THE PLAYBOOK · HONGRENYOU
How to play Lights Out
Try Lights Out at your own pace and keep its objective in view. 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. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Focus on one rule
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. 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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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. Use the control method described here for this activity. A new-round button replaces the current round.
A useful 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.
Watch out for this
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Compare the situation with the worked example. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Lights Out?
For clarity: 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?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For my first round, 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.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
The key detail is this: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
While learning, what format does Lights Out offer?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
On this playing page, 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.