Game guide · GDFCWJ
Learn the rules of 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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Look at what changes after your first action.
Bring this focus to a round
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Keep the objective visible.
The challenge in front of you
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. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
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.
Making selections and moves
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
Follow the 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. Notice the change in the playing area.
Keep this in mind
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. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Answers about the rules and controls
For this browser game, 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.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Lights Out?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Lights Out?
The key detail is this: 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?
For clarity: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
Before I begin, what format does Lights Out offer?
The key detail is this: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For my first round, which play mode does Lights Out use?
The key detail is this: 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?
The key detail is this: Select a light or an unlit tile.
Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
How can I find Lights Out again?
Keep this in mind: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
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.
