Game guide · HNSZDS
Find your footing in Lights Out
Choose a round of Lights Out and settle into its rules. 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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
One thing to notice as you play
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Use the example to check your reasoning.
The goal to keep in mind
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. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
Work through the instructions
- 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.
Your inputs
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
Learn from a sample situation
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Read the matching step again.
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. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Read these answers for extra help
For my first round, what is the goal of Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
When I return, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For a quick reminder, 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.
As a new player, 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.
When I return, what format does Lights Out offer?
Keep this in mind: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new 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.
For my first round, where should I start with Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Select a light or an unlit tile.
When I return, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
While learning, 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.
On this 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.
