Game guide · XINVENTURES
Rules, controls and help for Lights Out
Start Lights Out by looking at the playing area and its controls. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Look at what changes after your first action. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Look at what changes after your first action.
Give this approach a try
Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Make the next step deliberately.
What you are aiming for
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Notice how the game responds to your input.
Follow these playing steps
- 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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
Put the rules into context
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Read the matching step again.
An important reminder
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules.
More answers before you play
For my first round, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
While learning, how do I control Lights Out?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
As a new player, what format does Lights Out offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For a quick reminder, which play mode does Lights Out use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
Before I begin, where should I start with Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Select a light or an unlit tile.
Do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
How can I find Lights Out again?
The key detail is this: 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 Lights Out?
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.