THE PLAYBOOK · ZBZHETONG
How to play Nurikabe
Try Nurikabe at your own pace and keep its objective in view. 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. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Try a deliberate move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
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. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
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. Use the control method described here for this activity. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Take a moment to compare.
Watch out for this
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.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block.
For this browser game, 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 learning, 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 reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
As a new player, what format does Nurikabe offer?
The key detail is this: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
While reading the Guide, 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.