THE PLAYBOOK · CDBRM
How to play Nurikabe
Nurikabe gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. 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. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Look at what changes after your first action.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
A careful first round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Keep the controls in easy reach.
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. Use the control method described here for this activity. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
A useful example
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. Consider the next action carefully.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
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.
For this browser game, 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.
For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: 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?
The key detail is this: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
For this browser game, what format does Nurikabe offer?
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
As a new player, which play mode does Nurikabe use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.