THE PLAYBOOK · ZEIZEIWAI
A practical guide to 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. Use the example below to understand a decision. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Take a closer look while playing
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Notice the feedback after each input.
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. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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.
Choosing and moving on screen
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.
An example before you play
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the game’s format in mind.
An important reminder
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. 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.
Answers about the rules and controls
For my first round, 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 my first round, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
What example helps explain Lights Out?
For clarity: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
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.
When I return, which play mode does Lights Out use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
