = 4;
-                selectedButton = (selectedButton + total - 1) % total;
-                break;
-            }
-            case SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT:
-            case SDL_SCANCODE_DOWN:
-            {
-                const int total = 4;
-                selectedButton = (selectedButton + 1) % total;
-                break;
-            }
-            case SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN:
-            case SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER:
-            case SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE:
-                if (!ctx.stateManager) {
-                    break;
-                }
-                switch (selectedButton) {
-                    case 0:
-                        triggerPlay();
-                        break;
-                    case 1:
-                        if (ctx.requestFadeTransition) {
-                            ctx.requestFadeTransition(AppState::LevelSelector);
-                        } else if (ctx.stateManager) {
-                            ctx.stateManager->setState(AppState::LevelSelector);
-                        }
-                        break;
-                    case 2:
-                        if (ctx.requestFadeTransition) {
-                            ctx.requestFadeTransition(AppState::Options);
-                        } else if (ctx.stateManager) {
-                            ctx.stateManager->setState(AppState::Options);
-                        }
-                        break;
-                    case 3:
-                        exitPopup.show();
-                        exitPopup.selectNo();
-                        break;
-                }
-                break;
-            case SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE:
-                exitPopup.show();
-                exitPopup.selectNo();
-                break;
-            default:
-                break;
-        }
-    }
-}
-```
-
----
-
-### Step 3: Apply to Other States
-
-Apply the same pattern to:
-- `src/states/PlayingState.cpp`
-- `src/states/OptionsState.cpp`
-
-The refactoring is identical - just replace the lambda functions with `ExitPopupHelper`.
-
----
-
-## ✅ Testing Your Changes
-
-After implementing these improvements:
-
-1. **Build the project:**
-   ```powershell
-   cd d:\Sites\Work\tetris
-   cmake -B build -S . -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Debug
-   cmake --build build
-   ```
-
-2. **Run the game:**
-   ```powershell
-   .\build\Debug\tetris.exe
-   ```
-
-3. **Test scenarios:**
-   - [ ] Menu loads without crashes
-   - [ ] All textures load correctly
-   - [ ] Exit popup works (ESC key)
-   - [ ] Navigation works (arrow keys)
-   - [ ] No memory leaks (check with debugger)
-   - [ ] Logging appears in console (debug build)
-
-4. **Check for memory leaks:**
-   - Run with Visual Studio debugger
-   - Check Output window for memory leak reports
-   - Should see no leaks from SDL textures
-
----
-
-## 📊 Expected Impact
-
-After implementing these three improvements:
-
-| Metric | Before | After | Improvement |
-|--------|--------|-------|-------------|
-| **Memory Safety** | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +67% |
-| **Code Clarity** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +25% |
-| **Maintainability** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +25% |
-| **Lines of Code** | 100% | ~95% | -5% |
-| **Potential Bugs** | Medium | Low | -50% |
-
----
-
-## 🎉 Next Steps
-
-After successfully implementing these improvements:
-
-1. Review the full `CODE_ANALYSIS.md` for more recommendations
-2. Check `IMPROVEMENTS_CHECKLIST.md` for the complete task list
-3. Consider implementing the medium-priority items next
-4. Add unit tests to prevent regressions
-
-**Great job improving your codebase!** 🚀
diff --git a/assets/images/asteroids_001.png b/assets/images/asteroids_001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f488f51
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/images/asteroids_001.png differ
diff --git a/assets/music/48997.wav b/assets/music/48997.wav
deleted file mode 100644
index 4ea7d20..0000000
Binary files a/assets/music/48997.wav and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/assets/music/GONG0.WAV b/assets/music/GONG0.WAV
deleted file mode 100644
index 3a54e08..0000000
Binary files a/assets/music/GONG0.WAV and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/assets/music/asteroid-destroy.mp3 b/assets/music/asteroid-destroy.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f6338cc
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/music/asteroid-destroy.mp3 differ
diff --git a/src/graphics/challenge_mode.md b/challenge_mode.md
similarity index 100%
rename from src/graphics/challenge_mode.md
rename to challenge_mode.md
diff --git a/check_events.cpp b/check_events.cpp
deleted file mode 100644
index bfeb252..0000000
--- a/check_events.cpp
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@
-#include <SDL3/SDL.h>
-#include <iostream>
-int main() { std::cout << \
-SDL_EVENT_QUIT:
-\ << SDL_EVENT_QUIT << std::endl; return 0; }
diff --git a/src/app/TetrisApp.cpp b/src/app/TetrisApp.cpp
index 689f9d5..db0b29e 100644
--- a/src/app/TetrisApp.cpp
+++ b/src/app/TetrisApp.cpp
@@ -82,6 +82,75 @@ static const std::array<SDL_Color, PIECE_COUNT + 1> COLORS = {{
     SDL_Color{255, 160, 0, 255}, // L
 }};
 
+static std::string GetLevelStoryText(int level) {
+    int lvl = std::clamp(level, 1, 100);
+
+    // Milestones
+    switch (lvl) {
+        case 1: return "Launch log: training run, light debris ahead.";
+        case 25: return "Checkpoint: dense field reported, shields ready.";
+        case 50: return "Midway brief: hull stress rising, stay sharp.";
+        case 75: return "Emergency corridor: comms unstable, proceed blind.";
+        case 100: return "Final anomaly: unknown mass ahead, hold course.";
+        default: break;
+    }
+
+    struct Pool { int minL, maxL; std::vector<std::string> lines; };
+    static const std::vector<Pool> pools = {
+        {1, 10, {
+            "Departure logged: light debris, stay on vector.",
+            "Training sector: minimal drift, keep sensors warm.",
+            "Calm approach: verify thrusters and nav locks.",
+            "Outer ring dust: watch for slow movers.",
+            "Clear lanes ahead: focus on smooth rotations."
+        }},
+        {11, 25, {
+            "Asteroid belt thickening; micro-impacts likely.",
+            "Density rising: plot short burns only.",
+            "Field report: medium fragments, unpredictable spin.",
+            "Warning: overlapping paths, reduce horizontal drift.",
+            "Rock chorus ahead; keep payload stable."
+        }},
+        {26, 40, {
+            "Unstable sector: abandoned relays drifting erratic.",
+            "Salvage echoes detected; debris wakes may tug.",
+            "Hull groans recorded; inert structures nearby.",
+            "Navigation buoys dark; trust instruments only.",
+            "Magnetic static rising; expect odd rotations."
+        }},
+        {41, 60, {
+            "Core corridor: heavy asteroids, minimal clearance.",
+            "Impact risk high: armor checks recommended.",
+            "Dense stone flow; time burns carefully.",
+            "Grav eddies noted; blocks may drift late.",
+            "Core shards are brittle; expect sudden splits."
+        }},
+        {61, 80, {
+            "Critical zone: alarms pinned, route unstable.",
+            "Emergency pattern: glide, then cut thrust.",
+            "Sensors flare; debris ionized, visibility low.",
+            "Thermals spiking; keep pieces tight and fast.",
+            "Silent channel; assume worst-case collision."
+        }},
+        {81, 100, {
+            "Unknown space: signals warp, gravity unreliable.",
+            "Anomaly bloom ahead; shapes flicker unpredictably.",
+            "Final drift: void sings through hull plates.",
+            "Black sector: map useless, fly by instinct.",
+            "Edge of chart: nothing responds, just move."
+        }}
+    };
+
+    for (const auto& pool : pools) {
+        if (lvl >= pool.minL && lvl <= pool.maxL && !pool.lines.empty()) {
+            size_t idx = static_cast<size_t>((lvl - pool.minL) % pool.lines.size());
+            return pool.lines[idx];
+        }
+    }
+
+    return "Mission log update unavailable.";
+}
+
 struct TetrisApp::Impl {
     // Global collector for asset loading errors shown on the loading screen
     std::vector<std::string> assetLoadErrors;
@@ -137,6 +206,7 @@ struct TetrisApp::Impl {
     int mainScreenH = 0;
 
     SDL_Texture* blocksTex = nullptr;
+    SDL_Texture* asteroidsTex = nullptr;
     SDL_Texture* scorePanelTex = nullptr;
     SDL_Texture* statisticsPanelTex = nullptr;
     SDL_Texture* nextPanelTex = nullptr;
@@ -163,6 +233,7 @@ struct TetrisApp::Impl {
     std::vector<std::string> tripleSounds;
     std::vector<std::string> tetrisSounds;
     bool suppressLineVoiceForLevelUp = false;
+    bool skipNextLevelUpJingle = false;
 
     AppState state = AppState::Loading;
     double loadingProgress = 0.0;
@@ -184,13 +255,32 @@ struct TetrisApp::Impl {
     float menuFadeAlpha = 0.0f;
     double MENU_PLAY_FADE_DURATION_MS = 450.0;
     AppState menuFadeTarget = AppState::Menu;
+
+    enum class CountdownSource { MenuStart, ChallengeLevel };
     bool menuPlayCountdownArmed = false;
     bool gameplayCountdownActive = false;
     double gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
     int gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
     double GAMEPLAY_COUNTDOWN_STEP_MS = 400.0;
     std::array<const char*, 4> GAMEPLAY_COUNTDOWN_LABELS = { "3", "2", "1", "START" };
+    CountdownSource gameplayCountdownSource = CountdownSource::MenuStart;
+    int countdownLevel = 0;
+    int countdownGoalAsteroids = 0;
+    bool countdownAdvancesChallenge = false;
+    bool challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = false;
     double gameplayBackgroundClockMs = 0.0;
+    std::string challengeStoryText;
+    int challengeStoryLevel = 0;
+    float challengeStoryAlpha = 0.0f;
+    double challengeStoryClockMs = 0.0;
+
+    // Challenge clear FX (celebratory board explosion before countdown)
+    bool challengeClearFxActive = false;
+    double challengeClearFxElapsedMs = 0.0;
+    double challengeClearFxDurationMs = 0.0;
+    int challengeClearFxNextLevel = 0;
+    std::vector<int> challengeClearFxOrder;
+    std::mt19937 challengeClearFxRng{std::random_device{}()};
 
     std::unique_ptr<StateManager> stateMgr;
     StateContext ctx{};
@@ -369,11 +459,19 @@ int TetrisApp::Impl::init()
     });
 
     game->setLevelUpCallback([this](int /*newLevel*/) {
-        SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("new_level", 1.0f);
-        SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("lets_go", 1.0f);
+        if (skipNextLevelUpJingle) {
+            skipNextLevelUpJingle = false;
+        } else {
+            SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("new_level", 1.0f);
+            SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("lets_go", 1.0f);
+        }
         suppressLineVoiceForLevelUp = true;
     });
 
+    game->setAsteroidDestroyedCallback([](AsteroidType /*type*/) {
+        SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("asteroid_destroy", 0.9f);
+    });
+
     state = AppState::Loading;
     loadingProgress = 0.0;
     loadStart = SDL_GetTicks();
@@ -419,6 +517,7 @@ int TetrisApp::Impl::init()
     ctx.logoSmallW = logoSmallW;
     ctx.logoSmallH = logoSmallH;
     ctx.backgroundTex = nullptr;
+    ctx.asteroidsTex = asteroidsTex;
     ctx.blocksTex = blocksTex;
     ctx.scorePanelTex = scorePanelTex;
     ctx.statisticsPanelTex = statisticsPanelTex;
@@ -435,6 +534,14 @@ int TetrisApp::Impl::init()
     ctx.exitPopupSelectedButton = &exitPopupSelectedButton;
     ctx.gameplayCountdownActive = &gameplayCountdownActive;
     ctx.menuPlayCountdownArmed = &menuPlayCountdownArmed;
+    ctx.skipNextLevelUpJingle = &skipNextLevelUpJingle;
+    ctx.challengeClearFxActive = &challengeClearFxActive;
+    ctx.challengeClearFxElapsedMs = &challengeClearFxElapsedMs;
+    ctx.challengeClearFxDurationMs = &challengeClearFxDurationMs;
+    ctx.challengeClearFxOrder = &challengeClearFxOrder;
+    ctx.challengeStoryText = &challengeStoryText;
+    ctx.challengeStoryLevel = &challengeStoryLevel;
+    ctx.challengeStoryAlpha = &challengeStoryAlpha;
     ctx.playerName = &playerName;
     ctx.fullscreenFlag = &isFullscreen;
     ctx.applyFullscreen = [this](bool enable) {
@@ -555,6 +662,52 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
         }
     };
 
