How to Play Nurikabe

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

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.

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