THE PLAYBOOK · XIQIGLASS
The essentials of playing Lights Out
Lights Out gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. 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. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Look at what changes after your first action.
A focus for your next round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.
What counts as success
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. The example below illustrates a decision.
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.
Using the playing area
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
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. Take a moment to compare.
Watch out for this
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. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
Game-specific help
On this playing page, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
As a new player, how do I control Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, 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.
While reading the Guide, what format does Lights Out offer?
Keep this in mind: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
While learning, 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.