+    auto captureChallengeStory = [this](int level) {
+        int lvl = std::clamp(level, 1, 100);
+        challengeStoryLevel = lvl;
+        challengeStoryText = GetLevelStoryText(lvl);
+        challengeStoryClockMs = 0.0;
+        challengeStoryAlpha = 0.0f;
+    };
+
+    auto startChallengeClearFx = [this](int nextLevel) {
+        challengeClearFxOrder.clear();
+        const auto& boardRef = game->boardRef();
+        const auto& asteroidRef = game->asteroidCells();
+        for (int idx = 0; idx < Game::COLS * Game::ROWS; ++idx) {
+            if (boardRef[idx] != 0 || asteroidRef[idx].has_value()) {
+                challengeClearFxOrder.push_back(idx);
+            }
+        }
+        if (challengeClearFxOrder.empty()) {
+            challengeClearFxOrder.reserve(Game::COLS * Game::ROWS);
+            for (int idx = 0; idx < Game::COLS * Game::ROWS; ++idx) {
+                challengeClearFxOrder.push_back(idx);
+            }
+        }
+        // Seed FX RNG deterministically from the game's challenge seed so animations
+        // are reproducible per-run and per-level. Fall back to a random seed if game absent.
+        if (game) {
+            challengeClearFxRng.seed(game->getChallengeSeedBase() + static_cast<uint32_t>(nextLevel));
+        } else {
+            challengeClearFxRng.seed(std::random_device{}());
+        }
+        std::shuffle(challengeClearFxOrder.begin(), challengeClearFxOrder.end(), challengeClearFxRng);
+
+        challengeClearFxElapsedMs = 0.0;
+        challengeClearFxDurationMs = std::clamp(800.0 + static_cast<double>(challengeClearFxOrder.size()) * 8.0, 900.0, 2600.0);
+        challengeClearFxNextLevel = nextLevel;
+        challengeClearFxActive = true;
+        gameplayCountdownActive = false;
+        gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
+        gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
+        menuPlayCountdownArmed = false;
+        if (game) {
+            game->setPaused(true);
+        }
+        SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("challenge_clear", 0.8f);
+    };
+
     while (running)
     {
         if (!ctx.scores && scoresLoadComplete.load(std::memory_order_acquire)) {
@@ -703,7 +856,12 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                         }
                     } else {
                         if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_RETURN || e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_KP_ENTER || e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE) {
-                            game->reset(startLevelSelection);
+                            if (game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge) {
+                                game->startChallengeRun(1);
+                            } else {
+                                game->setMode(GameMode::Endless);
+                                game->reset(startLevelSelection);
+                            }
                             state = AppState::Playing;
                             stateMgr->setState(state);
                         } else if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE) {
@@ -732,6 +890,16 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                                 if (menuInput.activated) {
                                     switch (*menuInput.activated) {
                                         case ui::BottomMenuItem::Play:
+                                            if (game) game->setMode(GameMode::Endless);
+                                            startMenuPlayTransition();
+                                            break;
+                                        case ui::BottomMenuItem::Challenge:
+                                            if (game) {
+                                                game->setMode(GameMode::Challenge);
+                                                // Suppress the initial level-up jingle when starting Challenge from menu
+                                                skipNextLevelUpJingle = true;
+                                                game->startChallengeRun(1);
+                                            }
                                             startMenuPlayTransition();
                                             break;
                                         case ui::BottomMenuItem::Level:
@@ -841,6 +1009,28 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                         }
                     }
                 }
+                else if (e.type == SDL_EVENT_KEY_DOWN && !e.key.repeat) {
+                    if (gameplayCountdownActive && gameplayCountdownSource == CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel && challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace) {
+                        if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE) {
+                            challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = false;
+                            gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
+                            gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
+                        } else if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_ESCAPE) {
+                            // Show quit popup, keep game paused, cancel countdown
+                            if (!showExitConfirmPopup) {
+                                showExitConfirmPopup = true;
+                                exitPopupSelectedButton = 1; // default to NO
+                            }
+                            gameplayCountdownActive = false;
+                            menuPlayCountdownArmed = false;
+                            gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
+                            gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
+                            countdownAdvancesChallenge = false;
+                            challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = false;
+                            if (game) game->setPaused(true);
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
             }
         }
 
@@ -850,6 +1040,69 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
         if (frameMs > 100.0) frameMs = 100.0;
         gameplayBackgroundClockMs += frameMs;
 
+        auto clearChallengeStory = [this]() {
+            challengeStoryText.clear();
+            challengeStoryLevel = 0;
+            challengeStoryAlpha = 0.0f;
+            challengeStoryClockMs = 0.0;
+        };
+
+        // Update challenge story fade/timeout; during countdown wait we keep it fully visible
+        if (state == AppState::Playing && game && game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge && !challengeStoryText.empty()) {
+            if (gameplayCountdownActive && gameplayCountdownSource == CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel && challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace) {
+                // Locked-visible while waiting
+                challengeStoryAlpha = 1.0f;
+            } else {
+                const double fadeInMs = 320.0;
+                const double holdMs = 3200.0;
+                const double fadeOutMs = 900.0;
+                const double totalMs = fadeInMs + holdMs + fadeOutMs;
+                challengeStoryClockMs += frameMs;
+                if (challengeStoryClockMs >= totalMs) {
+                    clearChallengeStory();
+                } else {
+                    double a = 1.0;
+                    if (challengeStoryClockMs < fadeInMs) {
+                        a = challengeStoryClockMs / fadeInMs;
+                    } else if (challengeStoryClockMs > fadeInMs + holdMs) {
+                        double t = challengeStoryClockMs - (fadeInMs + holdMs);
+                        a = std::max(0.0, 1.0 - t / fadeOutMs);
+                    }
+                    challengeStoryAlpha = static_cast<float>(std::clamp(a, 0.0, 1.0));
+                }
+            }
+        } else {
+            clearChallengeStory();
+        }
+
+        if (challengeClearFxActive) {
+            challengeClearFxElapsedMs += frameMs;
+            if (challengeClearFxElapsedMs >= challengeClearFxDurationMs) {
+                challengeClearFxElapsedMs = challengeClearFxDurationMs;
+                challengeClearFxActive = false;
+                if (challengeClearFxNextLevel > 0) {
+                    // Advance to the next challenge level immediately so the countdown shows the new board/asteroids
+                    if (game) {
+                        game->beginNextChallengeLevel();
+                        game->setPaused(true);
+                    }
+                    gameplayCountdownSource = CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel;
+                    countdownLevel = challengeClearFxNextLevel;
+                    countdownGoalAsteroids = challengeClearFxNextLevel;
+                    captureChallengeStory(countdownLevel);
+                    countdownAdvancesChallenge = false; // already advanced
+                    gameplayCountdownActive = true;
+                    challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = true;
+                    menuPlayCountdownArmed = false;
+                    gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
+                    gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
+                    SoundEffectManager::instance().playSound("new_level", 1.0f);
+                    skipNextLevelUpJingle = true;
+                }
+                challengeClearFxNextLevel = 0;
+            }
+        }
+
         const bool *ks = SDL_GetKeyboardState(nullptr);
         bool left = state == AppState::Playing && ks[SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT];
         bool right = state == AppState::Playing && ks[SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT];
@@ -976,7 +1229,8 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                         Assets::PANEL_SCORE,
                         Assets::PANEL_STATS,
                         Assets::NEXT_PANEL,
-                        Assets::HOLD_PANEL
+                        Assets::HOLD_PANEL,
+                        Assets::ASTEROID_SPRITE
                     };
                     for (auto &p : queuedPaths) {
                         loadingManager->queueTexture(p);
@@ -986,9 +1240,15 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                     SoundEffectManager::instance().init();
                     loadedTasks.fetch_add(1);
 
-                    const std::vector<std::string> audioIds = {"clear_line","nice_combo","you_fire","well_played","keep_that_ryhtm","great_move","smooth_clear","impressive","triple_strike","amazing","you_re_unstoppable","boom_tetris","wonderful","lets_go","hard_drop","new_level"};
+                    const std::vector<std::string> audioIds = {"clear_line","nice_combo","you_fire","well_played","keep_that_ryhtm","great_move","smooth_clear","impressive","triple_strike","amazing","you_re_unstoppable","boom_tetris","wonderful","lets_go","hard_drop","new_level","asteroid_destroy","challenge_clear"};
                     for (const auto &id : audioIds) {
-                        std::string basePath = "assets/music/" + (id == "hard_drop" ? "hard_drop_001" : id);
+                        std::string basePath = "assets/music/" + (id == "hard_drop"
+                            ? "hard_drop_001"
+                            : (id == "challenge_clear"
+                                ? "GONG0"
+                                : (id == "asteroid_destroy"
+                                    ? "asteroid-destroy"
+                                    : id)));
                         {
                             std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lk(currentLoadingMutex);
                             currentLoadingFile = basePath;
@@ -1011,6 +1271,7 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                     logoSmallTex = assetLoader.getTexture(Assets::LOGO);
                     mainScreenTex = assetLoader.getTexture(Assets::MAIN_SCREEN);
                     blocksTex = assetLoader.getTexture(Assets::BLOCKS_SPRITE);
+                    asteroidsTex = assetLoader.getTexture(Assets::ASTEROID_SPRITE);
                     scorePanelTex = assetLoader.getTexture(Assets::PANEL_SCORE);
                     statisticsPanelTex = assetLoader.getTexture(Assets::PANEL_STATS);
                     nextPanelTex = assetLoader.getTexture(Assets::NEXT_PANEL);
@@ -1043,6 +1304,7 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                     legacyLoad(Assets::LOGO, logoSmallTex, &logoSmallW, &logoSmallH);
                     legacyLoad(Assets::MAIN_SCREEN, mainScreenTex, &mainScreenW, &mainScreenH);
                     legacyLoad(Assets::BLOCKS_SPRITE, blocksTex);
+                    legacyLoad(Assets::ASTEROID_SPRITE, asteroidsTex);
                     legacyLoad(Assets::PANEL_SCORE, scorePanelTex);
                     legacyLoad(Assets::PANEL_STATS, statisticsPanelTex);
                     legacyLoad(Assets::NEXT_PANEL, nextPanelTex);
@@ -1195,12 +1457,20 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                 break;
         }
 
+        if (state == AppState::Playing && game && game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge && !gameplayCountdownActive && !challengeClearFxActive) {
+            int queuedLevel = game->consumeQueuedChallengeLevel();
+            if (queuedLevel > 0) {
+                startChallengeClearFx(queuedLevel);
+            }
+        }
+
         ctx.logoTex = logoTex;
         ctx.logoSmallTex = logoSmallTex;
         ctx.logoSmallW = logoSmallW;
         ctx.logoSmallH = logoSmallH;
         ctx.backgroundTex = backgroundTex;
         ctx.blocksTex = blocksTex;
+        ctx.asteroidsTex = asteroidsTex;
         ctx.scorePanelTex = scorePanelTex;
         ctx.statisticsPanelTex = statisticsPanelTex;
         ctx.nextPanelTex = nextPanelTex;
@@ -1219,6 +1489,20 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                 }
 
                 if (menuFadeTarget == AppState::Playing) {
+                    gameplayCountdownSource = (game && game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge)
+                        ? CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel
+                        : CountdownSource::MenuStart;
+                    countdownLevel = game ? game->challengeLevel() : 1;
+                    countdownGoalAsteroids = countdownLevel;
+                    if (gameplayCountdownSource == CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel) {
+                        captureChallengeStory(countdownLevel);
+                        challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = true;
+                    } else {
+                        challengeStoryText.clear();
+                        challengeStoryLevel = 0;
+                        challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = false;
+                    }
+                    countdownAdvancesChallenge = false;
                     menuPlayCountdownArmed = true;
                     gameplayCountdownActive = false;
                     gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
@@ -1229,6 +1513,7 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                     gameplayCountdownActive = false;
                     gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
                     gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
+                    challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = false;
                     game->setPaused(false);
                 }
                 menuFadePhase = MenuFadePhase::FadeIn;
@@ -1246,6 +1531,20 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
         }
 
         if (menuFadePhase == MenuFadePhase::None && menuPlayCountdownArmed && !gameplayCountdownActive && state == AppState::Playing) {
+            gameplayCountdownSource = (game && game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge)
+                ? CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel
+                : CountdownSource::MenuStart;
+            countdownLevel = game ? game->challengeLevel() : 1;
+            countdownGoalAsteroids = countdownLevel;
+            if (gameplayCountdownSource == CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel) {
+                captureChallengeStory(countdownLevel);
+                challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = true;
+            } else {
+                challengeStoryText.clear();
+                challengeStoryLevel = 0;
+                challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = false;
+            }
+            countdownAdvancesChallenge = false;
             gameplayCountdownActive = true;
             menuPlayCountdownArmed = false;
             gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
@@ -1254,15 +1553,21 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
         }
 
         if (gameplayCountdownActive && state == AppState::Playing) {
-            gameplayCountdownElapsed += frameMs;
-            if (gameplayCountdownElapsed >= GAMEPLAY_COUNTDOWN_STEP_MS) {
-                gameplayCountdownElapsed -= GAMEPLAY_COUNTDOWN_STEP_MS;
-                ++gameplayCountdownIndex;
-                if (gameplayCountdownIndex >= static_cast<int>(GAMEPLAY_COUNTDOWN_LABELS.size())) {
-                    gameplayCountdownActive = false;
-                    gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
-                    gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
-                    game->setPaused(false);
+            if (!challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace || gameplayCountdownSource != CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel) {
+                gameplayCountdownElapsed += frameMs;
+                if (gameplayCountdownElapsed >= GAMEPLAY_COUNTDOWN_STEP_MS) {
+                    gameplayCountdownElapsed -= GAMEPLAY_COUNTDOWN_STEP_MS;
+                    ++gameplayCountdownIndex;
+                    if (gameplayCountdownIndex >= static_cast<int>(GAMEPLAY_COUNTDOWN_LABELS.size())) {
+                        gameplayCountdownActive = false;
+                        gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
+                        gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
+                        if (gameplayCountdownSource == CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel && countdownAdvancesChallenge && game) {
+                            game->beginNextChallengeLevel();
+                        }
+                        countdownAdvancesChallenge = false;
+                        game->setPaused(false);
+                    }
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -1272,9 +1577,19 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
             menuPlayCountdownArmed = false;
             gameplayCountdownElapsed = 0.0;
             gameplayCountdownIndex = 0;
+            countdownAdvancesChallenge = false;
+            challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace = false;
             game->setPaused(false);
         }
 
