Building a puzzle board video game (inspired by a physical wooden board puzzle) using bits to represent the board (Bitboard game design [1]). Here is a screenshot for one of the levels: https://imgur.com/a/cLIsYII

The goal is to slide the red tile where the yellow ones are. I am trying to develop an algorithm that would be able solve these type of puzzles automatically so I can provide user with hints. Can anyone provide any ideas or resources on how this could be achieved? If you look at the screenshot you'll notice that the board always has two empty cells that you can slide the tiles into. You can also pre-order the game here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-setting-sun-zen-puzzle/id1... I am planning on releasing it by Thanksgiving.

[1]: http://eprints.qut.edu.au/85005/1/__staffhome.qut.edu.au_sta...