THE PLAYBOOK · NMGAFT
How to play Nurikabe
Open Nurikabe, check the instructions and begin a round. 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. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. 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. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. The example below illustrates a decision.
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. Check any mode label before starting.
A useful 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.
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. Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Nurikabe?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.
While learning, what example helps explain Nurikabe?
For clarity: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?
Two numbered islands may not merge into one.
For my first round, what format does Nurikabe offer?
Keep this in mind: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.
As a new player, which play mode does Nurikabe use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.