+        if (state != AppState::Playing && challengeClearFxActive) {
+            challengeClearFxActive = false;
+            challengeClearFxElapsedMs = 0.0;
+            challengeClearFxDurationMs = 0.0;
+            challengeClearFxNextLevel = 0;
+            challengeClearFxOrder.clear();
+        }
+
         SDL_SetRenderViewport(renderer, nullptr);
         SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, 0, 0, 0, 255);
         SDL_RenderClear(renderer);
@@ -1507,10 +1822,12 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
                 &pixelFont,
                 &lineEffect,
                 blocksTex,
+                asteroidsTex,
                 ctx.statisticsPanelTex,
                 scorePanelTex,
                 nextPanelTex,
                 holdPanelTex,
+                false,
                 (float)LOGICAL_W,
                 (float)LOGICAL_H,
                 logicalScale,
@@ -1661,8 +1978,101 @@ void TetrisApp::Impl::runLoop()
 
             float textX = (winW - static_cast<float>(textW)) * 0.5f;
             float textY = (winH - static_cast<float>(textH)) * 0.5f;
-            SDL_Color textColor = isFinalCue ? SDL_Color{255, 230, 90, 255} : SDL_Color{255, 255, 255, 255};
-            pixelFont.draw(renderer, textX, textY, label, textScale, textColor);
+            if (gameplayCountdownSource == CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel) {
+                char levelBuf[32];
+                std::snprintf(levelBuf, sizeof(levelBuf), "LEVEL %d", countdownLevel);
+                int lvlW = 0, lvlH = 0;
+                float lvlScale = 2.5f;
+                pixelFont.measure(levelBuf, lvlScale, lvlW, lvlH);
+                float levelX = (winW - static_cast<float>(lvlW)) * 0.5f;
+                float levelY = winH * 0.32f;
+                pixelFont.draw(renderer, levelX, levelY, levelBuf, lvlScale, SDL_Color{140, 210, 255, 255});
+
+                char goalBuf[64];
+                std::snprintf(goalBuf, sizeof(goalBuf), "ASTEROIDS: %d", countdownGoalAsteroids);
+                int goalW = 0, goalH = 0;
+                float goalScale = 1.7f;
+                pixelFont.measure(goalBuf, goalScale, goalW, goalH);
+                float goalX = (winW - static_cast<float>(goalW)) * 0.5f;
+                float goalY = levelY + static_cast<float>(lvlH) + 14.0f;
+                pixelFont.draw(renderer, goalX, goalY, goalBuf, goalScale, SDL_Color{220, 245, 255, 255});
+
+                // Optional story/briefing line
+                if (!challengeStoryText.empty() && challengeStoryAlpha > 0.0f) {
+                    SDL_Color storyColor{170, 230, 255, static_cast<Uint8>(std::lround(255.0f * challengeStoryAlpha))};
+                    SDL_Color shadowColor{0, 0, 0, static_cast<Uint8>(std::lround(160.0f * challengeStoryAlpha))};
+
+                    auto drawCenteredWrapped = [&](const std::string& text, float y, float maxWidth, float scale) {
+                        std::istringstream iss(text);
+                        std::string word;
+                        std::string line;
+                        float cursorY = y;
+                        int lastH = 0;
+                        while (iss >> word) {
+                            std::string candidate = line.empty() ? word : (line + " " + word);
+                            int candidateW = 0, candidateH = 0;
+                            pixelFont.measure(candidate, scale, candidateW, candidateH);
+                            if (candidateW > maxWidth && !line.empty()) {
+                                int lineW = 0, lineH = 0;
+                                pixelFont.measure(line, scale, lineW, lineH);
+                                float lineX = (winW - static_cast<float>(lineW)) * 0.5f;
+                                pixelFont.draw(renderer, lineX + 1.0f, cursorY + 1.0f, line, scale, shadowColor);
+                                pixelFont.draw(renderer, lineX, cursorY, line, scale, storyColor);
+                                cursorY += lineH + 6.0f;
+                                line = word;
+                                lastH = lineH;
+                            } else {
+                                line = candidate;
+                                lastH = candidateH;
+                            }
+                        }
+                        if (!line.empty()) {
+                            int w = 0, h = 0;
+                            pixelFont.measure(line, scale, w, h);
+                            float lineX = (winW - static_cast<float>(w)) * 0.5f;
+                            pixelFont.draw(renderer, lineX + 1.0f, cursorY + 1.0f, line, scale, shadowColor);
+                            pixelFont.draw(renderer, lineX, cursorY, line, scale, storyColor);
+                            cursorY += h + 6.0f;
+                        }
+                        return cursorY;
+                    };
+
+                    float storyStartY = goalY + static_cast<float>(goalH) + 22.0f;
+                    float usedY = drawCenteredWrapped(challengeStoryText, storyStartY, std::min<float>(winW * 0.7f, 720.0f), 1.0f);
+                    float promptY = usedY + 10.0f;
+                    if (challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace) {
+                        const char* prompt = "PRESS SPACE";
+                        int pW = 0, pH = 0;
+                        float pScale = 1.35f;
+                        pixelFont.measure(prompt, pScale, pW, pH);
+                        float px = (winW - static_cast<float>(pW)) * 0.5f;
+                        pixelFont.draw(renderer, px + 2.0f, promptY + 2.0f, prompt, pScale, SDL_Color{0, 0, 0, 200});
+                        pixelFont.draw(renderer, px, promptY, prompt, pScale, SDL_Color{255, 220, 40, 255});
+                        promptY += pH + 14.0f;
+                    }
+                    textY = promptY + 10.0f;
+                } else {
+                    if (challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace) {
+                        const char* prompt = "PRESS SPACE";
+                        int pW = 0, pH = 0;
+                        float pScale = 1.35f;
+                        pixelFont.measure(prompt, pScale, pW, pH);
+                        float px = (winW - static_cast<float>(pW)) * 0.5f;
+                        float py = goalY + static_cast<float>(goalH) + 18.0f;
+                        pixelFont.draw(renderer, px + 2.0f, py + 2.0f, prompt, pScale, SDL_Color{0, 0, 0, 200});
+                        pixelFont.draw(renderer, px, py, prompt, pScale, SDL_Color{255, 220, 40, 255});
+                        textY = py + pH + 24.0f;
+                    } else {
+                        textY = goalY + static_cast<float>(goalH) + 38.0f;
+                    }
+                }
+            } else {
+                textY = winH * 0.38f;
+            }
+            if (!(gameplayCountdownSource == CountdownSource::ChallengeLevel && challengeCountdownWaitingForSpace)) {
+                SDL_Color textColor = isFinalCue ? SDL_Color{255, 230, 90, 255} : SDL_Color{255, 255, 255, 255};
+                pixelFont.draw(renderer, textX, textY, label, textScale, textColor);
+            }
 
             SDL_SetRenderDrawBlendMode(renderer, SDL_BLENDMODE_NONE);
         }
diff --git a/src/audio/SoundEffect.cpp b/src/audio/SoundEffect.cpp
index 2a34b66..ecc34ee 100644
--- a/src/audio/SoundEffect.cpp
+++ b/src/audio/SoundEffect.cpp
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@ bool SoundEffect::load(const std::string& filePath) {
     }
     
     loaded = true;
-    //std::printf("[SoundEffect] Loaded: %s (%d channels, %d Hz, %zu samples)\n", filePath.c_str(), channels, sampleRate, pcmData.size());
     return true;
 }
 
@@ -55,9 +54,7 @@ void SoundEffect::play(float volume) {
     SDL_LogWarn(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "[SoundEffect] Cannot play - loaded=%d, pcmData.size()=%zu", loaded, pcmData.size());
         return;
     }
-    
-    //std::printf("[SoundEffect] Playing sound with %zu samples at volume %.2f\n", pcmData.size(), volume);
-    
+        
     // Calculate final volume
     float finalVolume = defaultVolume * volume;
     finalVolume = (std::max)(0.0f, (std::min)(1.0f, finalVolume));
diff --git a/src/core/application/ApplicationManager.cpp b/src/core/application/ApplicationManager.cpp
index bd22541..194b87b 100644
--- a/src/core/application/ApplicationManager.cpp
+++ b/src/core/application/ApplicationManager.cpp
@@ -643,6 +643,7 @@ bool ApplicationManager::initializeGame() {
         } else { m_stateContext.logoSmallW = 0; m_stateContext.logoSmallH = 0; }
         m_stateContext.backgroundTex = m_assetManager->getTexture("background");
         m_stateContext.blocksTex = m_assetManager->getTexture("blocks");
+        m_stateContext.asteroidsTex = m_assetManager->getTexture("asteroids");
         m_stateContext.musicEnabled = &m_musicEnabled;
         m_stateContext.musicStarted = &m_musicStarted;
         m_stateContext.musicLoaded = &m_musicLoaded;
@@ -1162,10 +1163,12 @@ void ApplicationManager::setupStateHandlers() {
                 m_stateContext.pixelFont,
                 m_stateContext.lineEffect,
                 m_stateContext.blocksTex,
+                m_stateContext.asteroidsTex,
                 m_stateContext.statisticsPanelTex,
                 m_stateContext.scorePanelTex,
                 m_stateContext.nextPanelTex,
                 m_stateContext.holdPanelTex,
+                false,
                 LOGICAL_W,
                 LOGICAL_H,
                 logicalScale,
diff --git a/src/gameplay/core/Game.cpp b/src/gameplay/core/Game.cpp
index 10cd22d..8a560a0 100644
--- a/src/gameplay/core/Game.cpp
+++ b/src/gameplay/core/Game.cpp
@@ -51,7 +51,11 @@ namespace {
 }
 
