How to Play Nurikabe

THE PLAYBOOK · CFPPAXLB

Understand the basics of 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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

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

Build familiarity through play

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Make the next step deliberately.

Your objective

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. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

Making your moves

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.

Getting comfortable with 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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Look at the feedback after the action.

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. Choose a deliberate next step.

A mistake to avoid

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.

A few questions answered