THE PLAYBOOK · SXSRCB
How to play Nurikabe
Choose a round of Nurikabe and settle into its rules. 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. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. 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.
Read before acting
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Notice the feedback after each input.
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. Take a moment to understand the current position.
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. A new-round button replaces the current round.
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. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, 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 my first round, how do I control Nurikabe?
For clarity: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.
While learning, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
For clarity: 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?
Keep this in mind: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
As a new player, what format does Nurikabe offer?
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Which play mode does Nurikabe use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
