THE PLAYBOOK · CHENXIJIXIE
Know the goal in 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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
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. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
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.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
One way to understand the rules
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Choose a deliberate next step.
Keep this in mind
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
Game-specific help
When I return, what is the goal of Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
On this playing page, how do I control Lights Out?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For my first round, what example helps explain Lights Out?
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?
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
For my first round, 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.
On this playing page, which play mode does Lights Out 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.