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LIER88

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · LIER88

Learn your way around Nurikabe

Try Nurikabe at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Use the example below to understand a decision. Read the objective before making your first input. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

Practice with a purpose

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Refer to the controls when needed.

What you are aiming for

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. Start with a deliberate move.

Step by step

  1. Shade sea squares and leave islands white.
  2. Every island contains exactly one clue.
  3. Different islands cannot meet along an edge.
  4. Check puzzle verifies sizes, connectivity and forbidden sea blocks.

Using the playing area

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. A new-round button replaces the current round.

One way to understand the rules

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.

Notice this detail

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.

Questions that come up during play

As a new player, 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 a quick reminder, 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.

For this browser game, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

For clarity: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

On this playing page, what format does Nurikabe offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

Which play mode does Nurikabe use?

For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

When I return, where should I start with Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

Do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While learning, how can I find Nurikabe again?

For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

Before I begin, how do I report an issue with Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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