Game guide · JK-TJ
Learn the rules of Lights Out
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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Something to practise
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Make the next step deliberately.
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. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
See the idea in action
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. Verify the rule before continuing.
Keep this in mind
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Read these answers for extra help
For this browser game, 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.
Before I begin, how do I control Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
As a new player, 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?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
While reading the Guide, where should I start with Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Select a light or an unlit tile.
For a quick reminder, 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.
As a new player, how can I find Lights Out again?
For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
For this browser game, 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.