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Nurikabe: what to know before playing

Build familiarity through play

Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. Make the next step deliberately.

Your goal

Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Review the board or playing area as it changes.

The order of play

  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.

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. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

Work through an 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.

A mistake to avoid

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.

Common questions

While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: 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?

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?

Here is the relevant explanation: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

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

Before I begin, what format does Nurikabe offer?

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

Before I begin, 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.

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

Keep this in mind: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

For this browser game, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

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

While learning, 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.

For a quick reminder, 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.