THE PLAYBOOK · LINCANGCHU
How to play 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. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Look at what changes after your first action.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Read before acting
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
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. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the controls nearby.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
For this browser game, 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.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Nurikabe?
The key detail is this: 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?
Keep this in mind: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
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.
While reading the Guide, which play mode does Nurikabe 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.