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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · SXSMQZJ

Read before your next round of Nurikabe

Open Nurikabe, check the instructions and begin a round. 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.

Take a closer look while playing

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. 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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

How to proceed

  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.

Making selections and moves

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. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

One way to understand the rules

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.

More answers before you play

For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Nurikabe?

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?

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

Before I begin, 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 my first round, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

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

While reading the Guide, 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?

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

When I return, where should I start with Nurikabe?

For clarity: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

For my first round, 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 reading the Guide, how can I find Nurikabe again?

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

While learning, how do I report an issue with Nurikabe?

For clarity: 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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