Nurikabe

Game guide · XINVENTURES

Know the goal in Nurikabe

Take a moment with Nurikabe before moving to another game. 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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

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

One thing to notice as you play

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Make the next step deliberately.

Understand the aim

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. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

The order of play

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.

Making selections and moves

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 one clear input at a time.

See the idea in action

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. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.

Questions that come up during play

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

Keep this in mind: Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block.

For my first round, 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.

When I return, what example helps explain Nurikabe?

Keep this in mind: An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

For clarity: Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

When I return, what format does Nurikabe offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

When I return, 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?

The key detail is this: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

Before I begin, 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.