Nurikabe

THE PLAYBOOK · SHIDIAO001

How to play Nurikabe

Read the aim of Nurikabe, then make your first move. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Use the example below to understand a decision. Read the objective before making your first input. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

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

Review a difficult moment

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. 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. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

A useful example

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Keep the game’s format in mind.

Watch out for this

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Check the rule before repeating the action. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.

Common questions

For a quick reminder, 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.

Before I begin, 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.

For a quick reminder, 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 learning, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

As a new player, what format does Nurikabe offer?

Keep this in mind: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

As a new player, 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.