THE PLAYBOOK · ARTUTULE4D
How to play Nurikabe
Start Nurikabe by looking at the playing area and its controls. 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. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. 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. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
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. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
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. Use one clear input at a time.
A useful example
An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Consider the next action carefully.
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. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
Common questions
For this browser game, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
For clarity: 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?
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.
As a new player, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
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?
Here is the relevant explanation: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
While learning, what format does Nurikabe offer?
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Before I begin, 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.
