THE PLAYBOOK · MU6006
The essentials of playing Nurikabe
Take a moment with Nurikabe before moving to another game. 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. Begin with the solo mode shown on the page. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Practice with a purpose
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Refer to the controls when needed.
The objective of a round
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. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
From the start of a round
- 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. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
Learn from a sample situation
An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Verify the rule before continuing.
Keep this in mind
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
A few questions answered
For my first round, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
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?
The key detail is this: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
For a quick reminder, what format does Nurikabe offer?
For clarity: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
While reading the Guide, which play mode does Nurikabe use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.