Game guide · SJZWEISHEN
Lights Out: what to know before playing
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. Use the example below to understand a decision. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Look at what changes after your first action.
A focus for your next round
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Keep the objective visible.
The objective of a round
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. Take a moment to understand the current position.
Making your moves
- 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. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
A closer look at one 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. Take a moment to compare.
Check this before moving on
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. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Answers about the rules and controls
What is the goal of Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
Before I begin, how do I control Lights Out?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
As a new player, what example helps explain Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
Keep this in mind: 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?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For a quick reminder, 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.
Before I begin, where should I start with Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Select a light or an unlit tile.
For a quick reminder, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
While learning, how can I find Lights Out again?
For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
While reading the Guide, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?
The key detail is this: 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.