 void Game::reset(int startLevel_) {
+    // Standard reset is primarily for endless; Challenge reuses the same pipeline and then
+    // immediately sets up its own level state.
     std::fill(board.begin(), board.end(), 0);
+    clearAsteroidGrid();
+    recentAsteroidExplosions.clear();
     std::fill(blockCounts.begin(), blockCounts.end(), 0);
     bag.clear();
     _score = 0; _lines = 0; _level = startLevel_; startLevel = startLevel_;
@@ -59,6 +63,10 @@ void Game::reset(int startLevel_) {
     _currentCombo = 0;
     _maxCombo = 0;
     _comboCount = 0;
+    challengeComplete = false;
+    challengeLevelActive = false;
+    challengeAdvanceQueued = false;
+    challengeQueuedLevel = 0;
     // Initialize gravity using NES timing table (ms per cell by level)
     gravityMs = gravityMsForLevel(_level, gravityGlobalMultiplier);
     fallAcc = 0; gameOver=false; paused=false;
@@ -69,9 +77,232 @@ void Game::reset(int startLevel_) {
     _pausedTime = 0;
     _lastPauseStart = 0;
     hold = Piece{}; hold.type = PIECE_COUNT; canHold=true;
-        refillBag();
-        pieceSequence = 0;
-        spawn();
+    refillBag();
+    pieceSequence = 0;
+    spawn();
+
+    if (mode == GameMode::Challenge) {
+        int lvl = startLevel_ <= 0 ? 1 : startLevel_;
+        startChallengeRun(lvl);
+    }
+}
+
+void Game::clearAsteroidGrid() {
+    for (auto &cell : asteroidGrid) {
+        cell.reset();
+    }
+    asteroidsRemainingCount = 0;
+    asteroidsTotalThisLevel = 0;
+}
+
+void Game::startChallengeRun(int startingLevel) {
+    mode = GameMode::Challenge;
+    int lvl = std::clamp(startingLevel, 1, ASTEROID_MAX_LEVEL);
+    // Reset all stats and timers like a fresh run
+    _score = 0; _lines = 0; _level = lvl; startLevel = lvl;
+    _tetrisesMade = 0;
+    _currentCombo = 0;
+    _maxCombo = 0;
+    _comboCount = 0;
+    _startTime = SDL_GetPerformanceCounter();
+    _pausedTime = 0;
+    _lastPauseStart = 0;
+    // Reseed challenge RNG so levels are deterministic per run but distinct per session
+    if (challengeSeedBase == 0) {
+        challengeSeedBase = static_cast<uint32_t>(SDL_GetTicks());
+    }
+    challengeRng.seed(challengeSeedBase + static_cast<uint32_t>(lvl));
+    challengeAdvanceQueued = false;
+    challengeQueuedLevel = 0;
+    setupChallengeLevel(lvl, false);
+}
+
+void Game::beginNextChallengeLevel() {
+    if (mode != GameMode::Challenge || challengeComplete) {
+        return;
+    }
+    challengeAdvanceQueued = false;
+    challengeQueuedLevel = 0;
+    int next = challengeLevelIndex + 1;
+    if (next > ASTEROID_MAX_LEVEL) {
+        challengeComplete = true;
+        challengeLevelActive = false;
+        return;
+    }
+    setupChallengeLevel(next, true);
+}
+
+void Game::setupChallengeLevel(int level, bool preserveStats) {
+    challengeLevelIndex = std::clamp(level, 1, ASTEROID_MAX_LEVEL);
+    _level = challengeLevelIndex;
+    startLevel = challengeLevelIndex;
+    challengeComplete = false;
+    challengeLevelActive = true;
+    challengeAdvanceQueued = false;
+    challengeQueuedLevel = 0;
+    // Refresh deterministic RNG for this level
+    challengeRng.seed(challengeSeedBase + static_cast<uint32_t>(challengeLevelIndex));
+
+    // Optionally reset cumulative stats (new run) or keep them (between levels)
+    if (!preserveStats) {
+        std::fill(blockCounts.begin(), blockCounts.end(), 0);
+        _score = 0;
+        _lines = 0;
+        _tetrisesMade = 0;
+        _currentCombo = 0;
+        _comboCount = 0;
+        _maxCombo = 0;
+        _startTime = SDL_GetPerformanceCounter();
+        _pausedTime = 0;
+        _lastPauseStart = 0;
+    } else {
+        _currentCombo = 0;
+    }
+
+    // Clear playfield and piece state
+    std::fill(board.begin(), board.end(), 0);
+    clearAsteroidGrid();
+    completedLines.clear();
+    hardDropCells.clear();
+    hardDropFxId = 0;
+    recentAsteroidExplosions.clear();
+    fallAcc = 0.0;
+    gameOver = false;
+    paused = false;
+    softDropping = false;
+    hold = Piece{};
+    hold.type = PIECE_COUNT;
+    canHold = true;
+    bag.clear();
+    refillBag();
+    pieceSequence = 0;
+    spawn();
+
+    // Challenge gravity scales upward per level (faster = smaller ms per cell)
+    double baseMs = gravityMsForLevel(0, gravityGlobalMultiplier);
+    double speedFactor = 1.0 + static_cast<double>(challengeLevelIndex) * 0.02;
+    gravityMs = (speedFactor > 0.0) ? (baseMs / speedFactor) : baseMs;
+
+    // Place asteroids for this level
+    placeAsteroidsForLevel(challengeLevelIndex);
+
+    if (levelUpCallback) {
+        levelUpCallback(_level);
+    }
+}
+
+AsteroidType Game::chooseAsteroidTypeForLevel(int level) {
+    // Simple weight distribution by level bands
+    int normalWeight = 100;
+    int armoredWeight = 0;
+    int fallingWeight = 0;
+    int coreWeight = 0;
+
+    if (level >= 10) {
+        armoredWeight = 20;
+        normalWeight = 80;
+    }
+    if (level >= 20) {
+        fallingWeight = 20;
+        normalWeight = 60;
+    }
+    if (level >= 40) {
+        fallingWeight = 30;
+        armoredWeight = 25;
+        normalWeight = 45;
+    }
+    if (level >= 60) {
+        coreWeight = 20;
+        fallingWeight = 30;
+        armoredWeight = 25;
+        normalWeight = 25;
+    }
+
+    int total = normalWeight + armoredWeight + fallingWeight + coreWeight;
+    if (total <= 0) return AsteroidType::Normal;
+    std::uniform_int_distribution<int> dist(0, total - 1);
+    int pick = dist(challengeRng);
+    if (pick < normalWeight) return AsteroidType::Normal;
+    pick -= normalWeight;
+    if (pick < armoredWeight) return AsteroidType::Armored;
+    pick -= armoredWeight;
+    if (pick < fallingWeight) return AsteroidType::Falling;
+    return AsteroidType::Core;
+}
+
+AsteroidCell Game::makeAsteroidForType(AsteroidType t) const {
+    AsteroidCell cell{};
+    cell.type = t;
+    switch (t) {
+        case AsteroidType::Normal:
+            cell.hitsRemaining = 1;
+            cell.gravityEnabled = false;
+            break;
+        case AsteroidType::Armored:
+            cell.hitsRemaining = 2;
+            cell.gravityEnabled = false;
+            break;
+        case AsteroidType::Falling:
+            cell.hitsRemaining = 2;
+            cell.gravityEnabled = false;
+            break;
+        case AsteroidType::Core:
+            cell.hitsRemaining = 3;
+            cell.gravityEnabled = false;
+            break;
+    }
+    cell.visualState = 0;
+    return cell;
+}
+
+void Game::placeAsteroidsForLevel(int level) {
+    int desired = std::clamp(level, 1, ASTEROID_MAX_LEVEL);
+    // Placement window grows upward with level but caps at half board
+    int height = std::clamp(2 + level / 3, 2, ROWS / 2);
+    int minRow = ROWS - 1 - height;
+    int maxRow = ROWS - 1;
+    minRow = std::max(0, minRow);
+
+    std::uniform_int_distribution<int> xDist(0, COLS - 1);
+    std::uniform_int_distribution<int> yDist(minRow, maxRow);
+
+    int attempts = 0;
+    const int maxAttempts = desired * 16;
+    while (asteroidsRemainingCount < desired && attempts < maxAttempts) {
+        int x = xDist(challengeRng);
+        int y = yDist(challengeRng);
+        int idx = y * COLS + x;
+        attempts++;
+        if (board[idx] != 0 || asteroidGrid[idx].has_value()) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        AsteroidType type = chooseAsteroidTypeForLevel(level);
+        AsteroidCell cell = makeAsteroidForType(type);
+        board[idx] = asteroidBoardValue(type);
+        asteroidGrid[idx] = cell;
+        ++asteroidsRemainingCount;
+        ++asteroidsTotalThisLevel;
+    }
+
+    if (asteroidsRemainingCount < desired) {
+        SDL_LogWarn(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "[CHALLENGE] Placed %d/%d asteroids for level %d", asteroidsRemainingCount, desired, level);
+    }
+}
+
+// Helper implementations for asteroid board encoding
+bool Game::isAsteroidValue(int boardValue) {
+    return boardValue >= ASTEROID_BASE;
+}
+
+AsteroidType Game::asteroidTypeFromValue(int boardValue) {
+    int idx = boardValue - ASTEROID_BASE;
+    if (idx < 0) return AsteroidType::Normal;
+    if (idx > static_cast<int>(AsteroidType::Core)) idx = static_cast<int>(AsteroidType::Core);
+    return static_cast<AsteroidType>(idx);
+}
+
+int Game::asteroidBoardValue(AsteroidType t) {
+    return ASTEROID_BASE + static_cast<int>(t);
 }
 
 double Game::elapsed() const {
@@ -113,6 +344,16 @@ void Game::setPaused(bool p) {
     paused = p;
 }
 
+int Game::consumeQueuedChallengeLevel() {
+    if (!challengeAdvanceQueued) {
+        return 0;
+    }
+    int next = challengeQueuedLevel;
+    challengeAdvanceQueued = false;
+    challengeQueuedLevel = 0;
+    return next;
+}
+
 void Game::setSoftDropping(bool on) {
     if (softDropping == on) {
         return;
@@ -235,23 +476,28 @@ void Game::lockPiece() {
             _tetrisesMade += 1;
         }
 
-        // JS level progression (NES-like) using starting level rules
-        // Both startLevel and _level are 0-based now.
-        int targetLevel = startLevel;
-        int firstThreshold = (startLevel + 1) * 10;
-        
-        if (_lines >= firstThreshold) {
-            targetLevel = startLevel + 1 + (_lines - firstThreshold) / 10;
-        }
-        
-        // If we haven't reached the first threshold yet, we are still at startLevel.
-        // The above logic handles this (targetLevel initialized to startLevel).
+        if (mode != GameMode::Challenge) {
+            // JS level progression (NES-like) using starting level rules
+            // Both startLevel and _level are 0-based now.
+            int targetLevel = startLevel;
+            int firstThreshold = (startLevel + 1) * 10;
 
-        if (targetLevel > _level) {
-            _level = targetLevel;
-            // Update gravity to exact NES speed for the new level
-            gravityMs = gravityMsForLevel(_level, gravityGlobalMultiplier);
-            if (levelUpCallback) levelUpCallback(_level);
+            if (_lines >= firstThreshold) {
+                targetLevel = startLevel + 1 + (_lines - firstThreshold) / 10;
+            }
+
+            // If we haven't reached the first threshold yet, we are still at startLevel.
+            // The above logic handles this (targetLevel initialized to startLevel).
+
+            if (targetLevel > _level) {
+                _level = targetLevel;
+                // Update gravity to exact NES speed for the new level
+                gravityMs = gravityMsForLevel(_level, gravityGlobalMultiplier);
+                if (levelUpCallback) levelUpCallback(_level);
+            }
+        } else {
+            // Challenge keeps level tied to the current challenge stage; gravity already set there
+            _level = challengeLevelIndex;
         }
 
         // Trigger sound effect callback for line clears
@@ -282,6 +528,28 @@ int Game::checkLines() {
             completedLines.push_back(y);
         }
     }
+
+    // Pre-play asteroid destroy SFX immediately when a clearing line contains asteroids (reduces latency)
+    if (!completedLines.empty() && mode == GameMode::Challenge) {
+        std::optional<AsteroidType> foundType;
+        for (int y : completedLines) {
+            for (int x = 0; x < COLS; ++x) {
+                int idx = y * COLS + x;
+                if (isAsteroidValue(board[idx])) {
+                    foundType = asteroidTypeFromValue(board[idx]);
+                } else if (idx >= 0 && idx < static_cast<int>(asteroidGrid.size()) && asteroidGrid[idx].has_value()) {
+                    foundType = asteroidGrid[idx]->type;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        if (foundType.has_value()) {
+            pendingAsteroidDestroyType = foundType;
+            if (!asteroidDestroySoundPreplayed && asteroidDestroyedCallback) {
+                asteroidDestroySoundPreplayed = true;
+                asteroidDestroyedCallback(*foundType);
+            }
+        }
+    }
     
     return static_cast<int>(completedLines.size());
 }
@@ -295,30 +563,151 @@ void Game::clearCompletedLines() {
 
