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Play Nurikabe with the rules at hand

Build familiarity through play

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Keep the objective visible.

The challenge in front of you

Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Take a moment to understand the current position.

How a round unfolds

  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.

Keyboard and screen 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. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

One way to understand the rules

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. Take a moment to compare.

Avoid this misunderstanding

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. 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.

Further help with the game

For a quick reminder, 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 a quick reminder, 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.

On this playing page, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

While learning, what format does Nurikabe offer?

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

For a quick reminder, which play mode does Nurikabe use?

The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

As a new player, where should I start with Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

On this playing page, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

How can I find Nurikabe again?

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

As a new player, 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.