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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · WTJPY

Nurikabe: from controls to your first round

Nurikabe gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Read the objective before making your first input. 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.

A focus for your next round

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. Make the next step deliberately.

Aim for this result

Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Start here and follow along

  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.

How to use the controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

Learn from a sample situation

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Keep the controls nearby.

A common point of confusion

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

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.

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.

Before I begin, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

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

For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

For my first round, what format does Nurikabe offer?

For clarity: 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.

Where should I start with Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

When I return, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

For a quick reminder, how can I find Nurikabe again?

Keep this in mind: 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?

For clarity: 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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