THE PLAYBOOK · ACSIWANG
How to play Lights Out
Start Lights Out by looking at the playing area and its controls. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Use the example below to understand a decision. Check the rule that explains your first action. Look at what changes after your first action.
Keep the aim in sight
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
Step by step
- Select a light or an unlit tile.
- The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
- Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
- Use Undo to try another approach.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Take a moment to compare.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
As a new player, what format does Lights Out offer?
Keep this in mind: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
As a new player, which play mode does Lights Out 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.
