Skip to content
HKXLJJ

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Lights Out

Play Lights Out ↗

Game guide · HKXLJJ

Making your first moves in 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. Use the example below to understand a decision. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

An idea for your next attempt

Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. Keep the objective visible.

What you need to achieve

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. Review the board or playing area as it changes.

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.

Using the playing area

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

Try this example

Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Keep the controls nearby.

Check this before moving on

An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Check the rule before repeating the action. Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules.

Further help with the game

While learning, 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.

How do I control Lights Out?

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

On this playing page, what example helps explain Lights Out?

Keep this in mind: 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.

On this playing page, what format does Lights Out offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

While learning, 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.

When I return, where should I start with Lights Out?

Select a light or an unlit tile.

While reading the Guide, 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?

Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

Before I begin, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?

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.

Choose a Card Game (opens in a new tab)