Why does Smash Fest Level 40 stay boxed in when I hit the middle?

Because the lower-left outer frame is still sealing the maze. Open that corner first so the square hollows into a U-shape.

Smash Fest! level guide

Smash Fest! Level 40 Walkthrough

hard Target: 19 moves 5 colors

Smash Fest Level 40 is a boxed maze wall that should be opened from the lower-left outer frame so the square hollows into a U-shape before the last blue inner steps are cleared.

Board Notes

Layout: A square maze wall uses an orange outer frame around blue inner blocks and a few low interior step pieces. Once the lower-left outer frame breaks, the square hollows into a U-shape wrapped around short inner steps.
Goal: You need to open the lower-left outer frame first, hollow the center into a U-shaped shell, and then finish the last low blue steps before the outer frame collapses.
Opening: Start on the lower-left outer frame so the boxed maze stops acting like one sealed square.
Danger Zone: Firing into the center while the left outer frame is intact keeps the wall closed and delays the U-shaped shell.
Mechanics: This is a shell-open maze where the outer frame has to be broken first and the board gradually turns into a U-shape around a few low inner steps.

Quick Tips for Smash Fest! Level 40 (spoiler-free)

This board is about opening the shell, not drilling the center first.
With 5 colors in play, clear the pair with the fewest blockers first so the board opens up instead of tightening.
Think in chain clears. The best move is the one that sets up the next two moves, not just the quickest current match.

How to Solve Smash Fest! Level 40 — Full Solution

Shoot the lower-left outer frame to crack open the maze.
Keep widening that left-frame opening until the square begins to hollow out.
Let the middle settle while the orange border turns into a U-shaped shell.
Trim the low blue steps and short orange pieces still sitting inside the U.
Clear the short floor line across the bottom of the platform.
Knock down the remaining side walls of the U once the inner steps are mostly gone.
Use the final shots on the last blue block and any short frame pieces still left standing.

Colors in this level:

Orange, Red, Yellow, White, Blue

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Shooting the center first while the lower-left outer frame is still intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Smash Fest Level 40 stay boxed in when I hit the middle?
Because the lower-left outer frame is still sealing the maze. Open that corner first so the square hollows into a U-shape.