THE PLAYBOOK · RUIQIWJ
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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Read the objective before making your first input. Use the example below to understand a decision.
A careful first round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. The example below illustrates a decision.
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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
A useful example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.
Common questions
On this playing page, what is the goal of Lights Out?
For clarity: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
For this browser game, how do I control Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For my first round, what example helps explain Lights Out?
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
What format does Lights Out offer?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
While learning, which play mode does Lights Out use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.