THE PLAYBOOK · RHEFM
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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Look at what changes after your first action.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
A careful first round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.
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. 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. Use the control method described here for this activity. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
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. Look for the relevant detail.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Compare the situation with the worked example. 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.
Common questions
For my first round, 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.
As a new player, 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?
Keep this in mind: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
For clarity: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
While learning, what format does Nurikabe offer?
For clarity: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
For this browser game, which play mode does Nurikabe use?
The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
