THE PLAYBOOK · ZXZXMR
How to play Nurikabe
Make Nurikabe your next activity in the game library. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Review a difficult moment
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Notice how the game responds to your input.
Step by step
- Shade sea squares and leave islands white.
- Every island contains exactly one clue.
- Different islands cannot meet along an edge.
- Check puzzle verifies sizes, connectivity and forbidden sea blocks.
Controls
Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
A useful example
An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Compare the situation with the worked example. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Common questions
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
Here is the relevant explanation: Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block.
For my first round, 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.
When I return, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
As a new player, what format does Nurikabe offer?
Keep this in mind: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Before I begin, which play mode does Nurikabe use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
