THE PLAYBOOK · SYTZNH
How to play 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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Read the objective before making your first input. Look at what changes after your first action.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Keep the aim in sight
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Keep the objective visible.
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. Check the rules when you are unsure.
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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Check any mode label before starting.
A useful example
An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Check the stated objective.
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. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
Before I begin, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
The key detail is this: 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.
For my first round, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
Here is the relevant explanation: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
For this browser game, what format does Nurikabe offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
As a new player, 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.