THE PLAYBOOK · HENANYUFU
How to play Lights Out
Take a moment with Lights Out before moving to another game. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Try a deliberate move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.
Step by step
- Select a light or an unlit tile.
- The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
- Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
- Use Undo to try another approach.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
Common questions
What is the goal of Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
For my first round, how do I control Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
The key detail is this: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
As a new player, what format does Lights Out offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Before I begin, which play mode does Lights Out 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.