Game guide · NEW61
A practical guide to Lights Out
Lights Out gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Give this approach a try
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Keep the controls in easy reach.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Using the playing area
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.
Work through an example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Read the matching step again.
A mistake to avoid
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Compare the situation with the worked example. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Further help with the game
While learning, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
How do I control Lights Out?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, 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.
As a new player, what format does Lights Out offer?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For my first round, 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.
As a new player, where should I start with Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Select a light or an unlit tile.
While learning, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
While reading the Guide, how can I find Lights Out again?
Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
On this playing page, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.
