THE PLAYBOOK · DP2SX
The Lights Out playbook
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. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Give this approach a try
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your objective
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. Take a moment to understand the current position.
The order of play
- 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 to interact with the game
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Look at the feedback after the action.
Work through an 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. Verify the rule before continuing.
Notice this detail
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Check the rule before repeating the action. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Questions that come up during play
When I return, what is the goal of Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
How do I control Lights Out?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, what example helps explain Lights Out?
For clarity: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
As a new player, 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.
Before I begin, 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.