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MINDONGYL

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · MINDONGYL

Getting started with 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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. 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.

Practice with a purpose

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Make the next step deliberately.

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. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Work through the instructions

  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.

How to interact with the game

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. A new-round button replaces the current round.

Try this example

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Notice the change in the playing area.

A common point of confusion

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Questions about this game

On this playing page, what is the goal of Nurikabe?

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

When I return, how do I control Nurikabe?

The key detail is this: 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?

The key detail is this: 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?

Here is the relevant explanation: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

For a quick reminder, what format does Nurikabe offer?

For clarity: 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.

While reading the Guide, where should I start with Nurikabe?

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.

While learning, 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.

Before I begin, 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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