THE PLAYBOOK · 78JMW
How to play Nurikabe
Nurikabe gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. 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. Begin with the solo mode shown on the page. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Keep the controls in easy reach.
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. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
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. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Compare the situation with the worked example. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block.
While learning, how do I control Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
The key detail is this: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
Here is the relevant explanation: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
Before I begin, what format does Nurikabe offer?
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
While learning, 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.