THE PLAYBOOK · CD12372
Learn your way around 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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Build familiarity through play
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Refer to the controls when needed.
What the game asks you to do
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. The example below illustrates a decision.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
The controls to know
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. A new-round button replaces the current round.
A closer look at one example
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. Consider the next action carefully.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. A different version of the game may use a different rule. 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.
Answers about the rules and controls
As a new player, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
For a quick reminder, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For my first round, what example helps explain Lights Out?
For clarity: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
When I return, 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?
The key detail is this: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For this browser game, 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.