THE PLAYBOOK · ACSIWANG
How to play 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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Build a steady rhythm
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. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. 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. Use the control method described here for this activity. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
A useful 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. Keep the controls nearby.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Check the rule before repeating the action. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block.
For this browser game, how do I control Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: 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?
For clarity: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
The key detail is this: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
Before I begin, 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 my first round, which play mode does Nurikabe use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.