Skip to content
371HOTEL

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Nurikabe

Play Nurikabe ↗

Game guide · 371HOTEL

The Nurikabe playbook

Try Nurikabe at your own pace and keep its objective in view. 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.

Something to practise

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.

Your goal

Create one connected sea around numbered islands of exactly the stated size, without a 2×2 sea block. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.

A walkthrough of the rules

  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.

Your inputs

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.

See how the rules apply

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. Check the stated objective.

Watch out for this

Two numbered islands may not merge into one. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

If you are unsure

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

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

As a new player, how do I control Nurikabe?

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

What example helps explain Nurikabe?

An island labelled 1 is already complete, so its edge neighbours must be sea.

What should I watch out for in Nurikabe?

Two numbered islands may not merge into one.

While learning, what format does Nurikabe offer?

Keep this in mind: Play ten compact 5×5 puzzles. Some boards begin with fixed shaded sea cells.

While reading the Guide, which play mode does Nurikabe use?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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?

Here is the relevant explanation: Shade sea squares and leave islands white.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Nurikabe?

Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

For a quick reminder, how can I find Nurikabe 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.

While reading the Guide, 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.

Choose a Card Game (opens in a new tab)