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NEW61

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · NEW61

Read before your next round of Nurikabe

Choose a round of Nurikabe and settle into its rules. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Read the objective before making your first input. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

Bring this focus to a round

Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. Make the next step deliberately.

Understand the aim

Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.

The order of play

  1. Shade sea squares and leave islands white.
  2. Every island contains exactly one clue.
  3. Different islands cannot meet along an edge.
  4. Check puzzle verifies sizes, connectivity and forbidden sea blocks.

Choosing and moving on screen

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. A new-round button replaces the current round.

A closer look at one example

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Notice the change in the playing area.

A common point of confusion

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Questions about this game

For my first round, 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.

When I return, 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.

While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

When I return, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

For clarity: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

While reading the Guide, what format does Nurikabe offer?

The key detail is this: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

On this playing page, 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.

For a quick reminder, where should I start with Nurikabe?

For clarity: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

For a quick reminder, how can I find Nurikabe again?

For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

How do I report an issue with Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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.

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