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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · LYGXJD

Learn the rules of Nurikabe

Read the aim of Nurikabe, then make your first move. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Look at what changes after your first action. Read the objective before making your first input. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

A focus for your next round

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Refer to the controls when needed.

Understand the aim

Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Take a moment to understand the current position.

The order of play

  1. Shade sea squares and leave islands white.
  2. Every island contains exactly one clue.
  3. Different islands cannot meet along an edge.
  4. Check puzzle verifies sizes, connectivity and forbidden sea blocks.

How to use the controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use one clear input at a time.

An example to follow

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Look for the relevant detail.

Avoid this misunderstanding

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Compare the situation with the worked example. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Further help with the game

For this browser game, what is the goal of Nurikabe?

For clarity: Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block.

On this playing page, how do I control Nurikabe?

For clarity: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

As a new player, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

As a new player, what format does Nurikabe offer?

The key detail is this: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

Before I begin, which play mode does Nurikabe use?

Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

While reading the Guide, where should I start with Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

On this playing page, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

For clarity: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While reading the Guide, how can I find Nurikabe again?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

As a new player, how do I report an issue with Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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