THE PLAYBOOK · W3CHACK
How to play Nurikabe
Use a short break to learn the rhythm of Nurikabe. 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. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Make the controls familiar
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. 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. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. The example below illustrates a decision.
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. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
A useful example
An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
Common questions
What is the goal of Nurikabe?
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?
Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.
What example helps explain Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
For my first round, what format does Nurikabe offer?
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.
