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2COPE

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · 2COPE

Play Nurikabe with the rules at hand

Nurikabe gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Use the example below to understand a decision. Read the objective before making your first input. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

Bring this focus to a round

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Refer to the controls when needed.

The challenge in front of you

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. The example below illustrates a decision.

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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

Follow the example

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the controls nearby.

Check this before moving on

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

Further help with the game

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

For clarity: Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block.

Before I begin, 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.

For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

While reading the Guide, what format does Nurikabe offer?

Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

Before I begin, which play mode does Nurikabe use?

Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

When I return, where should I start with Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

While reading the Guide, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

On this playing page, how can I find Nurikabe again?

Keep this in mind: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

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.

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