Game guide · MAUFITZ
Learn your way around 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. Look at what changes after your first action. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Look at what changes after your first action.
Try a more deliberate round
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Use the example to check your reasoning.
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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. The example below illustrates a decision.
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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Look at the feedback after the action.
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. Keep the controls nearby.
Notice this detail
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Game-specific help
For my first round, what is the goal 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.
While learning, how do I control Lights Out?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, 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?
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?
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.
When I return, 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.
As a new player, 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.