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Read before your next round of Nurikabe

Something to practise

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Make the next step deliberately.

What you need to achieve

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. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

From the start of a round

  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.

Making selections and moves

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

A closer look at one 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. Notice the change in the playing area.

Keep this in mind

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. A different version of the game may use a different rule. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Helpful answers for players

On this playing page, 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?

For clarity: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

Before I begin, 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?

For clarity: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

While reading the Guide, what format does Nurikabe offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

When I return, 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.

For my first round, where should I start with Nurikabe?

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

When I return, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

For clarity: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While reading the Guide, how can I find Nurikabe again?

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

Before I begin, how do I report an issue with Nurikabe?

For clarity: 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.