Game guide · HNSGYQT
Rules, controls and help for Lights Out
Start Lights Out by looking at the playing area and its controls. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
A focus for your next round
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Notice the feedback after each input.
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. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. 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.
How your actions work
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
One way to understand the rules
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Take a moment to compare.
Notice this detail
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. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Questions about this game
For a quick reminder, 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.
As a new player, how do I control Lights Out?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Lights Out?
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
For this browser game, what format does Lights Out offer?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
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.
Where should I start with Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Select a light or an unlit tile.
Do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
As a new player, how can I find Lights Out again?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
When I return, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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.
