Game guide · BJ-TYZ
Lights Out: how a round works
Bring your attention to one round of Lights Out. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Look at what changes after your first action. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Practice with a purpose
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Refer to the controls when needed.
Understand the aim
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. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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.
Input guidance
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Check any mode label before starting.
See how the rules apply
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. Consider the next action carefully.
Check this before moving on
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Read these answers for extra help
For my first round, 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.
Before I begin, how do I control Lights Out?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
As a new player, what example helps explain Lights Out?
For clarity: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
While reading the Guide, 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.
What format does Lights Out offer?
For clarity: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
For a quick reminder, where should I start with Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Select a light or an unlit tile.
For this browser game, 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.
For my first round, how can I find Lights Out again?
The key detail is this: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
While learning, 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.