 void Game::actualClearLines() {
     if (completedLines.empty()) return;
-    
-    int write = ROWS - 1;
+        recentAsteroidExplosions.clear();
+
+    std::array<int, COLS*ROWS> newBoard{};
+    std::array<std::optional<AsteroidCell>, COLS*ROWS> newAst{};
+    for (auto &cell : newAst) cell.reset();
+    std::fill(newBoard.begin(), newBoard.end(), 0);
+
+    handleAsteroidsOnClearedRows(completedLines, newBoard, newAst);
+
+    board = newBoard;
+    asteroidGrid = newAst;
+
+    // Apply asteroid-specific gravity after the board collapses
+    applyAsteroidGravity();
+
+    // Reset preplay latch so future destroys can fire again
+    pendingAsteroidDestroyType.reset();
+    asteroidDestroySoundPreplayed = false;
+
+    if (mode == GameMode::Challenge) {
+        if (asteroidsRemainingCount <= 0) {
+            int nextLevel = challengeLevelIndex + 1;
+            if (nextLevel > ASTEROID_MAX_LEVEL) {
+                challengeComplete = true;
+                challengeLevelActive = false;
+                challengeAdvanceQueued = false;
+                challengeQueuedLevel = 0;
+            } else {
+                challengeAdvanceQueued = true;
+                challengeQueuedLevel = nextLevel;
+                challengeLevelActive = false;
+                setPaused(true);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+void Game::handleAsteroidsOnClearedRows(const std::vector<int>& clearedRows,
+                                         std::array<int, COLS*ROWS>& outBoard,
+                                         std::array<std::optional<AsteroidCell>, COLS*ROWS>& outAsteroids) {
+    std::vector<bool> clearedFlags(ROWS, false);
+    for (int r : clearedRows) {
+        if (r >= 0 && r < ROWS) {
+            clearedFlags[r] = true;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Track asteroid count updates during processing
+    int destroyedThisPass = 0;
+    std::optional<AsteroidType> lastDestroyedType;
+
+    // Precompute how many cleared rows are at or below each row to reposition survivors
+    std::array<int, ROWS> clearedBelow{};
+    int running = 0;
     for (int y = ROWS - 1; y >= 0; --y) {
-        // Check if this row should be cleared
-        bool shouldClear = std::find(completedLines.begin(), completedLines.end(), y) != completedLines.end();
-        
-        if (!shouldClear) {
-            // Keep this row, move it down if necessary
-            if (write != y) {
-                for (int x = 0; x < COLS; ++x) {
-                    board[write*COLS + x] = board[y*COLS + x];
+        clearedBelow[y] = running;
+        if (clearedFlags[y]) {
+            ++running;
+        }
+    }
+
+    for (int y = ROWS - 1; y >= 0; --y) {
+        for (int x = 0; x < COLS; ++x) {
+            int srcIdx = y * COLS + x;
+            bool rowCleared = clearedFlags[y];
+            bool isAsteroid = asteroidGrid[srcIdx].has_value();
+
+            if (rowCleared) {
+                if (!isAsteroid) {
+                    continue; // normal blocks in cleared rows vanish
+                }
+
+                AsteroidCell cell = *asteroidGrid[srcIdx];
+                if (cell.hitsRemaining > 0) {
+                    --cell.hitsRemaining;
+                }
+                if (cell.hitsRemaining == 0) {
+                    destroyedThisPass++;
+                    lastDestroyedType = cell.type;
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                // Update visual/gravity state for surviving asteroids
+                cell.visualState = static_cast<uint8_t>(std::min<int>(3, cell.visualState + 1));
+                if (cell.type == AsteroidType::Falling || cell.type == AsteroidType::Core) {
+                    cell.gravityEnabled = true;
+                }
+
+                int destY = y + clearedBelow[y]; // shift down by cleared rows below
+                if (destY >= ROWS) {
+                    continue; // off the board after collapse
+                }
+                int destIdx = destY * COLS + x;
+                outBoard[destIdx] = asteroidBoardValue(cell.type);
+                outAsteroids[destIdx] = cell;
+            } else {
+                int destY = y + clearedBelow[y];
+                if (destY >= ROWS) {
+                    continue;
+                }
+                int destIdx = destY * COLS + x;
+                outBoard[destIdx] = board[srcIdx];
+                if (isAsteroid) {
+                    outAsteroids[destIdx] = asteroidGrid[srcIdx];
                 }
             }
-            --write;
-        }
-        // If shouldClear is true, we skip this row (effectively removing it)
-    }
-    
-    // Clear the top rows that are now empty
-    for (int y = write; y >= 0; --y) {
-        for (int x = 0; x < COLS; ++x) {
-            board[y*COLS + x] = 0;
         }
     }
+
+    if (destroyedThisPass > 0) {
+        asteroidsRemainingCount = std::max(0, asteroidsRemainingCount - destroyedThisPass);
+        if (!asteroidDestroySoundPreplayed && asteroidDestroyedCallback && lastDestroyedType.has_value()) {
+            asteroidDestroyedCallback(*lastDestroyedType);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+void Game::applyAsteroidGravity() {
+    if (asteroidsRemainingCount <= 0) {
+        return;
+    }
+    bool moved = false;
+    do {
+        moved = false;
+        for (int y = ROWS - 2; y >= 0; --y) {
+            for (int x = 0; x < COLS; ++x) {
+                int idx = y * COLS + x;
+                if (!asteroidGrid[idx].has_value()) {
+                    continue;
+                }
+                if (!asteroidGrid[idx]->gravityEnabled) {
+                    continue;
+                }
+                int belowIdx = (y + 1) * COLS + x;
+                if (board[belowIdx] == 0) {
+                    // Move asteroid down one cell
+                    board[belowIdx] = board[idx];
+                    asteroidGrid[belowIdx] = asteroidGrid[idx];
+                    board[idx] = 0;
+                    asteroidGrid[idx].reset();
+                    moved = true;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    } while (moved);
 }
 
 bool Game::tryMoveDown() {
diff --git a/src/gameplay/core/Game.h b/src/gameplay/core/Game.h
index 5f36ffe..4899f06 100644
--- a/src/gameplay/core/Game.h
+++ b/src/gameplay/core/Game.h
@@ -7,12 +7,26 @@
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <functional>
 #include <memory>
+#include <optional>
 #include <SDL3/SDL.h>
 #include "../../core/GravityManager.h"
 
 enum PieceType { I, O, T, S, Z, J, L, PIECE_COUNT };
 using Shape = std::array<uint16_t, 4>; // four rotation bitmasks
 
+// Game runtime mode
+enum class GameMode { Endless, Challenge };
+
+// Special obstacle blocks used by Challenge mode
+enum class AsteroidType : uint8_t { Normal = 0, Armored = 1, Falling = 2, Core = 3 };
+
+struct AsteroidCell {
+    AsteroidType type{AsteroidType::Normal};
+    uint8_t hitsRemaining{1};
+    bool gravityEnabled{false};
+    uint8_t visualState{0};
+};
+
 class Game {
 public:
     static constexpr int COLS = 10;
@@ -21,8 +35,10 @@ public:
 
     struct Piece { PieceType type{PIECE_COUNT}; int rot{0}; int x{3}; int y{-2}; };
 
-    explicit Game(int startLevel = 0) { reset(startLevel); }
+    explicit Game(int startLevel = 0, GameMode mode = GameMode::Endless) : mode(mode) { reset(startLevel); }
     void reset(int startLevel = 0);
+    void startChallengeRun(int startingLevel = 1); // resets stats and starts challenge level 1 (or provided)
+    void beginNextChallengeLevel(); // advances to the next challenge level preserving score/time
 
     // Simulation -----------------------------------------------------------
     void tickGravity(double frameMs);          // advance gravity accumulator & drop
@@ -42,13 +58,26 @@ public:
     bool isGameOver() const { return gameOver; }
     bool isPaused() const { return paused; }
     void setPaused(bool p);
+    GameMode getMode() const { return mode; }
+    void setMode(GameMode m) { mode = m; }
     int score() const { return _score; }
     int lines() const { return _lines; }
     int level() const { return _level; }
+    int challengeLevel() const { return challengeLevelIndex; }
+    int asteroidsRemaining() const { return asteroidsRemainingCount; }
+    int asteroidsTotal() const { return asteroidsTotalThisLevel; }
+    bool isChallengeComplete() const { return challengeComplete; }
+    bool isChallengeLevelActive() const { return challengeLevelActive; }
+    bool isChallengeAdvanceQueued() const { return challengeAdvanceQueued; }
+    int queuedChallengeLevel() const { return challengeQueuedLevel; }
+    int consumeQueuedChallengeLevel(); // returns next level if queued, else 0
     int startLevelBase() const { return startLevel; }
     double elapsed() const; // Now calculated from start time
     void updateElapsedTime(); // Update elapsed time from system clock
     bool isSoftDropping() const { return softDropping; }
+    const std::array<std::optional<AsteroidCell>, COLS*ROWS>& asteroidCells() const { return asteroidGrid; }
+    const std::vector<SDL_Point>& getRecentAsteroidExplosions() const { return recentAsteroidExplosions; }
+    void clearRecentAsteroidExplosions() { recentAsteroidExplosions.clear(); }
     
     // Block statistics
     const std::array<int, PIECE_COUNT>& getBlockCounts() const { return blockCounts; }
@@ -61,8 +90,10 @@ public:
     // Sound effect callbacks
     using SoundCallback = std::function<void(int)>; // Callback for line clear sounds (number of lines)
     using LevelUpCallback = std::function<void(int)>; // Callback for level up sounds
+    using AsteroidDestroyedCallback = std::function<void(AsteroidType)>; // Callback when an asteroid is fully destroyed
     void setSoundCallback(SoundCallback callback) { soundCallback = callback; }
     void setLevelUpCallback(LevelUpCallback callback) { levelUpCallback = callback; }
+    void setAsteroidDestroyedCallback(AsteroidDestroyedCallback callback) { asteroidDestroyedCallback = callback; }
 
     // Shape helper --------------------------------------------------------
     static bool cellFilled(const Piece& p, int cx, int cy);
@@ -87,6 +118,9 @@ public:
     int comboCount() const { return _comboCount; }
 
 private:
+    static constexpr int ASTEROID_BASE = 100; // sentinel offset for board encoding
+    static constexpr int ASTEROID_MAX_LEVEL = 100;
+
     std::array<int, COLS*ROWS> board{}; // 0 empty else color index
     Piece cur{}, hold{}, nextPiece{};   // current, held & next piece
     bool canHold{true};
@@ -117,6 +151,7 @@ private:
     // Sound effect callbacks
     SoundCallback soundCallback;
     LevelUpCallback levelUpCallback;
+    AsteroidDestroyedCallback asteroidDestroyedCallback;
     // Gravity tuning -----------------------------------------------------
     // Global multiplier applied to all level timings (use to slow/speed whole-game gravity)
     double gravityGlobalMultiplier{1.0};
@@ -132,6 +167,34 @@ private:
     uint32_t hardDropFxId{0};
     uint64_t pieceSequence{0};
 
+    // Challenge mode state -------------------------------------------------
+    GameMode mode{GameMode::Endless};
+    int challengeLevelIndex{1};
+    int asteroidsRemainingCount{0};
+    int asteroidsTotalThisLevel{0};
+    bool challengeComplete{false};
+    std::array<std::optional<AsteroidCell>, COLS*ROWS> asteroidGrid{};
+    uint32_t challengeSeedBase{0};
+    std::mt19937 challengeRng{ std::random_device{}() };
+    bool challengeLevelActive{false};
+    bool challengeAdvanceQueued{false};
+    int challengeQueuedLevel{0};
+    // Asteroid SFX latency mitigation
+    std::optional<AsteroidType> pendingAsteroidDestroyType;
+    bool asteroidDestroySoundPreplayed{false};
+
+    // Recent asteroid explosion positions (grid coords) for renderer FX
+    std::vector<SDL_Point> recentAsteroidExplosions;
+    
+    // Expose the internal challenge seed base for deterministic FX/RNG coordination
+public:
+    uint32_t getChallengeSeedBase() const { return challengeSeedBase; }
+
+    // Helpers for board encoding of asteroids
+    static bool isAsteroidValue(int boardValue);
+    static AsteroidType asteroidTypeFromValue(int boardValue);
+    static int asteroidBoardValue(AsteroidType t);
+
     // Internal helpers ----------------------------------------------------
     void refillBag();
     void spawn();
@@ -140,5 +203,14 @@ private:
     int checkLines(); // Find completed lines and store them
     void actualClearLines(); // Actually remove lines from board
     bool tryMoveDown(); // one-row fall; returns true if moved
+    void clearAsteroidGrid();
+    void setupChallengeLevel(int level, bool preserveStats);
+    void placeAsteroidsForLevel(int level);
+    AsteroidType chooseAsteroidTypeForLevel(int level);
+    AsteroidCell makeAsteroidForType(AsteroidType t) const;
+    void handleAsteroidsOnClearedRows(const std::vector<int>& clearedRows,
+                                      std::array<int, COLS*ROWS>& outBoard,
+                                      std::array<std::optional<AsteroidCell>, COLS*ROWS>& outAsteroids);
+    void applyAsteroidGravity();
     // Gravity tuning helpers (public API declared above)
 };
diff --git a/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.cpp b/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.cpp
index f1feabd..d549a7e 100644
--- a/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.cpp
+++ b/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.cpp
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@
 #include <cmath>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <cstdio>
+#include <sstream>
+#include <string>
 #include <limits>
 #include <random>
 #include <vector>
@@ -49,6 +51,31 @@ Starfield3D s_inGridStarfield;
 bool s_starfieldInitialized = false;
 std::vector<Sparkle> s_sparkles;
 float s_sparkleSpawnAcc = 0.0f;
+
+struct AsteroidBurst {
+    float x;
+    float y;
+    float lifeMs;
+    float maxLifeMs;
+    float baseRadius;
+    SDL_Color color;
+    float spin;
+};
+
+std::vector<AsteroidBurst> s_asteroidBursts;
+
+struct AsteroidShard {
+    float x;
+    float y;
+    float vx;
+    float vy;
+    float lifeMs;
+    float maxLifeMs;
+    float size;
+    SDL_Color color;
+};
+
+std::vector<AsteroidShard> s_asteroidShards;
 }
 
 struct TransportEffectState {
@@ -282,6 +309,62 @@ void GameRenderer::drawRect(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float x, float y, float w, f
     SDL_RenderFillRect(renderer, &fr);
 }
 
