THE PLAYBOOK · WHWYBK
How to play Nurikabe
Make Nurikabe your next activity in the game library. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Look at what changes after your first action. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. 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.
Notice the feedback
Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. 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. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. 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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Use one clear input at a time.
A useful example
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. Verify the rule before continuing.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.
Common questions
Before I begin, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
For clarity: Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block.
As a new player, 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.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: 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.
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.
While reading the Guide, 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.