THE PLAYBOOK · DJCFW
Nurikabe: what to know before playing
Take a moment with Nurikabe before moving to another game. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Something to practise
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Make the next step deliberately.
Aim for this result
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. Keep the controls in easy reach.
How to proceed
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the 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. Read the matching step again.
Where a round can go wrong
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Compare the situation with the worked example. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
Game-specific help
While learning, 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.
As a new player, 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.
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.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
For clarity: 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.
On this playing page, 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.