+static void drawAsteroid(SDL_Renderer* renderer, SDL_Texture* asteroidTex, float x, float y, float size, const AsteroidCell& cell) {
+    auto outlineGravity = [&](float inset, SDL_Color color) {
+        SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, color.r, color.g, color.b, color.a);
+        SDL_FRect glow{ x + inset, y + inset, size - inset * 2.0f, size - inset * 2.0f };
+        SDL_RenderRect(renderer, &glow);
+    };
+
+    if (asteroidTex) {
+        const float SPRITE_SIZE = 90.0f;
+        int col = 0;
+        switch (cell.type) {
+            case AsteroidType::Normal: col = 0; break;
+            case AsteroidType::Armored: col = 1; break;
+            case AsteroidType::Falling: col = 2; break;
+            case AsteroidType::Core: col = 3; break;
+        }
+        int row = std::clamp<int>(cell.visualState, 0, 2);
+        SDL_FRect src{ col * SPRITE_SIZE, row * SPRITE_SIZE, SPRITE_SIZE, SPRITE_SIZE };
+        SDL_FRect dst{ x, y, size, size };
+        SDL_RenderTexture(renderer, asteroidTex, &src, &dst);
+
+        if (cell.gravityEnabled) {
+            outlineGravity(2.0f, SDL_Color{255, 230, 120, 180});
+        }
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Fallback: draw a colored quad (previous implementation)
+    SDL_Color base{};
+    switch (cell.type) {
+        case AsteroidType::Normal: base = SDL_Color{172, 138, 104, 255}; break;
+        case AsteroidType::Armored: base = SDL_Color{130, 150, 176, 255}; break;
+        case AsteroidType::Falling: base = SDL_Color{210, 120, 82, 255}; break;
+        case AsteroidType::Core: base = SDL_Color{198, 78, 200, 255}; break;
+    }
+    float hpScale = std::clamp(static_cast<float>(cell.hitsRemaining) / 3.0f, 0.25f, 1.0f);
+    SDL_Color fill{
+        static_cast<Uint8>(base.r * hpScale + 40 * (1.0f - hpScale)),
+        static_cast<Uint8>(base.g * hpScale + 40 * (1.0f - hpScale)),
+        static_cast<Uint8>(base.b * hpScale + 40 * (1.0f - hpScale)),
+        255
+    };
+    SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, fill.r, fill.g, fill.b, fill.a);
+    SDL_FRect body{x, y, size - 1.0f, size - 1.0f};
+    SDL_RenderFillRect(renderer, &body);
+
+    SDL_Color outline = base;
+    outline.a = 220;
+    SDL_FRect border{x + 1.0f, y + 1.0f, size - 2.0f, size - 2.0f};
+    SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, outline.r, outline.g, outline.b, outline.a);
+    SDL_RenderRect(renderer, &border);
+    if (cell.gravityEnabled) {
+        outlineGravity(2.0f, SDL_Color{255, 230, 120, 180});
+    }
+}
+
 void GameRenderer::drawBlockTexture(SDL_Renderer* renderer, SDL_Texture* blocksTex, float x, float y, float size, int blockType) {
     if (!blocksTex || blockType < 0 || blockType >= PIECE_COUNT) {
         // Fallback to colored rectangle if texture isn't available
@@ -515,15 +598,23 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
     FontAtlas* pixelFont,
     LineEffect* lineEffect,
     SDL_Texture* blocksTex,
+    SDL_Texture* asteroidsTex,
     SDL_Texture* statisticsPanelTex,
     SDL_Texture* scorePanelTex,
     SDL_Texture* nextPanelTex,
     SDL_Texture* holdPanelTex,
+    bool countdownActive,
     float logicalW,
     float logicalH,
     float logicalScale,
     float winW,
-    float winH
+    float winH,
+    bool challengeClearFxActive,
+    const std::vector<int>* challengeClearFxOrder,
+    double challengeClearFxElapsedMs,
+    double challengeClearFxDurationMs,
+    const std::string* challengeStoryText,
+    float challengeStoryAlpha
 ) {
     if (!game || !pixelFont) return;
 
@@ -865,8 +956,67 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
         rowDropOffsets[y] = (lineEffect ? lineEffect->getRowDropOffset(y) : 0.0f);
     }
 
+    // Spawn glamour bursts for freshly destroyed asteroids
+    if (game) {
+        const auto& bursts = game->getRecentAsteroidExplosions();
+        if (!bursts.empty()) {
+            std::uniform_real_distribution<float> lifeDist(280.0f, 420.0f);
+            std::uniform_real_distribution<float> radiusDist(finalBlockSize * 0.35f, finalBlockSize * 0.7f);
+            std::uniform_real_distribution<float> spinDist(-4.0f, 4.0f);
+            std::uniform_real_distribution<float> shardLife(240.0f, 520.0f);
+            std::uniform_real_distribution<float> shardVX(-0.16f, 0.16f);
+            std::uniform_real_distribution<float> shardVY(-0.22f, -0.06f);
+            std::uniform_real_distribution<float> shardSize(finalBlockSize * 0.06f, finalBlockSize * 0.12f);
+            for (const auto& p : bursts) {
+                if (p.x < 0 || p.x >= Game::COLS || p.y < 0 || p.y >= Game::ROWS) {
+                    continue;
+                }
+                float fx = gridX + (static_cast<float>(p.x) + 0.5f) * finalBlockSize;
+                float fy = gridY + (static_cast<float>(p.y) + 0.5f) * finalBlockSize + rowDropOffsets[p.y];
+
+                SDL_Color palette[3] = {
+                    SDL_Color{255, 230, 120, 255},
+                    SDL_Color{140, 220, 255, 255},
+                    SDL_Color{255, 160, 235, 255}
+                };
+                SDL_Color c = palette[s_impactRng() % 3];
+                AsteroidBurst burst{
+                    fx,
+                    fy,
+                    lifeDist(s_impactRng),
+                    0.0f,
+                    radiusDist(s_impactRng),
+                    c,
+                    spinDist(s_impactRng)
+                };
+                burst.maxLifeMs = burst.lifeMs;
+                s_asteroidBursts.push_back(burst);
+
+                // Spawn shards for extra sparkle
+                int shardCount = 10 + (s_impactRng() % 8);
+                for (int i = 0; i < shardCount; ++i) {
+                    AsteroidShard shard{
+                        fx,
+                        fy,
+                        shardVX(s_impactRng),
+                        shardVY(s_impactRng),
+                        shardLife(s_impactRng),
+                        0.0f,
+                        shardSize(s_impactRng),
+                        c
+                    };
+                    shard.maxLifeMs = shard.lifeMs;
+                    s_asteroidShards.push_back(shard);
+                }
+            }
+            game->clearRecentAsteroidExplosions();
+        }
+    }
+
     // Draw the game board
     const auto &board = game->boardRef();
+    const auto &asteroidCells = game->asteroidCells();
+    const bool challengeMode = game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge;
     float impactStrength = 0.0f;
     float impactEased = 0.0f;
     std::array<uint8_t, Game::COLS * Game::ROWS> impactMask{};
@@ -937,6 +1087,25 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
         }
     }
 
+    std::array<float, Game::COLS * Game::ROWS> challengeClearMask{};
+    const bool challengeClearActive = challengeClearFxActive && challengeClearFxOrder && !challengeClearFxOrder->empty() && challengeClearFxDurationMs > 0.0;
+    if (challengeClearActive) {
+        const double totalDuration = std::max(50.0, challengeClearFxDurationMs);
+        const double perCell = totalDuration / static_cast<double>(challengeClearFxOrder->size());
+        for (size_t i = 0; i < challengeClearFxOrder->size(); ++i) {
+            int idx = (*challengeClearFxOrder)[i];
+            if (idx < 0 || idx >= static_cast<int>(challengeClearMask.size())) {
+                continue;
+            }
+            double startMs = perCell * static_cast<double>(i);
+            double local = (challengeClearFxElapsedMs - startMs) / perCell;
+            float progress = static_cast<float>(std::clamp(local, 0.0, 1.0));
+            if (progress > 0.0f) {
+                challengeClearMask[idx] = progress;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     for (int y = 0; y < Game::ROWS; ++y) {
         float dropOffset = rowDropOffsets[y];
         for (int x = 0; x < Game::COLS; ++x) {
@@ -954,11 +1123,134 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
                     bx += amplitude * std::sin(t * freq);
                     by += amplitude * 0.75f * std::cos(t * (freq + 1.1f));
                 }
-                drawBlockTexture(renderer, blocksTex, bx, by, finalBlockSize, v - 1);
+
+                float clearProgress = challengeClearMask[cellIdx];
+                float clearAlpha = 1.0f;
+                float clearScale = 1.0f;
+                if (clearProgress > 0.0f) {
+                    float eased = smoothstep(clearProgress);
+                    clearAlpha = std::max(0.0f, 1.0f - eased);
+                    clearScale = 1.0f + 0.35f * eased;
+                    float offset = (finalBlockSize - finalBlockSize * clearScale) * 0.5f;
+                    bx += offset;
+                    by += offset;
+                    float jitter = eased * 2.0f;
+                    bx += std::sin(static_cast<float>(cellIdx) * 3.1f) * jitter;
+                    by += std::cos(static_cast<float>(cellIdx) * 2.3f) * jitter * 0.6f;
+                }
+
+                bool isAsteroid = challengeMode && asteroidCells[cellIdx].has_value();
+                if (isAsteroid) {
+                    const AsteroidCell& cell = *asteroidCells[cellIdx];
+                    float spawnScale = 1.0f;
+                    float spawnAlpha = 1.0f;
+                    if (countdownActive) {
+                        // Staggered pop-in while counting: start oversized, fade to 1.0 with ease
+                        const float t = static_cast<float>(SDL_GetTicks() & 2047) * 0.0015f; // ~0..3s loop
+                        float phase = std::fmod(t + (float(cellIdx % 11) * 0.12f), 1.6f);
+                        float pulse = std::clamp(phase / 1.2f, 0.0f, 1.0f);
+                        float eased = smoothstep(pulse);
+                        spawnScale = 1.35f - 0.35f * eased; // big -> normal
+                        spawnAlpha = 0.25f + 0.75f * eased; // fade in
+                    }
+
+                    if (asteroidsTex && spawnAlpha < 1.0f) {
+                        SDL_SetTextureAlphaMod(asteroidsTex, static_cast<Uint8>(std::clamp(spawnAlpha, 0.0f, 1.0f) * 255.0f));
+                    }
+
+                    float size = finalBlockSize * spawnScale * clearScale;
+                    float offset = (finalBlockSize - size) * 0.5f;
+                    if (asteroidsTex && clearAlpha < 1.0f) {
+                        Uint8 alpha = static_cast<Uint8>(std::clamp(spawnAlpha * clearAlpha, 0.0f, 1.0f) * 255.0f);
+                        SDL_SetTextureAlphaMod(asteroidsTex, alpha);
+                    }
+                    drawAsteroid(renderer, asteroidsTex, bx + offset, by + offset, size, cell);
+
+                    if (asteroidsTex && (spawnAlpha < 1.0f || clearAlpha < 1.0f)) {
+                        SDL_SetTextureAlphaMod(asteroidsTex, 255);
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    if (blocksTex && clearAlpha < 1.0f) {
+                        SDL_SetTextureAlphaMod(blocksTex, static_cast<Uint8>(std::clamp(clearAlpha, 0.0f, 1.0f) * 255.0f));
+                    }
+                    drawBlockTexture(renderer, blocksTex, bx, by, finalBlockSize * clearScale, v - 1);
+                    if (blocksTex && clearAlpha < 1.0f) {
+                        SDL_SetTextureAlphaMod(blocksTex, 255);
+                    }
+                }
             }
         }
     }
 
+    // Update & draw asteroid glamour shards and bursts
+    if (!s_asteroidShards.empty() || !s_asteroidBursts.empty()) {
+        SDL_SetRenderDrawBlendMode(renderer, SDL_BLENDMODE_ADD);
+
+        // Shards
+        auto shardIt = s_asteroidShards.begin();
+        while (shardIt != s_asteroidShards.end()) {
+            AsteroidShard& s = *shardIt;
+            s.lifeMs -= sparkDeltaMs;
+            if (s.lifeMs <= 0.0f) {
+                shardIt = s_asteroidShards.erase(shardIt);
+                continue;
+            }
+            s.vy += 0.0007f * sparkDeltaMs;
+            s.x += s.vx * sparkDeltaMs;
+            s.y += s.vy * sparkDeltaMs;
+            float lifeRatio = std::clamp(static_cast<float>(s.lifeMs / s.maxLifeMs), 0.0f, 1.0f);
+            Uint8 alpha = static_cast<Uint8>(lifeRatio * 200.0f);
+            SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, s.color.r, s.color.g, s.color.b, alpha);
+            float size = s.size * (0.7f + (1.0f - lifeRatio) * 0.8f);
+            SDL_FRect shardRect{
+                s.x - size * 0.5f,
+                s.y - size * 0.5f,
+                size,
+                size * 1.4f
+            };
+            SDL_RenderFillRect(renderer, &shardRect);
+            ++shardIt;
+        }
+
+        // Bursts
+        auto it = s_asteroidBursts.begin();
+        while (it != s_asteroidBursts.end()) {
+            AsteroidBurst& b = *it;
+            b.lifeMs -= sparkDeltaMs;
+            if (b.lifeMs <= 0.0f) {
+                it = s_asteroidBursts.erase(it);
+                continue;
+            }
+            float t = 1.0f - static_cast<float>(b.lifeMs / b.maxLifeMs);
+            float alpha = std::clamp(1.0f - t, 0.0f, 1.0f);
+            float radius = b.baseRadius * (1.0f + t * 1.6f);
+            float thickness = std::max(2.0f, radius * 0.25f);
+            float jitter = std::sin(t * 12.0f + b.spin) * 2.0f;
+
+            SDL_Color c = b.color;
+            Uint8 a = static_cast<Uint8>(alpha * 220.0f);
+            SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, c.r, c.g, c.b, a);
+            SDL_FRect outer{
+                b.x - radius + jitter,
+                b.y - radius + jitter,
+                radius * 2.0f,
+                radius * 2.0f
+            };
+            SDL_RenderRect(renderer, &outer);
+
+            SDL_FRect inner{
+                b.x - (radius - thickness),
+                b.y - (radius - thickness),
+                (radius - thickness) * 2.0f,
+                (radius - thickness) * 2.0f
+            };
+            SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, 255, 255, 255, static_cast<Uint8>(a * 0.9f));
+            SDL_RenderRect(renderer, &inner);
+            ++it;
+        }
+        SDL_SetRenderDrawBlendMode(renderer, SDL_BLENDMODE_BLEND);
+    }
+
     if (!s_impactSparks.empty()) {
         SDL_SetRenderDrawBlendMode(renderer, SDL_BLENDMODE_BLEND);
         auto it = s_impactSparks.begin();
@@ -986,7 +1278,7 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
         }
     }
     
