THE PLAYBOOK · ZNLTY
How to play Nurikabe
Bring your attention to one round of Nurikabe. 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. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Keep the aim in sight
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
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. Take a moment to understand the current position.
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. Use one clear input at a time.
A useful example
An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
Before I begin, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
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.
While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
The key detail is this: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
What format does Nurikabe offer?
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
When I return, which play mode does Nurikabe 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.