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Lights Out: instructions and practice

Something to practise

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Notice the feedback after each input.

The purpose of your moves

Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Notice how the game responds to your input.

Step by step

  1. Select a light or an unlit tile.
  2. The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
  3. Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
  4. Use Undo to try another approach.

How your actions work

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. 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. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Check the stated objective.

Check this before moving on

An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.

Common questions

For a quick reminder, 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.

For a quick reminder, 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?

For clarity: 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?

The key detail is this: 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?

Keep this in mind: 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 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.

Before I begin, 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.

When I return, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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.