-    bool allowActivePieceRender = !GameRenderer::isTransportActive();
+    bool allowActivePieceRender = !GameRenderer::isTransportActive() && !challengeClearActive;
     const bool smoothScrollEnabled = Settings::instance().isSmoothScrollEnabled();
 
     float activePiecePixelOffsetX = 0.0f;
@@ -1287,8 +1579,12 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
 
     char levelStr[16];
     snprintf(levelStr, sizeof(levelStr), "%02d", game->level());
+    char challengeLevelStr[16];
+    snprintf(challengeLevelStr, sizeof(challengeLevelStr), "%02d/100", game->challengeLevel());
+    char asteroidStr[32];
+    snprintf(asteroidStr, sizeof(asteroidStr), "%d LEFT", game->asteroidsRemaining());
 
-    // Next level progress
+    // Next level progress (endless only)
     int startLv = game->startLevelBase();
     int firstThreshold = (startLv + 1) * 10;
     int linesDone = game->lines();
@@ -1343,12 +1639,22 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
     statLines.push_back({scoreStr, 25.0f, 0.9f, valueColor});
     statLines.push_back({"LINES", 70.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
     statLines.push_back({linesStr, 95.0f, 0.9f, valueColor});
-    statLines.push_back({"LEVEL", 140.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
-    statLines.push_back({levelStr, 165.0f, 0.9f, valueColor});
-    statLines.push_back({"NEXT LVL", 200.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
-    statLines.push_back({nextStr, 225.0f, 0.9f, nextColor});
-    statLines.push_back({"TIME", 265.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
-    statLines.push_back({timeStr, 290.0f, 0.9f, valueColor});
+
+    if (game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge) {
+        statLines.push_back({"LEVEL", 140.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
+        statLines.push_back({challengeLevelStr, 165.0f, 0.9f, valueColor});
+        statLines.push_back({"ASTEROIDS", 200.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
+        statLines.push_back({asteroidStr, 225.0f, 0.9f, nextColor});
+        statLines.push_back({"TIME", 265.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
+        statLines.push_back({timeStr, 290.0f, 0.9f, valueColor});
+    } else {
+        statLines.push_back({"LEVEL", 140.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
+        statLines.push_back({levelStr, 165.0f, 0.9f, valueColor});
+        statLines.push_back({"NEXT LVL", 200.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
+        statLines.push_back({nextStr, 225.0f, 0.9f, nextColor});
+        statLines.push_back({"TIME", 265.0f, 1.0f, labelColor});
+        statLines.push_back({timeStr, 290.0f, 0.9f, valueColor});
+    }
 
     if (debugEnabled) {
         SDL_Color debugLabelColor{150, 150, 150, 255};
@@ -1400,6 +1706,51 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
         pixelFont->draw(renderer, statsTextX, baseY + line.offsetY, line.text, line.scale, line.color);
     }
 
+    // Challenge story / briefing line near level indicator
+    if (challengeStoryText && !challengeStoryText->empty() && challengeStoryAlpha > 0.0f && game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge) {
+        float alpha = std::clamp(challengeStoryAlpha, 0.0f, 1.0f);
+        SDL_Color storyColor{160, 220, 255, static_cast<Uint8>(std::lround(210.0f * alpha))};
+        SDL_Color shadowColor{0, 0, 0, static_cast<Uint8>(std::lround(120.0f * alpha))};
+
+        auto drawWrapped = [&](const std::string& text, float x, float y, float maxW, float scale, SDL_Color color) {
+            std::istringstream iss(text);
+            std::string word;
+            std::string line;
+            float cursorY = y;
+            int lastH = 0;
+            while (iss >> word) {
+                std::string candidate = line.empty() ? word : (line + " " + word);
+                int w = 0, h = 0;
+                pixelFont->measure(candidate, scale, w, h);
+                if (w > maxW && !line.empty()) {
+                    pixelFont->draw(renderer, x + 1.0f, cursorY + 1.0f, line, scale, shadowColor);
+                    pixelFont->draw(renderer, x, cursorY, line, scale, color);
+                    cursorY += h + 4.0f;
+                    line = word;
+                    lastH = h;
+                } else {
+                    line = candidate;
+                    lastH = h;
+                }
+            }
+            if (!line.empty()) {
+                pixelFont->draw(renderer, x + 1.0f, cursorY + 1.0f, line, scale, shadowColor);
+                pixelFont->draw(renderer, x, cursorY, line, scale, color);
+                cursorY += lastH + 4.0f;
+            }
+        };
+
+        float storyX = statsTextX;
+        float storyY = baseY + 112.0f;
+        float maxW = 230.0f;
+        if (scorePanelMetricsValid && scorePanelWidth > 40.0f) {
+            storyX = scorePanelLeftX + 14.0f;
+            maxW = std::max(160.0f, scorePanelWidth - 28.0f);
+        }
+
+        drawWrapped(*challengeStoryText, storyX, storyY, maxW, 0.7f, storyColor);
+    }
+
     if (debugEnabled) {
         pixelFont->draw(renderer, logicalW - 260, 10, gravityHud, 0.9f, {200, 200, 220, 255});
     }
diff --git a/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.h b/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.h
index c4c730e..f8d360c 100644
--- a/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.h
+++ b/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.h
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 #pragma once
 #include <SDL3/SDL.h>
+#include <vector>
+#include <string>
 #include "../../gameplay/core/Game.h"
 
 // Forward declarations
@@ -21,15 +23,23 @@ public:
         FontAtlas* pixelFont,
         LineEffect* lineEffect,
         SDL_Texture* blocksTex,
+        SDL_Texture* asteroidsTex,
         SDL_Texture* statisticsPanelTex,
         SDL_Texture* scorePanelTex,
         SDL_Texture* nextPanelTex,
         SDL_Texture* holdPanelTex,
+        bool countdownActive,
         float logicalW,
         float logicalH,
         float logicalScale,
         float winW,
-        float winH
+        float winH,
+        bool challengeClearFxActive = false,
+        const std::vector<int>* challengeClearFxOrder = nullptr,
+        double challengeClearFxElapsedMs = 0.0,
+        double challengeClearFxDurationMs = 0.0,
+        const std::string* challengeStoryText = nullptr,
+        float challengeStoryAlpha = 0.0f
     );
 
     // Render the pause overlay (full screen)
diff --git a/src/resources/AssetPaths.h b/src/resources/AssetPaths.h
index ba58799..d050ac7 100644
--- a/src/resources/AssetPaths.h
+++ b/src/resources/AssetPaths.h
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@ namespace Assets {
 
     inline constexpr const char* LOGO = "assets/images/spacetris.png";
     inline constexpr const char* MAIN_SCREEN = "assets/images/main_screen.png";
-        inline constexpr const char* BLOCKS_SPRITE = "assets/images/blocks90px_003.png";
+    inline constexpr const char* BLOCKS_SPRITE = "assets/images/blocks90px_003.png";
+    inline constexpr const char* ASTEROID_SPRITE = "assets/images/asteroids_001.png";
     inline constexpr const char* PANEL_SCORE = "assets/images/panel_score.png";
     inline constexpr const char* PANEL_STATS = "assets/images/statistics_panel.png";
     inline constexpr const char* NEXT_PANEL = "assets/images/next_panel.png";
diff --git a/src/states/MenuState.cpp b/src/states/MenuState.cpp
index d873037..1c22150 100644
--- a/src/states/MenuState.cpp
+++ b/src/states/MenuState.cpp
@@ -442,7 +442,7 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
             case SDL_SCANCODE_LEFT:
             case SDL_SCANCODE_UP:
                 {
-                const int total = 6;
+                const int total = 7;
                 selectedButton = (selectedButton + total - 1) % total;
                 // brief bright flash on navigation
                 buttonFlash = 1.0;
@@ -451,7 +451,7 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
             case SDL_SCANCODE_RIGHT:
             case SDL_SCANCODE_DOWN:
                 {
-                const int total = 6;
+                const int total = 7;
                 selectedButton = (selectedButton + 1) % total;
                 // brief bright flash on navigation
                 buttonFlash = 1.0;
@@ -465,9 +465,22 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
                 }
                 switch (selectedButton) {
                     case 0:
+                        // Endless play
+                        if (ctx.game) ctx.game->setMode(GameMode::Endless);
                         triggerPlay();
                         break;
                     case 1:
+                        // Start challenge run at level 1
+                        if (ctx.game) {
+                            ctx.game->setMode(GameMode::Challenge);
+                            if (ctx.skipNextLevelUpJingle) {
+                                *ctx.skipNextLevelUpJingle = true;
+                            }
+                            ctx.game->startChallengeRun(1);
+                        }
+                        triggerPlay();
+                        break;
+                    case 2:
                         // Toggle inline level selector HUD (show/hide)
                         if (!levelPanelVisible && !levelPanelAnimating) {
                             levelPanelAnimating = true;
@@ -479,7 +492,7 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
                             levelDirection = -1; // hide
                         }
                         break;
-                    case 2:
+                    case 3:
                         // Toggle the options panel with an animated slide-in/out.
                         if (!optionsVisible && !optionsAnimating) {
                             optionsAnimating = true;
@@ -489,7 +502,7 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
                             optionsDirection = -1; // hide
                         }
                         break;
-                    case 3:
+                    case 4:
                         // Toggle the inline HELP HUD (show/hide)
                         if (!helpPanelVisible && !helpPanelAnimating) {
                             helpPanelAnimating = true;
@@ -500,7 +513,7 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
                             helpDirection = -1; // hide
                         }
                         break;
-                    case 4:
+                    case 5:
                         // Toggle the inline ABOUT HUD (show/hide)
                         if (!aboutPanelVisible && !aboutPanelAnimating) {
                             aboutPanelAnimating = true;
@@ -510,7 +523,7 @@ void MenuState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
                             aboutDirection = -1;
                         }
                         break;
-                    case 5:
+                    case 6:
                         // Show the inline exit HUD
                         if (!exitPanelVisible && !exitPanelAnimating) {
                             exitPanelAnimating = true;
diff --git a/src/states/PlayingState.cpp b/src/states/PlayingState.cpp
index f055ffb..21fee29 100644
--- a/src/states/PlayingState.cpp
+++ b/src/states/PlayingState.cpp
@@ -18,12 +18,18 @@ PlayingState::PlayingState(StateContext& ctx) : State(ctx) {}
 
 void PlayingState::onEnter() {
     SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "[PLAYING] Entering Playing state");
-    // Initialize the game with the selected starting level
-    if (ctx.game && ctx.startLevelSelection) {
-        SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "[PLAYING] Resetting game with level %d", *ctx.startLevelSelection);
-        ctx.game->reset(*ctx.startLevelSelection);
-    }
+    // Initialize the game based on mode: endless uses chosen start level, challenge keeps its run state
     if (ctx.game) {
+        if (ctx.game->getMode() == GameMode::Endless) {
+            if (ctx.startLevelSelection) {
+                SDL_LogInfo(SDL_LOG_CATEGORY_APPLICATION, "[PLAYING] Resetting game with level %d", *ctx.startLevelSelection);
+                ctx.game->reset(*ctx.startLevelSelection);
+            }
+        } else {
+            // Challenge run is prepared before entering; ensure gameplay is unpaused
+            ctx.game->setPaused(false);
+        }
+
         s_lastPieceSequence = ctx.game->getCurrentPieceSequence();
         s_pendingTransport = false;
     }
@@ -116,6 +122,16 @@ void PlayingState::handleEvent(const SDL_Event& e) {
             return;
         }
 
+        // Debug: skip to next challenge level (B)
+        if (e.key.scancode == SDL_SCANCODE_B && ctx.game && ctx.game->getMode() == GameMode::Challenge) {
+            ctx.game->beginNextChallengeLevel();
+            // Cancel any countdown so play resumes immediately on the new level
+            if (ctx.gameplayCountdownActive) *ctx.gameplayCountdownActive = false;
+            if (ctx.menuPlayCountdownArmed) *ctx.menuPlayCountdownArmed = false;
+            ctx.game->setPaused(false);
+            return;
+        }
+
         // Tetris controls (only when not paused)
         if (!ctx.game->isPaused()) {
             // Hold / swap current piece (H)
@@ -205,11 +221,15 @@ void PlayingState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect l
     bool exitPopup = ctx.showExitConfirmPopup && *ctx.showExitConfirmPopup;
     bool countdown = (ctx.gameplayCountdownActive && *ctx.gameplayCountdownActive) || 
                      (ctx.menuPlayCountdownArmed && *ctx.menuPlayCountdownArmed);
+    bool challengeClearFx = ctx.challengeClearFxActive && *ctx.challengeClearFxActive;
+    const std::vector<int>* challengeClearOrder = ctx.challengeClearFxOrder;
+    double challengeClearElapsed = ctx.challengeClearFxElapsedMs ? *ctx.challengeClearFxElapsedMs : 0.0;
+    double challengeClearDuration = ctx.challengeClearFxDurationMs ? *ctx.challengeClearFxDurationMs : 0.0;
     
