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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · JXLGGC

Your guide to 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. Use the example below to understand a decision.

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

Practice beyond the first move

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Refer to the controls when needed.

What you are aiming for

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. Review the board or playing area as it changes.

A walkthrough of the rules

  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.

Choosing and moving on screen

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. A new-round button replaces the current round.

Work through an example

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Verify the rule before continuing.

A mistake to avoid

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.

Read these answers for extra help

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.

While reading the Guide, 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.

While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

For clarity: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

For my first round, what format does Nurikabe offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

For a quick reminder, which play mode does Nurikabe use?

Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

While learning, where should I start with Nurikabe?

Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While learning, how can I find Nurikabe again?

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

Before I begin, how do I report an issue with Nurikabe?

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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