THE PLAYBOOK · NMGAFT
How to play Lights Out
Open Lights Out, check the instructions and begin a round. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Begin with the solo mode shown on the page. 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. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.
A useful example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Look for the relevant detail.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Compare the situation with the worked example. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
When I return, how do I control Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
What example helps explain Lights Out?
For clarity: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
For clarity: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
When I return, what format does Lights Out offer?
For clarity: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For my first round, which play mode does Lights Out 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.