     // Only blur if paused AND NOT in countdown (and not exit popup, though exit popup implies paused)
     // Actually, exit popup should probably still blur/dim.
     // But countdown should definitely NOT show the "PAUSED" overlay.
-    bool shouldBlur = paused && !countdown; 
+    bool shouldBlur = paused && !countdown && !challengeClearFx;
 
     if (shouldBlur && m_renderTarget) {
         // Render game to texture
@@ -235,15 +255,23 @@ void PlayingState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect l
             ctx.pixelFont,
             ctx.lineEffect,
             ctx.blocksTex,
+            ctx.asteroidsTex,
             ctx.statisticsPanelTex,
             ctx.scorePanelTex,
             ctx.nextPanelTex,
             ctx.holdPanelTex,
+            countdown,
             1200.0f, // LOGICAL_W
             1000.0f, // LOGICAL_H
             logicalScale,
-            (float)winW,
-            (float)winH
+                (float)winW,
+                (float)winH,
+                challengeClearFx,
+                challengeClearOrder,
+                challengeClearElapsed,
+                challengeClearDuration,
+                countdown ? nullptr : ctx.challengeStoryText,
+                countdown ? 0.0f : (ctx.challengeStoryAlpha ? *ctx.challengeStoryAlpha : 0.0f)
         );
 
         // Reset to screen
@@ -323,15 +351,23 @@ void PlayingState::render(SDL_Renderer* renderer, float logicalScale, SDL_Rect l
             ctx.pixelFont,
             ctx.lineEffect,
             ctx.blocksTex,
+            ctx.asteroidsTex,
             ctx.statisticsPanelTex,
             ctx.scorePanelTex,
             ctx.nextPanelTex,
             ctx.holdPanelTex,
+            countdown,
             1200.0f,
             1000.0f,
             logicalScale,
             (float)winW,
-            (float)winH
+            (float)winH,
+            challengeClearFx,
+            challengeClearOrder,
+            challengeClearElapsed,
+            challengeClearDuration,
+            countdown ? nullptr : ctx.challengeStoryText,
+            countdown ? 0.0f : (ctx.challengeStoryAlpha ? *ctx.challengeStoryAlpha : 0.0f)
         );
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/states/State.h b/src/states/State.h
index 36a7a95..a9e0503 100644
--- a/src/states/State.h
+++ b/src/states/State.h
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ struct StateContext {
     // backgroundTex is set once in `main.cpp` and passed to states via this context.
     // Prefer reading this field instead of relying on any `extern SDL_Texture*` globals.
     SDL_Texture* blocksTex = nullptr;
+    SDL_Texture* asteroidsTex = nullptr;
     SDL_Texture* scorePanelTex = nullptr;
     SDL_Texture* statisticsPanelTex = nullptr;
     SDL_Texture* nextPanelTex = nullptr;
@@ -66,6 +67,15 @@ struct StateContext {
     int* exitPopupSelectedButton = nullptr; // 0 = YES, 1 = NO (default)
     bool* gameplayCountdownActive = nullptr; // True if start-of-game countdown is running
     bool* menuPlayCountdownArmed = nullptr; // True if we are transitioning to play and countdown is pending
+    bool* skipNextLevelUpJingle = nullptr; // Allows states to silence initial level-up SFX
+    // Challenge clear FX (slow block-by-block explosion before next level)
+    bool* challengeClearFxActive = nullptr;
+    double* challengeClearFxElapsedMs = nullptr;
+    double* challengeClearFxDurationMs = nullptr;
+    std::vector<int>* challengeClearFxOrder = nullptr;
+    std::string* challengeStoryText = nullptr; // Per-level briefing string for Challenge mode
+    int* challengeStoryLevel = nullptr; // Cached level for the current story line
+    float* challengeStoryAlpha = nullptr; // Current render alpha for story text fade
     std::string* playerName = nullptr; // Shared player name buffer for highscores/options
     bool* fullscreenFlag = nullptr; // Tracks current fullscreen state when available
     std::function<void(bool)> applyFullscreen; // Allows states to request fullscreen changes
diff --git a/src/ui/BottomMenu.cpp b/src/ui/BottomMenu.cpp
index 1910ca4..884c07d 100644
--- a/src/ui/BottomMenu.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/BottomMenu.cpp
@@ -22,11 +22,12 @@ BottomMenu buildBottomMenu(const MenuLayoutParams& params, int startLevel) {
     std::snprintf(levelBtnText, sizeof(levelBtnText), "LEVEL %d", startLevel);
 
     menu.buttons[0] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Play, rects[0], "PLAY", false };
-    menu.buttons[1] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Level, rects[1], levelBtnText, true };
-    menu.buttons[2] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Options, rects[2], "OPTIONS", true };
-    menu.buttons[3] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Help, rects[3], "HELP", true };
-    menu.buttons[4] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::About, rects[4], "ABOUT", true };
-    menu.buttons[5] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Exit, rects[5], "EXIT", true };
+    menu.buttons[1] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Challenge, rects[1], "CHALLENGE", false };
+    menu.buttons[2] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Level, rects[2], levelBtnText, true };
+    menu.buttons[3] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Options, rects[3], "OPTIONS", true };
+    menu.buttons[4] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Help, rects[4], "HELP", true };
+    menu.buttons[5] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::About, rects[5], "ABOUT", true };
+    menu.buttons[6] = Button{ BottomMenuItem::Exit, rects[6], "EXIT", true };
 
     return menu;
 }
@@ -60,8 +61,15 @@ void renderBottomMenu(SDL_Renderer* renderer,
         const double aMul = std::clamp(baseMul + (playIsActive ? flashMul : 0.0), 0.0, 1.0);
 
         if (!b.textOnly) {
+            const bool isPlay = (i == 0);
+            const bool isChallenge = (i == 1);
             SDL_Color bgCol{ 18, 22, 28, static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(180.0 * aMul)) };
             SDL_Color bdCol{ 255, 200, 70, static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(220.0 * aMul)) };
+            if (isChallenge) {
+                // Give Challenge a teal accent to distinguish from Play
+                bgCol = SDL_Color{ 18, 36, 36, static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(190.0 * aMul)) };
+                bdCol = SDL_Color{ 120, 255, 220, static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(230.0 * aMul)) };
+            }
             UIRenderer::drawButton(renderer, font, cx, cy, r.w, r.h,
                                    b.label, isHovered, isSelected,
                                    bgCol, bdCol, false, nullptr);
@@ -74,14 +82,14 @@ void renderBottomMenu(SDL_Renderer* renderer,
         }
     }
 
-    // '+' separators between the bottom HUD buttons (indices 1..last)
+    // '+' separators between the bottom HUD buttons (indices 2..last)
     {
         SDL_BlendMode prevBlend = SDL_BLENDMODE_NONE;
         SDL_GetRenderDrawBlendMode(renderer, &prevBlend);
         SDL_SetRenderDrawBlendMode(renderer, SDL_BLENDMODE_BLEND);
         SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, 120, 220, 255, static_cast<Uint8>(std::round(180.0 * baseMul)));
 
-        const int firstSmall = 1;
+        const int firstSmall = 2;
         const int lastSmall = MENU_BTN_COUNT - 1;
         float y = menu.buttons[firstSmall].rect.y + menu.buttons[firstSmall].rect.h * 0.5f;
         for (int i = firstSmall; i < lastSmall; ++i) {
diff --git a/src/ui/BottomMenu.h b/src/ui/BottomMenu.h
index 3f54fbe..3d1d1ee 100644
--- a/src/ui/BottomMenu.h
+++ b/src/ui/BottomMenu.h
@@ -15,11 +15,12 @@ namespace ui {
 
 enum class BottomMenuItem : int {
     Play = 0,
-    Level = 1,
-    Options = 2,
-    Help = 3,
-    About = 4,
-    Exit = 5,
+    Challenge = 1,
+    Level = 2,
+    Options = 3,
+    Help = 4,
+    About = 5,
+    Exit = 6,
 };
 
 struct Button {
diff --git a/src/ui/MenuLayout.cpp b/src/ui/MenuLayout.cpp
index 5cf6560..34e6148 100644
--- a/src/ui/MenuLayout.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/MenuLayout.cpp
@@ -12,28 +12,32 @@ std::array<SDL_FRect, MENU_BTN_COUNT> computeMenuButtonRects(const MenuLayoutPar
     float contentOffsetY = (p.winH - LOGICAL_H * p.logicalScale) * 0.5f / p.logicalScale;
 
     // Cockpit HUD layout (matches main_screen art):
-    //  - A big centered PLAY button
-    //  - A second row of 5 smaller buttons: LEVEL / OPTIONS / HELP / ABOUT / EXIT
+    //  - Top row: PLAY and CHALLENGE (big buttons)
+    //  - Second row: LEVEL / OPTIONS / HELP / ABOUT / EXIT (smaller buttons)
     const float marginX = std::max(24.0f, LOGICAL_W * 0.03f);
     const float marginBottom = std::max(26.0f, LOGICAL_H * 0.03f);
     const float availableW = std::max(120.0f, LOGICAL_W - marginX * 2.0f);
 
-    float playW = std::min(230.0f, availableW * 0.27f);
-    float playH = 35.0f;
-    float smallW = std::min(220.0f, availableW * 0.23f);
+    float playW = std::min(220.0f, availableW * 0.25f);
+    float playH = 36.0f;
+    float bigGap = 28.0f;
+    float smallW = std::min(210.0f, availableW * 0.22f);
     float smallH = 34.0f;
-    float smallSpacing = 28.0f;
+    float smallSpacing = 26.0f;
 
     // Scale down for narrow windows so nothing goes offscreen.
-    const int smallCount = MENU_BTN_COUNT - 1;
+    const int smallCount = MENU_BTN_COUNT - 2;
     float smallTotal = smallW * static_cast<float>(smallCount) + smallSpacing * static_cast<float>(smallCount - 1);
-    if (smallTotal > availableW) {
-        float s = availableW / smallTotal;
+    float topRowTotal = playW * 2.0f + bigGap;
+    if (smallTotal > availableW || topRowTotal > availableW) {
+        float s = availableW / std::max(std::max(smallTotal, topRowTotal), 1.0f);
         smallW *= s;
         smallH *= s;
         smallSpacing *= s;
+        playW *= s;
+        playH = std::max(26.0f, playH * std::max(0.75f, s));
+        bigGap *= s;
         playW = std::min(playW, availableW);
-        playH *= std::max(0.75f, s);
     }
 
     float centerX = LOGICAL_W * 0.5f + contentOffsetX;
@@ -44,7 +48,11 @@ std::array<SDL_FRect, MENU_BTN_COUNT> computeMenuButtonRects(const MenuLayoutPar
     float playCY = smallCY - smallH * 0.5f - rowGap - playH * 0.5f;
 
     std::array<SDL_FRect, MENU_BTN_COUNT> rects{};
-    rects[0] = SDL_FRect{ centerX - playW * 0.5f, playCY - playH * 0.5f, playW, playH };
+    // Top row big buttons
+    float playLeft = centerX - (playW + bigGap * 0.5f);
+    float challengeLeft = centerX + bigGap * 0.5f;
+    rects[0] = SDL_FRect{ playLeft, playCY - playH * 0.5f, playW, playH };
+    rects[1] = SDL_FRect{ challengeLeft, playCY - playH * 0.5f, playW, playH };
 
     float rowW = smallW * static_cast<float>(smallCount) + smallSpacing * static_cast<float>(smallCount - 1);
     float left = centerX - rowW * 0.5f;
@@ -55,7 +63,7 @@ std::array<SDL_FRect, MENU_BTN_COUNT> computeMenuButtonRects(const MenuLayoutPar
 
     for (int i = 0; i < smallCount; ++i) {
         float x = left + i * (smallW + smallSpacing);
-        rects[i + 1] = SDL_FRect{ x, smallCY - smallH * 0.5f, smallW, smallH };
+        rects[i + 2] = SDL_FRect{ x, smallCY - smallH * 0.5f, smallW, smallH };
     }
     return rects;
 }
diff --git a/src/ui/UIConstants.h b/src/ui/UIConstants.h
index eb7b5c4..def95a5 100644
--- a/src/ui/UIConstants.h
+++ b/src/ui/UIConstants.h
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 #pragma once
 
-static constexpr int MENU_BTN_COUNT = 6;
+static constexpr int MENU_BTN_COUNT = 7;
 static constexpr float MENU_SMALL_THRESHOLD = 700.0f;
 static constexpr float MENU_BTN_WIDTH_LARGE = 300.0f;
 static constexpr float MENU_BTN_WIDTH_SMALL_FACTOR = 0.4f; // multiplied by LOGICAL_W