THE PLAYBOOK · XTTAOBAO
How to play Lights Out
Take a moment with Lights Out before moving to another game. 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. Check the rule that explains your first action. Look at what changes after your first action.
Notice the feedback
Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Start with a deliberate move.
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.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the game’s format in mind.
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. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
For a quick reminder, 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.
While learning, how do I control Lights Out?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
When I return, 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.
Which play mode does Lights Out use?
The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.