The Ultimate Still Life Collection: 50+ Stable Patterns
Explore over 50 stable still life patterns in Conway's Game of Life, from simple blocks to complex formations, perfect for enthusiasts and builders.
The Ultimate Still Life Collection: 50+ Stable Patterns
Still lifes are patterns that never change - they represent perfect equilibrium in Conway's Game of Life. From simple 4-cell blocks to complex 50+ cell formations, still lifes form the building blocks of larger constructions.
The Most Basic Still Lifes
4-cell still lifes: The Block is the simplest, consisting of a 2×2 square. The Tub forms a hollow square.
5-cell still lifes: The Boat is the only 5-cell still life, resembling its nautical namesake.
6-cell still lifes: Include the Beehive (most common), Loaf, Ship, and Snake.
Medium Complexity Still Lifes
7-8 cells: Long boat, Mango, Shillelagh
9-10 cells: Hat, Pond, Long ship
11-15 cells: Beehive with tail, Honey farm, Aircraft carrier
Exotic Still Lifes
Pseudo still lifes: Patterns like Bi-block that appear stable but consist of multiple components.
Weld patterns: Still lifes formed by joining smaller ones, such as Loaf siamese loaf.
Eaters: Special still lifes like Eater 1 that can absorb gliders and other patterns.
Record Holders
- Most common 8-bit: Mango
- Most common 10-bit: Boat with tail
- Largest natural: Various 20+ bit patterns found in random soups
Still Life Synthesis
Many still lifes can be created through glider synthesis - colliding gliders in precise patterns to create the desired still life. This technique is crucial for construction projects.
Practical Applications
Still lifs serve as:
- Catalysts: Participate in reactions without being consumed
- Stabilizers: Hold oscillators and spaceships in specific phases
- Building blocks: Components of larger engineered patterns