Skip to content
CQMELISSA

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · CQMELISSA

Nurikabe: what to know before playing

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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. 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.

A focus for your next round

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Keep the objective visible.

What the game asks you to do

Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

From the start of a round

  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.

Choosing and moving on screen

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. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.

A useful example

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Consider the next action carefully.

Notice this detail

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.

Answers about the rules and controls

For a quick reminder, 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.

As a new player, how do I control Nurikabe?

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

As a new player, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

For clarity: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

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

For this browser game, what format does Nurikabe offer?

Keep this in mind: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

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.

Where should I start with Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

For a quick reminder, 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.

For my first round, how do I report an issue with Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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.

Choose a Card Game (opens in a new tab)