THE PLAYBOOK · XIAOANBA
How to play 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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Try a deliberate move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
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. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Use one clear input at a time.
A useful example
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. Verify the rule before continuing.
Watch out for this
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. Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, 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.
While learning, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
For clarity: 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.
