THE PLAYBOOK · HENANYUFU
How to play Nurikabe
Try Nurikabe at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Read the objective before making your first input. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
Try a deliberate move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
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. Check the rules when you are unsure.
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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Use one clear input at a time.
A useful 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. Read the matching step again.
Watch out for this
Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.
Common questions
As a new player, 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.
When I return, 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.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
Keep this in mind: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
On this playing page, what format does Nurikabe offer?
The key detail is this: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
For a quick reminder, 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.