THE PLAYBOOK · 78JMW
How to play Lights Out
Open Lights Out, check the instructions and begin a round. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Review a difficult moment
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
Step by step
- Select a light or an unlit tile.
- The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
- Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
- Use Undo to try another approach.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Check the stated objective.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
Common questions
While learning, what is the goal of Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
Before I begin, how do I control Lights Out?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Lights Out?
For clarity: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
For a quick reminder, what format does Lights Out offer?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Before I begin, which play mode does Lights Out use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
